How I Keep My Psoriasis in Check All Summer Long

WebMD

14-07-2025

We are halfway through the year, and summer has arrived. People are traveling, kids are getting out of school, and the temperature continues rising. A big part of the effects of psoriasis you face depend on where you are and the unique seasons where you call home.
In previous articles, I've shared how brutally cold the Chicago winters can be. I've also opened up about how my deployment to the Middle East did my skin wonders as well. On deployment, although there was plenty of sun to go around, it probably wasn't best to always be out doing construction on job sites. However, for those 11 months I was out of the country, in those hot, dry environments, my skin was 90% healthy without issue.
Gearing Up for Summer
As I gear up for this summer season, I am currently based out of Washington state, where there hasn't been as much rain as I remembered as a kid. We've already hit 90 degrees, and it was a wake-up call for me. Hot weather with more sun means that I should hydrate more. I carry my reusable water bottles around everywhere with me. In addition to extra hydration being required, it's an ideal time to start regularly applying sunscreen, especially if you're particularly prone to burning or not.
Lately, I've been someone who enjoys making lots of plans. A few of the big ones this summer include music festivals, a wedding, and a bachelor's party. Most of the events are outdoors during peak summer months. Spending additional time in the sun leads to a rise in vitamin D levels. For each of these events, the plan is to wear something lightweight and breathable. One of the worst feelings is dressing too warmly and being stuck in drenched clothes for hours. As someone with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) on top of psoriasis, I plan and pack additional items even for short trips. It never hurts to be over-prepared.
In the summer, my skin typically responds well. I don't spend all of my day outside. I make sure to get out there because, to a certain degree, it helps my skin heal itself without having to do much. Since summer can come with lots of on-the-go travel and events, I make sure I exercise, moisturize, and take time to decompress. This summer, I plan on taking more evenings to get outside and enjoy the sunset. It's always been calming for me. Catching the sun on the way down is a good way to unwind without an excessive amount of sun exposure.
Managing Triggers and Finding Your Process
Stress is one of my biggest triggers. Being prepared for any situation and sorting through adulthood's natural obstacles has been essential to weathering the storms. With everything going on during summer, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. It's important to move with intention, instead of reacting to a variety of situations. If going running, painting pictures, or doing yoga brings you peace, then make one of them a foundation of your daily or weekly routine.
The hardest part about psoriasis and life is that you have to fail 100 times before you find yourself in an optimal situation. So trying new foods, experimenting with new creams, or living in different regions helps me understand who I am and how I react to certain things. I'm not the type of person to go out and buy every psoriasis solution on the market. I sample what I can, conduct thorough research, and try more. Once I find what works, I stick to it and remain disciplined.
Throughout the many moves I've had since my diagnosis, I've discovered that the generally warmer-temperature climates are more ideal for someone with psoriasis. Winters are everywhere, but some are harsher than others. Summer sunshine is great, but when it gets really hot and humid, it can actually make flare-ups worse instead of helping.
Regardless of the states I've lived in, I make sure to be prepared for all seasons, no matter the time of year.
Planning for Outdoor Events or Travel Days
There are always going to be times when we need to get outside and travel. I always have my backpack filled with a couple of different lotions, sunscreen for the super sunny or outdoorsy days, and extra water. By covering your bases with the essentials and having water or meds handy, you're able to mitigate flare-ups and keep stress levels lower. For active days, it's helpful to have wipes, snacks that don't cause flare-ups, and a hat for hotter situations.
On travel days, I always stick to comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. A nice T-shirt, comfortable hoodie, and sweatpants have served me well on long or short travel days. Certain flights are freezing on the plane, so I'd rather be overprepared than underdressed and cold. Even the slightest few hours being underprepared has caused me flare-ups, so I always do what's best for my skin when I can.
During outdoor events, it's important to grab some shade and stay hydrated regularly. Let the elements work in your favor. Too much of anything can be a bad thing, and it's the same with sunlight or heat. There is nothing wrong with going in for indoor activities and cooling down regularly. In your go bag, you should always have some type of alternate clothing.
Self-Esteem and How to Handle It in The Summers
Since it is summer, there are more opportunities to show more skin and dress lighter. For some, especially myself at first, this can be daunting. In winter, it's much easier to disguise and hide my skin insecurities, but summer is different. For my severely exposed areas on my knees and elbows, I do my best to apply extra lotion and psoriasis moisturizer. I can't get rid of the marks completely, but using lots of moisturizers does help conceal the issues I'm facing.
Much of my self-esteem comes from the way I feel about myself. During summer, I'm wearing a T-shirt and shorts on most days. If I cover all my bases, eat right, and manage my stress well, then I get to benefit from a manageable appearance. On the other hand, if I fail to hit my checklists in one or several areas, then I'm probably going to feel unconfident and overly self-conscious.
If there was one thing I would advise for those with psoriasis, it is to make good habits stick and to learn from any mistakes or misfires when it comes to nutrition, products, clothing, stress, and more. It never hurts to be more self-aware and understanding of how or why we react to certain things.