[Health Tip!] 'Winter's Unwelcome Guest' Psoriasis... How to Manage It?

One of the unwelcome visitors that come during the cold and dry winter season is psoriasis. It is a chronic skin condition that occurs on the skin and tends to develop more easily when the skin becomes dry. Here, we introduce wise psoriasis prevention methods through skin care and lifestyle habits.

Skin disease mainly occurring in winter: Psoriasis
[Photo by Seoul National University Hospital]

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs on the skin. It appears as erythematous lesions with silvery-white scales that are clearly demarcated from normal skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the face. It tends to develop more frequently on areas that are often irritated, such as the scalp, elbows, knees, and buttocks. It is estimated that about 0.5% of the domestic population are psoriasis patients.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. However, immunological factors are known to play an important role in its development. The immune abnormalities in psoriasis patients are closer to an immune imbalance where the skin's immunity is excessively enhanced rather than immune suppression. When there is an abnormal interaction among skin immune cells, T cells, which are immune cells, become abnormally activated, causing the skin to thicken and produce excessive scales. This is why it is important to regulate the skin's immune cells precisely and appropriately.

Diagnosis of psoriasis is based on the appearance of skin rashes, affected areas, and medical history. Sometimes, a biopsy is performed for confirmation. This is done not only to confirm psoriasis but also to differentiate it from other skin diseases.

Treatment involves various methods such as topical medications, phototherapy, and oral medications. If the condition is mild, it can be well controlled with topical medications alone, but patients with temporary exacerbations or severe symptoms may require phototherapy or oral medications. If these treatments do not improve the condition, biologic agents may be used. This treatment method finely regulates the immune abnormalities related to psoriasis and shows excellent therapeutic effects.

Proper Psoriasis Management Method
[Photo by Seoul National University Hospital]

Psoriasis should be well managed even when lesions are absent or mild to prevent worsening. This is why proper psoriasis management habits are important. Professor Cho Sung-jin of the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital advises, "Like other chronic diseases, managing psoriasis well requires consistency and perseverance," and recommends, "Along with appropriate treatment, maintaining regular lifestyle habits, stress management, quitting smoking, and exercise."

First, attention should be paid to skin moisturizing. Dry skin worsens psoriasis, so moisturizers should be applied regularly. Since psoriasis tends to worsen in winter and improve in summer, it is helpful to apply moisturizers more thoroughly during winter and maintain appropriate indoor humidity to prevent dryness. Taking baths for too long or too frequently can dry out the skin and worsen psoriasis, so caution is needed.

Unnecessary irritation should also be avoided. Psoriasis tends to develop easily when the skin is injured or continuously irritated. It is best to avoid unnecessary irritation such as forcibly removing scales, scrubbing the skin, or scratching severely, as well as tight clothing or accessories. Vigorous exercise that may cause injury should be avoided as much as possible, and if performed, protective gear must be worn properly.

Stress management is also important. Although psoriasis is a skin disease, it is closely related to mental stress. Stress affects various hormones and autonomic neurotransmitters, disrupting the body's normal balance. Many psoriasis patients experience new onset or worsening of psoriasis after severe stress. Finding a personal stress management method is useful for managing psoriasis. Meditation or yoga can help, and reducing stress through hobbies or exercise that one enjoys can also help manage psoriasis well. Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular lifestyle are also important.

Additionally, since the risk of psoriasis is about 1.5 to 2 times higher in smokers compared to non-smokers, quitting smoking is recommended. Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided as it disrupts the immune system and can increase side effects of treatment drugs. Obese patients tend to have more severe lesions and reduced effectiveness of oral medications, whereas correcting obesity improves treatment response. Therefore, maintaining appropriate weight and muscle mass through regular exercise and diet management also helps in managing psoriasis.