How Humidity Can Impact Psoriasis Symptoms

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Chronic health conditions can be debilitating, and skin conditions in particular can make sufferers dread things like going to work, running errands or spending time outdoors. Millions suffer from psoriasis and its flare-ups – more than 8 million people in the U.S., and 125 million people worldwide. This chronic skin condition causes dry, thick scales to appear in patches over the body.

But psoriasis is not just a cosmetic issue - it can affect the overall quality of life for many patients. Those with psoriatic arthritis, for example, battle inflamed and painful small joints (such as the fingers and toes), tendon pain, swelling and reduced range of motion. Other types of psoriasis, which we cover in our guide highlighting the signs and symptoms of psoriasis, can affect the face and scalp (including hair loss), nail pitting and discoloration, and cause itchy and painful rashes.

While there are a variety of treatment options depending on the type of psoriasis, weather can play a vital role in your day-to-day symptom management. In the guide below, we explore the effects that temperature and humidity swings have on those with psoriasis, and tips to help control and manage symptoms.

What Is Outdoor And Indoor Humidity?

Humidity is a measurement of the amount of water vapor in the air, which has entered the atmosphere by evaporating from lakes, oceans and other bodies of water.

A 100% relative humidity level would mean that the air is completely saturated with water vapor, and when it’s unable to hold any more, it rains. In cold weather, there isn’t as much moisture in the air compared to warmer air.

Indoor humidity is also important to note - cooking, doing laundry and showering all will cause humidity to rise. According to the EPA, indoor relative humidity should be kept between 30-50%. Check out this dehumidifier guide where we discuss indoor humidity, and why it may need to be regulated depending on where you live.

How Humidity Impacts Skin Health

Your skin is a complex, delicate ecosystem and the largest organ – in fact, it’s a barrier organ to protect against physical, chemical and biological impacts. The skin habitat is heavily influenced by the environment we live in, which can affect the health of the skin microbiome and predispose us to disease, allergies, and skin aging.

The skin microbiota promotes defense and immune responses, tissue repair and barrier function, while also controlling infection and other organisms.

Climate change affects the skin both directly and indirectly, and these changes can be sparked by natural disasters, pollution, rising temperatures, parasitic diseases and more. Higher temperatures, for example, can raise the likelihood of severe acne, and lengthen allergy seasons that can impact eczema and psoriasis symptoms.

The water content in the outermost layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) is also affected by relative humidity and temperature, according to one study. In periods of low humidity, limited studies concluded that skin changes included water loss, decreased skin elasticity and increased roughness. Using a humidifying mist increased the hydration of the skin.

What Humidity Type Is Best For Those With Psoriasis?

Higher humidity and natural sunlight may improve psoriasis in certain situations, while cold weather and low humidity can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. According to one study, 53.2% of patients with psoriasis saw an aggravation of symptoms in the fall and winter due to low humidity and lack of ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

In warm weather, psoriasis symptoms (especially plaque psoriasis) can flare up because of sunburn, as well as time spent in air conditioning, which removes heat and moisture from the air. Sweating can also increase the itchy feeling.

One study also noted that psoriatic arthritis patients have shown a reduced ability to dissipate extra heat, especially while exercising in high temperatures, and may therefore have greater risks of heat intolerance.

Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms may change depending on the type of psoriasis, but some common ones include:

• Patches of thick, red skin typically on the elbows, knees, scalp, torso, palms, and soles of feet
• Silvery-white scales
• Itching or burning
• Dry, cracked skin
• Ridged, pitted nails
• Poor sleep quality

Some types of psoriasis include:

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common kind, and appears as red patches of skin covered by the white scales.
• Psoriatic arthritis affects the joints, especially in the fingers and toes, which can swell and will be stiff, especially in the mornings.
• Inverse psoriasis appears as smooth red patches in the folds of skin, and rubbing and sweating can make the symptoms much worse.
• Guttate psoriasis looks like red dots on the torso or limbs, and can be triggered by an upper respiratory infection.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but very severe form of psoriasis, characterized by red, scaly skin over most of the body. The most common triggers of serious side effects can include certain medications or disruption of use of systemic steroids.

Protecting Your Skin In Low Humidity

Since psoriasis can worsen with the humidity and temperature drops, the American Academy of Dermatology Association has a few tips to help reduce the symptoms during a flare-up.

1. Limit showers and baths to 10 minutes, and use warm to lukewarm (rather than hot) water.
2. Use a good moisturizer or ointment immediately after, preferably fragrance-free with no irritating ingredients.
3. Avoid harsh soaps and body washes that will dry out your skin even further.
4. Consider using a humidifier if the air in your home feels dry.
5. Fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources can irritate psoriasis symptoms.
6. Immediately remove wet clothes and footwear.

Learn More About The Effects Of Weather On Psoriasis

With no current cure for chronic skin conditions, understanding the environment’s effect on those suffering from psoriasis and eczema is keenly important to long-term health. We want to help you learn tips and tricks to manage your symptoms during rapid temperature and seasonal changes.

If you want to learn more about chronic health and skin conditions, be sure to check out more of The Weather Channel’s health coverage, including important wellness topics on psoriasis, diabetes, weight loss and healthy living.

Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns about your health with a physician, dermatologist or other specialist.

The Weather Company does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your doctor before starting any new medicine, supplement, weight loss or exercise regimen.

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