Experts in different medical field give their most effective tips to help combat psoriasis, which affect around 7.5 million Americans. Some of the doctors have contributed their winter tips for psoriasis treatment here.

The tips are from Elizabeth A. Abel, MD of Stanford University School of Medicine in California and Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, RN, ANP-C at the Portland VA Medical Center in Oregon.

Winter brings dry air, colder temperatures, and reduced exposure to sunlight – all of which can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. What can the 7.5 million Americans who suffer from psoriasis due to prevent a flare-up of symptoms? Are there winter tips for psoriasis treatment?

1. Think Some More About of Long, Hot Showers

Have short, lukewarm and sweet showers. Hot water should be avoided, according to Abel. This is because you will feel the itch once you get out of the shower. During winter days, a short shower is the best. People who suffer from psoriasis are advised to shower without scrubbing as this will only irritate the skin further. There are soaps for sensitive skins that can be used by psoriasis patients.

2. Slather on Moisturizer After Taking Baths and Showers

Skin doctors and other health professionals who care for psoriasis patients can't enunciate it oftentimes but to remind people to moisturize. Among the best times is after taking a shower. According to Aldredge, you need to apply moisturizers at least 3 to 5 times after toweling off after shower. This helps in locking in the moisture to your skin so you don’t get a dry skin during the day. The most essential moisturizers are lotions, creams and ointments.

3. Look to the Light for Therapy

Abel said that light therapy is actually good for people who have psoriasis. However, light treatments should be done in multiple sessions. Light session is also called phototherapy and has been among the most standard treatment for psoriasis. The ultraviolet light is capable of slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells for psoriasis patients. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, around 30 treatments should be done to help psoriasis patients.

4. Get a Winter Tune-Up on Your Psoriasis Medications

If you feel like your psoriasis is slowly getting worse during the winter, you may want to schedule a check up with your physician and have a tune up medication. The doctor is the one who can assess whether you need a topical, systemic or both treatments for your psoriasis. Some of the most common treatments for psoriasis includes using Tazorac which is a corticosteroid medications, Dovonex, a synthetic vitamin D3 and Psorent, a prescription topical cream.

5. Evaluate Stress Levels

According to Aldredge, "Stress plays a big part in making any skin condition worse." Because of this, she advises her patients to control the things that they can control and time in keeping healthy. You can reduce your stress level by saying a prayer or by joining a group exercise or singing group.

6. Take Note of Alternatives

As suggested the National Psoriasis Foundation, you need to control stress as this can trigger psoriasis even further. You can do this by having yoga sessions or trying acupuncture to relieve psoriasis.