Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches to appear on the skin. These patches often occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. While there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatments can help manage symptoms. Some people find that hot water helps relieve psoriasis symptoms, while others find it makes them worse. Here is an in-depth look at whether hot showers, baths, and compresses may help or hurt psoriasis.
How Hot Water Might Help Psoriasis
There are a few ways that hot water may potentially help improve psoriasis symptoms:
Reducing inflammation and irritation
The hot temperature of the water may help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation associated with psoriasis plaques. The heat helps increase blood flow to the skin, which can temporarily reduce scaling and discomfort.
Removing scales
The hot water can help loosen and remove thick, built-up skin scales caused by psoriasis. Gently scrubbing with a washcloth or loofah while bathing can help slough off loosened scales.
Moisturizing the skin
Hot water opens pores and allows the skin to absorb moisture. This can temporarily soften and hydrate dry, flaky psoriasis patches. However, care must be taken not to over-bathe, as this can remove natural oils and worsen skin dryness.
Improving circulation
Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves circulation. Enhanced blood flow can reduce inflammation and provide relief for sore, tender areas.
Easing stiff, sore joints
Hot water can relax tense muscles and ease achiness associated with psoriatic arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends taking a warm shower first thing in the morning to help loosen stiff joints.
How Hot Water May Aggravate Psoriasis
While hot water offers some benefits, it can also have detrimental effects for some people with psoriasis:
Worsening inflammation
Although the initial heat may feel soothing, hot water can sometimes make inflammation worse after bathing. The blood vessels dilate in response to the heat, causing increased blood flow. This can result in rebound redness and irritation.
Stripping natural oils
Hot showers and long soaks can wash away the skin’s protective natural moisture barrier. This leaves the skin drier and more vulnerable to external irritants.
Damaging skin
Excessively hot water has the potential to burn and damage delicate skin affected by psoriasis. This can worsen plaques and increase sensitivity.
Intensifying itch
For some people, heat can trigger increased itching of psoriasis lesions. This may negate other potential benefits of hot water therapy.
Triggering flare-ups
In certain individuals, hot water may exacerbate psoriasis instead of improving it. The heat can prompt a sudden worsening of symptoms known as a flare-up.
Tips for Using Hot Water to Help Psoriasis
Hot water therapy may offer real benefits to some people with psoriasis. Here are some tips for using hot water safely and effectively:
- Test a small patch first. Try applying a warm, wet washcloth to a small area to see if heat provides relief without irritation.
- Gradually increase temperature. Start with lukewarm water and slowly make it hotter to allow skin time to adjust.
- Keep baths/showers brief. Limit time in hot water to 5-10 minutes to avoid drying out skin.
- Moisturize immediately after. Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer right after bathing while skin is still damp.
- Use gentle cleansers. Opt for mild, moisturizing body washes and shampoos to avoid stripping oils.
- Listen to your body. Discontinue use if hot water increases itching, burning, or redness.
- Try alternating temperatures. Switch between hot and cool water, ending with cool to close pores.
The Effect of Hot Water on Different Types of Psoriasis
It’s important to note that hot water may affect different types of psoriasis in different ways:
| Type of Psoriasis | Potential Benefits of Hot Water | Potential Risks of Hot Water |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque psoriasis |
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| Scalp psoriasis |
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| Guttate psoriasis |
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| Inverse psoriasis |
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| Erythrodermic psoriasis |
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| Pustular psoriasis |
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As shown, hot water therapy may offer the most benefits for plaque, scalp, and inverse psoriasis when used cautiously. Those with unstable pustular psoriasis and widespread erythrodermic psoriasis should avoid hot water due to risks.
Hot Water Therapy Options for Psoriasis
If you want to try using hot water to find relief from psoriasis symptoms, here are some methods to try:
Warm showers
Take brief, warm showers to soak psoriasis lesions. Use a handheld showerhead to directly target affected areas. Finish with cool water to close pores.
Hot baths
Add bath oil to tub and soak for 10 minutes or less. Gently scrub plaques with loofah/washcloth then rinse off. Keep bathroom humid to prevent evaporation drying skin.
Heat packs
Apply a warm, moist heating pad or hot water bottle to localized patches of psoriasis. Use a towel as barrier to avoid burns.
Warm compresses
Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, wring out, and place over lesions for 5-10 minutes. Reheat compress as needed for soothing relief.
Sitz baths
A sitz bath involves sitting in warm water up to hip level to ease psoriasis in genital areas and buttocks. Keep sessions brief to avoid irritation.
Conclusion
The effects of hot water on psoriasis really depend on the individual. Some people find it beneficial for temporarily clearing scales, moisturizing skin, and reducing itch and inflammation. However, hot water can aggravate symptoms for others. The key is to proceed cautiously, limit time in hot water, and discontinue use if increased irritation occurs. Speak with your dermatologist to determine if controlled hot water therapy may be worth trying to manage your psoriasis. With the proper precautions, it may offer therapeutic benefits for some patients.