One reason could be the cold temperatures, which anecdotal reports suggest can trigger psoriatic arthritis flares in some people, says Dee Dee Wu, MD, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey. With a flare, joints affected by psoriatic arthritis become even more tender and stiff than usual. The winter months can also exacerbate skin symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. This is likely due to less exposure to UVB light (known to be an effective treatment for psoriasis) combined with dry weather and forced heat, which can make skin extra dry and itchy, notes the NPF. Illnesses that spread during the winter can also worsen psoriatic arthritis symptoms. This year, that means cold and flu, as well as COVID-19. Any infectious illness can cause psoriatic disease to flare, says the NPF. And people who do get sick may have to go off biologic medication until they recover. RELATED: 9 Tips to Avoid Infections When Taking Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis
Best Strategies for Getting Through the Winter
Try these strategies to keep your psoriatic arthritis pain and other symptoms in check over the cold-weather months: Dress warmly. Contrary to popular belief, you won’t get sick from going out in the cold with a wet head or without enough warm clothes. But exposure to cold air can trigger joint pain in some people and can also dry out skin. So be sure to dress appropriately, and pay special attention to protecting affected joints. RELATED: Manage Your Psoriasis Better This Winter: 7 Top Tips Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting sick, wash your hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all hand surfaces and let the gel dry thoroughly. Avoid close contact with others who are sick. Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone in your home who is currently sick. When you are out in public, wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth and try to stay at least 6 feet apart from people who are not in your household, advises the CDC. Get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is generally safe for people with psoriatic arthritis. If you are taking biologics, you must be vaccinated with a shot (which contains inactivated or killed virus) instead of a nasal spray (which contains weakened versions of the live virus). You should also get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you whether or not you take biologics, states the NPF, but talk with your doctor first: Given the limited data on side effects of the vaccine for people with autoimmune diseases, there is a theoretical risk of a flare. Eat healthy. It’s easy to put on a few pounds during winter, but sticking with a healthy diet is especially important for psoriatic arthritis patients. A report published in the August 2018 issue of JAMA Dermatology found a strong connection between weight and symptom severity in people with psoriatic disease. The NPF recommends a psoriatic arthritis diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, and is low in refined sugars and processed foods. Also eat plenty of fish high in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, anchovies, and scallops, advises the Arthritis Foundation (AF). RELATED: 14 Foods to Eat or Avoid for Psoriatic Arthritis Exercise. The cold weather might discourage you from getting outside to exercise, but a decrease in activity can lead to an increase in psoriatic arthritis pain, says the AF. Regular exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight. If it’s too cold for outdoor activities, consider starting an indoor exercise routine, such as yoga. A March 2019 research review published in Biological Research for Nursing found that yoga can improve inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, by helping to keep inflammation at bay. Get adequate sleep. Insufficient sleep can weaken your immune system. Studies have shown that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus, reports the Mayo Clinic. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. What’s more, skimping on shut-eye increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Aim to get seven to eight hours of good sleep each night. RELATED: 7 Ways to Keep Your Immune System Healthy Get vitamin D. Less exposure to sunlight reduces your body’s level of vitamin D, which may, in turn, weaken your immune system’s ability to repair your skin, says the Mayo Clinic. Studies have found that people with psoriasis often have lower than normal levels of vitamin D, a problem that can worsen in the winter months. To counteract the effect, reach for plenty of food sources of vitamin D, such as fatty fish, milk, fortified orange juice, fortified cereal, and eggs. You may also want to talk to your doctor about whether you might benefit from taking vitamin D supplements. RELATED: Vitamin D for Psoriasis: How to Get More This Winter Additional reporting by Julia Califano.
