How winter affects chronic conditions

We all have triggers for some particular health condition. Eat spicy food, for example, and you might get heartburn. Lift something heavy, and it might set off chronic low-back pain. And if you’re coping with cold weather, you might experience a flare-up of certain diseases. Here are four chronic ailments that seem to worsen in winter.

Psoriasis

Winter poses many risks for people with psoriasis, which causes raised red patches of skin covered in silvery or white scales. Flare-ups can result from dry skin due to being in heated indoor air or taking long, hot showers.

Winter bugs such as viral infections or strep throat also can trigger a psoriasis flare, as can reduced exposure to sunlight. “UVB radiation is actually a treatment for psoriasis, as it slows down the rapid skin growth that drives psoriasis,” says Dr. Sally Tan, director of the Atopic Dermatitis Specialty Clinic at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Recommendations: “Take shorter, lukewarm showers; use a humidifier around the house; and moisturize with bland, cream-based emollients liberally—at least once a day, right after showering—to keep the skin well-moisturized and the skin barrier intact during winter months,” Dr. Tan advises. “And try to get 10 to 15 minutes of natural sunlight exposure each day. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even if you’re just sitting indoors by a window.”

Asthma

Many things we breathe in — such as pollen or pollution — can set off an attack of asthma, a chronic lung condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. “Triggers vary, but most people with asthma are bothered by breathing cold air, which cools and dehydrates the airways. That causes them to spasm and tighten, known as bronchoconstriction,” explains Dr. Nicholas Nassikas, a pulmonologist with Beth Israel Deaconess.

Recommendations: “Avoiding triggers is easier said than done when you live in a cold climate,” Dr. Nassikas says. “Try to do outdoor activities during warmer parts of the day. Before going outside for more than a few minutes, take a puff of a rescue inhaler. When outdoors, wear a mask, which will help reduce symptoms by warming and humidifying air before it gets into the lungs. Also, continue prescribed asthma therapies; stay away from heavy pollution, such as smoke from firepits; and avoid viral illness by washing your hands and masking around people who are sick.”

Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease is a blood vessel disorder triggered by cold environments. Instead of the normal response to cold weather, with blood vessels narrowing slightly to direct more blood and warmth to the organs, the response is exaggerated (vasospasm). “The vessels in the fingers and toes narrow excessively upon exposure to cold. This can compromise blood flow in the affected fingers and toes, which can be painful,” says Dr. Vasileois Kyttaris, a rheumatologist at Beth Israel Deaconess.

Recommendations: Avoid unnecessary exposure to cold, and make sure to dress warmly outside: a coat, hat, and mittens are a must, and hand and foot warmers are a big help. Put on cold-weather gear before you step outside, and leave your coat, mittens, and hat on while you’re in the freezer section of a grocery store. At home, turn up the thermostat a few degrees, and block cold air coming in through drafty doors and windows. Your doctor might also recommend a vasodilator drug to open blood vessels.

Arthritis

Many people with arthritis (no matter which kind) say that cold weather worsens joint pain. Is it true? “Some people tend to have more pain and stiffness during certain weather conditions, but research on the connection is inconclusive,” Dr. Kyttaris says.

It’s not that doctors don’t believe there’s a link; they just don’t have enough scientific evidence for one. Or the weather may affect just some people with arthritis.

Recommendations: If you feel cold weather makes your arthritis symptoms worse, ramp up your pill-free arthritis regimen. Use heat therapy (such as a heating pad or warm shower or bath) or wear a joint brace (such as a knee sleeve) to help reduce inflammation. Most importantly, exercise. Daily physical activity can lower inflammation and enhance blood flow; both contribute to pain relief. For more information, check out the Harvard Online Learning course Joint Pain Relief Workout.

Finally, talk to your doctor. You may need a prescription adjustment or a new medication. Or it could be that another condition is causing pain.

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