Barbeques, beach trips, and baseball games ― the hallmarks of summer fun for many, but for those living with psoriatic arthritis, the season presents a unique set of challenges.
Soaring temps and blazing sun can exacerbate pain, stiffness and skin plaques, while the pressure to partake in every social gathering can leave you feeling stretched thinner than a slice of straw hat.
But with a bit of preparation, flexibility, and self-compassion, it’s absolutely possible to savor the sweetness of summer without surrendering to a flare.
Keeping Your Cool
When a “good ol’ summertime” heatwave hits, psoriatic joints can scream in protest. That’s because rising temps can trigger heightened inflammation, while oppressive humidity intensifies skin irritation.
To stay chill when the mercury climbs, opt for loose, breathable layers in cooling fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. At home, take advantage of fans, AC, and a trusty cold pack applied wherever pain lingers.
And lest we forget hydration – downing plenty of H2O and electrolyte-rich sips helps counteract heat-induced fatigue while supporting supple skin and joints.
Made In The Shade
Sunlight can be both friend and foe for the psoriatic crowd. While a sensible dose of rays may initially improve plaques, UV overexposure has a nasty habit of triggering fresh lesions and full-body flares.
To bask without the backlash, limit unprotected sun time and slather on an SPF 30+ sunscreen religiously. When outdoors, seek shelter under wide-brimmed hats, oversized sunnies, and the merciful refuge of shade.
For an extra soothing treat, keep moisturizers and topical meds in the fridge for an uber-calming application on inflamed skin or achy joints.
Activity Overhaul
From volleyball tournaments to day-long hikes, summer opens up a smorgasbord of movement. But when joints are feeling creaky and skin is prickly, the prospect of diving into high-impact hobbies can be daunting.
Rather than sitting summer out entirely, focus on adapting activities to meet your body where it’s at. Swap out strenuous sports for gentler alternatives like swimming, tai chi, or restorative yoga.
Break up lengthy outings with plenty of rest and rehydration breaks. Enlist pals to lug the heavy cooler, or consider investing in a foldable wagon to schlep supplies.
By all means, keep it moving ― just at a sustainable, joint-honoring pace.
The Emotional Elements
Perhaps one of the trickiest parts of navigating summer with psoriatic arthritis is grappling with the self-consciousness that can swirl with every pool party or tank top.
When skin and joints aren’t cooperating, it’s tempting to bow out altogether, but isolation often amplifies anxiety. Instead, prioritize events that feel truly nourishing, even if that means showing up in whatever attire or state of being that allows you to be present.
Comparison to the glowing, lively crowd may come creeping, but remember, everyone is fighting a hidden battle.
Finding the Sweetness
Undeniably, chronic illness has a way of making us savor life’s little luxuries all the more. There’s nothing quite as delicious as that first dip in the pool when inflamed joints finally find relief or catching a cotton candy sunset through the car window after a much-needed AC ride.
By carrying a bit of childlike wonder, we can spot everyday magic even when our bodies are being uncooperative. An early morning bird serenade in lieu of that backyard bonfire, a nourishing summer vegetable haul from the farmer’s market ― these quiet joys are here for the taking.
No, psoriatic arthritis may not grant us the summer of our most unbridled fantasies. Our schedules will likely require a bit more wiggle room and serendipity than the average reveler.
But by staying in compassionate conversation with our bodies, communicating openly with loved ones, and reaching for the good we’re afforded, it’s absolutely possible to craft a satisfying, meaningful, and memorably sweet summer, with or without a second helping of potato salad.
