Seasonal Psoriasis Relief: Why Summer Improves Your Symptoms and How to Maintain It Year-Round

Living with mild psoriasis on your elbows and knees can feel like riding a seasonal rollercoaster. Many patients notice their skin dramatically improves during summer months, only to watch those benefits fade as fall and winter arrive. If you’ve experienced this pattern over your 10+ year journey with psoriasis, you’re not alone—and there are scientific reasons behind these fluctuations.

At Klarity Health, we understand the frustration of managing mild psoriasis that seems to have a mind of its own. Let’s explore why your skin behaves differently throughout the year and, more importantly, how you can maintain summer-like relief even when the seasons change.

The Science Behind Summer Psoriasis Improvement

Sunlight: Nature’s Psoriasis Treatment

That improvement you experience during summer months isn’t just in your head—it’s backed by science. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from natural sunlight have an immunosuppressive effect that helps calm the overactive immune response responsible for psoriasis flares. UVB light penetrates the skin and slows the abnormally rapid growth of skin cells, reducing plaque formation.

Studies show that controlled amounts of natural sunlight can significantly reduce psoriasis symptoms in up to 80% of patients with mild to moderate cases. This explains why many people report clearer skin during sunny vacations or summer months.

Sea Water and Humidity Benefits

If you’ve noticed your psoriasis improves after swimming in the ocean, you’re experiencing another natural remedy. Seawater contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that can help soften psoriasis plaques and reduce inflammation. The combination of salt water and sun exposure creates a natural therapy similar to medically-supervised balneotherapy treatments.

Additionally, higher humidity levels during summer months help keep skin naturally moisturized, reducing the dryness and cracking that often accompanies psoriasis on elbows and knees.

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Maintaining Summer Benefits Year-Round

OTC Psoriasis Treatments That Actually Reduce Patches

While basic moisturizers provide temporary relief from dryness, they rarely address the underlying inflammation. For year-round management, consider these OTC options that go beyond simple moisture:

Coal Tar Products

• How they work: Coal tar slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation
• Best for: Stubborn plaques on elbows and knees
• Look for: Products with 0.5-5% coal tar concentration
• Usage tip: Apply at night due to potential odor and staining

Salicylic Acid Formulations

• How they work: Helps remove scales and smooth rough patches
• Best for: Thick, scaly plaques
• Look for: Products with 2-3% salicylic acid
• Usage tip: May cause irritation if overused; start with every other day

Vitamin D Analogues

• How they work: Help normalize skin cell production
• Best for: Persistent mild plaques
• Look for: Calcipotriene or calcitriol ingredients
• Usage tip: Apply thin layer directly to plaques, avoiding healthy skin

Light Therapy Options for Home Use

You don’t need to wait for summer to get beneficial light exposure. FDA-approved home UVB devices can help maintain the benefits of natural sunlight year-round. These handheld devices or light panels can be used for targeted treatment of psoriasis on elbows and knees.

Before investing in a home light therapy device, consult with a healthcare provider at Klarity Health who can help determine if this approach is right for you and provide guidance on safe usage protocols.

Supplements That Support Skin Health

Internal approaches can complement your topical treatments. These supplements have shown promise for psoriasis management:

Vitamin D3

• How it helps: Regulates immune function and skin cell growth
• Recommended dose: 1,000-2,000 IU daily (consult your provider for personalization)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• How they help: Reduce inflammation throughout the body
• Recommended dose: 1-3 grams daily from fish oil or algae-based supplements

Turmeric/Curcumin

• How it helps: Natural anti-inflammatory properties
• Recommended dose: 500-1,000 mg daily with black pepper extract for better absorption

Creating a Year-Round Management Plan

Seasonal Treatment Adjustments

The key to consistent psoriasis management is adapting your routine as seasons change:

Summer Strategy:

• Benefit from natural sunlight (15-30 minutes daily, avoiding sunburn)
• Use lighter moisturizers
• Continue gentle exfoliation

Fall Transition:

• Gradually increase moisturizer richness
• Begin more consistent use of medicated treatments
• Consider starting supplements if not already using them

Winter Protocol:

• Use heavy-duty moisturizers daily
• Implement regular use of coal tar or other medicated products
• Consider home light therapy
• Use gentle humidifier in sleeping areas

Spring Preparation:

• Begin tapering down heavy moisturizers
• Gently exfoliate to remove winter buildup
• Prepare skin for increased sun exposure

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Psoriasis Year-Round

Regardless of season, these factors play a crucial role in managing psoriasis:

• Stress management: Practice regular relaxation techniques
• Diet considerations: Reduce inflammatory foods (processed foods, excessive sugar)
• Alcohol moderation: Limit intake as alcohol can trigger flares
• Consistent sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep

When to Seek Professional Help

While OTC treatments can be effective for mild psoriasis, consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after 2-3 months of consistent OTC treatment
• Plaques spread beyond your elbows and knees
• You experience joint pain along with skin symptoms
• Your psoriasis significantly impacts your quality of life

At Klarity Health, our providers are available for virtual consultations to evaluate your psoriasis and recommend personalized treatment plans. We offer transparent pricing and accept both insurance and cash payment options to ensure you can access the care you need.

Your Year-Round Psoriasis Action Plan

Managing psoriasis shouldn’t mean accepting seasonal suffering. By understanding the science behind your skin’s seasonal changes and implementing a targeted approach, you can maintain clearer, more comfortable skin throughout the year.

Start by identifying which summer factors seem to help your skin most—whether it’s sunlight, sea water, or reduced stress—and work with a healthcare provider to recreate these benefits during less favorable seasons. With consistent care and the right combination of treatments, you can reduce the seasonal rollercoaster effect and enjoy more predictable, comfortable skin year-round.

Have you found effective ways to manage your psoriasis across different seasons? What works best for your elbows and knees? Share your experience or schedule a consultation with a Klarity Health provider to develop your personalized psoriasis management plan today.