Psoriasis Exacerbated by Cooler Weather

As summer comes to a close in just over two weeks, cooler temperatures and a change in the weather will soon follow suit – and the colder the season, the drier, itchier and inflamed the skin can become.

Psoriasis, a common autoimmune disorder that affects as many as 1 million Canadians and 125 million individuals, manifests itself as a skin problem. With Psoriasis, skin may feel itchy and/or sore and appear scaly and/or red. While the exact cause of Psoriasis is unknown, a combination of genetics and certain triggers (such as stress) are likely to play a part in the disorder; and while family physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary may need to prescribe medication to individuals with Psoriasis, there are also some steps you can first try in order to help sooth the skin as well as prevent flare-ups of the disorder. The following steps are also beneficial to anyone who might be suffering from dry skin.

First and foremost, individuals suffering from dry skin should moisturize daily. Moisturizer will not only leave your skin feeling smoother and softer, but also help to prevent irritation. The thicker the moisturizer, the better, as it well help to lock water into the skin, leaving it moist. If you have sensitive skin then you should make sure you use products that are perfume and lanolin-free. Cleansing skin is also important, but make sure you do not overdo it as you may actually wind up stripping the skin of its natural moisturizing factors. 15-minute oatmeal or Epsom salt baths will also help to sooth dry, irritated skin.

Protecting exposed areas of the skin while out in cold, windy weather is another important factor as Psoriasis can oftentimes be exacerbated by the cooler elements. When outdoors you should always wear soft, warm layers of clothing, as well as hats, gloves and scarves.

If you find that following these steps do not improve the skin’s appearance, you should talk with your doctor so that an effective treatment plan can be put into place.

Cases of Melanoma Growing Rapidly in Canada

On average, an estimated 500 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each day. Out of each type of cancer that exists, Melanoma is one of the fastest rising cancers in the country. As many as 6,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with Melanoma; 3,700 of those diagnosed are men, while 3,100 are women.

Melanoma occurs when the skin has been exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation – either from natural sunlight or other forms of UV radiation such as tanning beds – which causes a change in the skin cells. As a result, a malignant tumour or tumours will form in the melanocytes. The melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation of your skin and eyes. Keeping the skin protected at all times is important. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is culpable in protecting the skin from injury, infection and sunlight. The skin is also plays an essential role in keeping your body temperature under control by ridding itself of bodily waste via the sweat glands. Malignant tumours can also oftentimes metastasize to different parts of the body, and it is not limited to just the skin. Albeit rare, Melanoma can be found anywhere in the body that melanocytes are present, including the mucosal tissue (Mucosal Lentiginous Melanoma), internal organs, and the eyes (Intraocular Melanoma.)

The most common and earliest symptoms that an individual with Melanoma may present with is changes to otherwise normal-looking skin or moles. While it is not uncommon to have moles (the average person has as little as 10 moles and as many as 40), they should not change in size, shape or colour, be more than 6mm in length, or feel itchy or painful. Late signs of Melanoma include enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms, feeling out of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

While Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, taking some straightforward protective measures against ultraviolet radiation can also help to prevent it. If spending a protracted amount time outdoors, you should always ensure that you have the proper protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wearing sunglasses and other protective articles of clothing, applying sunscreen and staying in the shade are all crucial factors in avoiding Melanoma. For more information on how you can avoid other heat-related illnesses, read Dr. Ali Ghahary's article on summer health and safety tips.

UV Protection

Nice weather is always a great excuse to get outdoors and be active. However, you should always ensure that you are taking extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness and other health problems associated with overexposure to UV rays. Below is a look at some further insight and recommendations from Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician at Brentwood Medical Clinic in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Firstly, it is important to know the difference between the types of UV radiation that exist. While UVC rays are the strongest, they are the least concerning as the ozone layer prevents them from reaching the earth. On the other hand, UVA and UVB rays are the most concerning and should be taken very seriously as they can cause irreparable damage. Whether you are exposed to natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet rays, you are at risk of developing heat stroke, severe sunburn, skin damage, and even damage to your eyes.

Just as we would wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, it is also important to protect the eyes; therefore, if you are going to be in an environment that leaves you exposed to ultraviolet rays, it is also recommended that you wear sunglasses. Both natural and artificial UV radiation can cause severe damage to the eyes, including damage to the cornea and the lens, as well as burning the frontal surface of the eyes (similar to a sunburn.) Failure to protect your eyes from UV rays can lead to both short-term as well as long-term, serious health effects, including a higher risk of developing cataracts, irreversible damage to the retina, chronic eye problems, and even skin cancer. 

When looking for a pair of sunglasses that will give your eyes enough protection, you should make sure they are free of any distortion and ensure that they screen out at least 75% (and up to 90%) of visible light, and block 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap-around frames will also provide you with increased protection.