Psoriasis & the Seasons

[x]   Tags: psoriasis weather, psoriasis in winter, summer and psoriasis, treat psoriasis, prevent psoriasis, psoriasis causes, cold weather psoriasis, warm weather psoriasis, sun and psoriasis, vitamin d psoriasis, skin rash, dry skin, winter skin

[x]   Transcript: Our skin can behave differently with each season, but if you have psoriasis the weather may REALLY affect your itching and redness. Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects the body's natural process of shedding dead skin cells, causing patches of rough, red, itchy skin. Winter flare-ups are common with psoriasis. The cold, dry air and decreased sun exposure of winter can worsen psoriasis symptoms, leaving you with itchier, redder skin. Also, anything that affects your immune system can in turn, affect your psoriasis. Which means a winter cold or flu can trigger a psoriasis flare. On the other hand, the hotter, more humid air of summer can mean psoriasis relief. A certain amount of ultraviolet light from the sun can reduce the itching and inflammation of psoriasis, and increase your body's production of vitamin D, which is known to improve psoriasis symptoms. In the winter, try to avoid getting sick by washing your hands and staying rested. Keeping a humidifier on in your home can reduce dry skin and ease psoriasis symptoms. And a topical vitamin D ointment from your doctor can replace winter's lacking UV rays and also improve irritated skin. In the summer, remember that even though SOME sun can improve your psoriasis, too MUCH can worsen symptoms and damage skin, so it's important to keep sun exposure to a minimum - meaning don't get burned! -- and wear sunscreen. For more information on psoriasis, watch other videos in this series.

[x]   Bio: Adam Friedman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who serves as Director of Dermatologic Research and Assistant Professor at the Unified Division of Dermatology of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He also the Associate Residency Program Director. Dr. Friedman holds several patents resulting from his investigation of nanotechnologies that allow for the delivery of molecules that can treat infectious diseases, accelerate wound healing and more. He has published over 30 papers on both his research as well as a variety of clinical areas in dermatology. Dr. Friedman has received awards from multiple organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatology Foundation, and the La Roche Posay North American Foundation. Dr. Friedman is chair of the leadership workgroup of the American Academy of Dermatology Resident/Fellows Committee and is the Senior Editor of the Dermatology In-Review Online Workshop. In line with his research interests, Dr Friedman currently serves as Vice President of the Nanodermatology Society. Dr Friedman graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received his M.D. with Distinction in Dermatology Research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He trained in medicine at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with NY Presbyterian Hospital/ Weil-Cornell Medical Center and completed his dermatology residency as chief resident at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.