Ep. 270 "Cold Weather, Hot Flares: Winter Survival Tips for Psoriasis and PsA"

"Help! It's winter and my psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is flaring." Listen as certified physician assistant Eileen Cheever offers tips to help manage psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares that occur during the winter months.

Join host Corinne Rutkowski as she explores tips for managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis when cold weather flares the disease with Certified Physician Assistant Eileen Cheever from Clearview Dermatology. Listen as they discuss why flares occur and tips for improving flares from humidity, moisturizing products even for palmoplantar psoriasis, types of fabrics to layer, addressing aches and pains with psoriatic arthritis, use of rescue therapy, to stress and mood changes.

This episode offers information to help address winter flares that may cause you to struggle with your psoriatic disease during cold weather.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome Certified Physician Assistant Eileen Cheever.

(1:15) Definition of a psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis flare.

(2:32) How cold weather could be connected to winter flares of psoriatic disease.

(4:11) Tips for addressing dryness and lack of humidity in the home.

(6:13) Products that help moisturize your skin and when is the best time to apply it to your skin.

(8:56) Products for moisturizing the hands and feet with palmoplantar psoriasis.

(12:33) Types of fabrics to layer in the winter to help decrease the itch while staying warm.

(14:15) Tips for addressing the aches and pains that come with cold winter months.

(16:22) Medication changes vs use of rescue therapy for treating a winter flare.

(17:51) Tips to help manage overall health, stress, and mood.

(21:37) Reach out to your health care provider if you are struggling with your psoriatic disease.

Key Takeaways:

· While we don't completely understand the connection, 4 out of 10 people identify winter as the season that flares their psoriasis.

· Factors that contribute to cold weather flares include lack of moisture or humidity in the air, viruses or flu, long heated showers that lead to dry, itchy skin, itchy fabrics, stress, and depression with dark days.

· Strategies to address winter flares include various moisturizing products, maintaining 60% humidity, choosing breathable fabrics, lifestyle choices, and keeping your dermatologist and rheumatologist informed should rescue therapy be needed.

Guest Bio:

Eileen Cheever is a certified dermatology physician assistant (PA-C) with a clinical practice at Clearview Dermatology where she treats adults and children with a variety of diseases of the skin, hair, and scalp including psoriasis. She is a diplomate member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, a founding advisory board member for Elevate Medical Education, a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and a member of the NPF Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Advisory Committee. She has a passion for providing education and lectures frequently at dermatology conferences across the country.

Resources:

Seasonal Flares Guide. National Psoriasis Foundation 2023©.

8 Must-Have Lotions. Advance Weekly. Updated September 30, 2025.

"Managing Chronic Pain with Psoriatic Arthritis" podcast episode addressing why pain occurs, its

impact, and what can be done to manage pain both physically and emotionally.