Psoriasis Winter Treatment: How to Control Flare-Ups in Cold Weather

Psoriasis often worsens during winter due to cold temperatures, dry air, indoor heating, and lack of sunlight. These seasonal triggers can make plaques thicker, itchier, and more widespread. The good news? With the right winter treatment routine, you can significantly reduce flare-ups and keep your skin calmer throughout the season.

This guide covers the best psoriasis winter treatments, dermatologist-approved routines, home remedies, and prevention tips to help you stay flare-free even in harsh weather.

Why Psoriasis Gets Worse in Winter

Winter creates the perfect storm for psoriasis flare-ups:

• Low humidity → dries the skin and worsens scaling
• Cold air → irritates and damages skin barrier
• Indoor heating → dehydrates skin further
• Reduced sunlight → less natural UV exposure (which normally suppresses inflammation)
• Thick clothing and friction → aggravates plaques
• More infections (colds, flu) → can trigger immune-related psoriasis flares

Understanding these triggers helps tailor a targeted winter treatment plan.

 Best Psoriasis Winter Treatments 

1. Deep Moisturization With Barrier-Restoring Creams

The cornerstone of winter psoriasis treatment is intense hydration.

Use moisturizers containing:

• Ceramides
• Urea (5–20%)
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Shea butter
• Squalane
• Petroleum jelly for flare-prone areas

Tip: Apply immediately after showering (“3-minute rule”) to lock in moisture.

2. Use a Humidifier at Home

Indoor heating drastically reduces air moisture.

A humidifier:

• Restores humidity
• Reduces skin dryness
• Helps prevent cracking and itching
• Improves treatment absorption

Ideal humidity: 45–55%.

3. Phototherapy (Light Therapy) in Winter

Since sunlight exposure decreases during winter, UVB phototherapy becomes one of the most effective winter treatments.

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation
• Slows down skin cell turnover
• Effective for widespread or stubborn plaques

Types:

• Narrowband UVB (most common)
• Excimer laser for localized plaques
• Home phototherapy units (prescribed only)

4. Medicated Topical Treatments

Continue or begin topical treatments as suggested by your dermatologist.

Common winter topical therapies:

• Corticosteroids (for active flare-ups)
• Vitamin D analogs (calcipotriol)
• Coal tar preparations
• Calcineurin inhibitors (for sensitive areas like face or folds)
• Salicylic acid to reduce scaling

Combination therapy works best:
Steroid + Vitamin D cream is highly effective in winter.

5. Short, Lukewarm Baths Instead of Hot Showers

Hot water strips the skin barrier.

Instead:

• Use lukewarm water
• Limit showers to 5–10 minutes
• Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers

Add bath therapies:

• Dead Sea salts
• Colloidal oatmeal
• Coconut oil

These reduce inflammation and dryness.

6. Vitamin D Supplementation

Winter months commonly cause vitamin D deficiency, which may worsen psoriasis.

Ask your doctor about:

• Vitamin D3 supplements
• Checking your vitamin D levels

Never self-dose high amounts without medical guidance.

7. Wear Soft, Breathable Clothing

Avoid wool and rough fabrics touching plaques.

Choose:

• Soft cotton layers
• Loose-fitting clothes
• Moisture-wicking thermals
• Gloves/scarves made of fleece or soft blends

Friction is a major winter trigger.

8. Manage Stress & Infections

Winter increases:

• Stress
• Cold & flu infections
• Indoor crowding
  All of which can aggravate psoriasis.

Focus on:

• Good sleep
• Stress management
• Hydration
• Immune support

If infections trigger your psoriasis, seek prompt treatment.

Effective Home Remedies for Psoriasis in Winter

These remedies support medical treatments:

 Coconut oil

Softens plaques and reduces scaling.

 Aloe vera gel

Soothes redness and burns.

 Turmeric (curcumin)

Anti-inflammatory when taken orally (after doctor consultation).

 Omega-3 supplements

Helps reduce inflammation.

 Petroleum jelly

Protects sensitive or cracked areas.

Home remedies are supportive—not a replacement for medical therapy.

 Daily Winter Routine for Psoriasis 

Morning

• Gentle shower
• Moisturizer + medicated cream
• Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)

Daytime

• Carry small moisturizer
• Avoid friction from scarves/shirts

Night

• Apply thick moisturizer
• Use humidifier
• Wear cotton gloves/socks if palms/soles are affected

This structured routine helps control symptoms throughout the season.

When to See a Dermatologist

Seek help if you experience:

• Rapid spreading of plaques
• Severe itching or sleep disturbance
• Cracks that bleed
• Skin infections
• Ineffective topical therapy

Winter can be harsh, but psoriasis doesn’t have to be.

 FAQs About Psoriasis Winter Treatment

1. Why does my psoriasis always flare in winter?

Winter air is dry and cold, reducing skin moisture and sunlight exposure. These factors trigger inflammation and worsen plaques.

2. What moisturizer is best for psoriasis in winter?

Choose thick creams with ceramides, urea, glycerin, or petrolatum. Avoid lotions—they are too light for winter.

3. Does sunlight help psoriasis in winter?

Yes. Sunlight naturally reduces inflammation, so less sun in winter often worsens symptoms. Phototherapy can compensate.

4. Should I take vitamin D for psoriasis in winter?

Low vitamin D levels may worsen psoriasis. Ask your dermatologist before starting supplements.

5. Can a humidifier really help psoriasis?

Absolutely. It reduces dryness and prevents flare-ups caused by indoor heating.

6. What should I avoid in winter if I have psoriasis?

Avoid hot showers, harsh soaps, wool clothing, and overuse of strong steroid creams without medical supervision.