Bathing in Cold Water in Psoriasis. Does it help?
Short answer: It can help a bit, but don't expect it to be magic. Cold water bathing in psoriasis might reduce inflammation and itching for some time. However, there is very little research about it, so most dermatologists recommend using cool-to-warm water for bathing instead of water from glaciers.
The thing is that the moment when plaques start to itch as if having a party without your participation, the idea of a cold shower seems very appealing. Many people use psoriasis ayurvedic treatment besides such daily habits as taking a shower, so let us analyze.
What Happens to Itchy Skin When It's Exposed to Cold Water?
Cold water makes you forget about itchy sensations for some time and narrows the blood vessels near your skin. That is why the effect of itch relief appears very quickly. You can consider this situation to be like hitting the Mute button but not turning off the speaker completely.
Bathing in cold water in psoriasis won't affect the speedy skin cell proliferation in case of psoriasis, while very cold water can dehydrate and irritate your skin. Some patients even notice that their skin reacts with new lesions at the points of friction or injury; it is called the Koebner phenomenon.
What Do the Studies Say?
Now the honest answer: there haven't been any large trials on ice-cold baths in particular. However, there are studies on bathing in general.
- A 2023 systematic review carried out in the International Journal of Dermatology by Moini Jazani et al. assessed 22 studies and stated that hydrotherapy, spa therapy, and balneotherapy might ease inflammation and decrease PASI scores. The authors also underlined the need for further trials.
- A study published in Yonsei Medical Journal investigated Comano spa-water baths with or without UVB light. The study showed that daily bath during two weeks alone or accompanied by phototherapy benefited patients with the mentioned illness. The water in the place where the study was conducted was of mild temperature (around 28°C). Besides, this study design cannot show the causal relationship between the therapy and benefits.
The evidence leads to the conclusion that gentle bathing is the right approach.
What Is the Best Water Temperature?
| Water Type | The Vibe | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Hot | Feels amazing, then skin sulks | Skip it |
| Lukewarm | Hydrating and refreshing | Gold medal |
| Cold | Fast acting but short-lived relief | Okay for a quick wash |
| Ice-cold | Skin fills the complaint | Nope |
Bathing Tips
- Keep bathing or taking showers no more than 5–10 minutes.
- Use lukewarm water.
- Use a fragrance-free cleanser since your skin doesn't like perfume.
- Avoid using loofah or rubbing vigorously.
- Pat yourself dry and apply moisturizer within few minutes.
Where Ayurveda is placed in the context?
Ayurveda for psoriasis treatment aims at solving the problems of the skin and preventing future flare-ups of the disease by addressing the cause of this disorder. Thus, the diet changes, herbal formulation and changes in the lifestyle have to be introduced. Cooling treatments, in particular, may also become an effective part of the Ayurvedic treatment. The clinics like Karma Ayurveda for psoriasis treatment may offer you help in following such kind of therapy.
Conclusion
A quick wash is excellent and can bring an excellent relief on an itchy day. But a long and freezing immersion is mostly drama than therapy. Many doctors like Dr. Puneet Dhawan usually say that one needs to look at the whole condition: stress, sleep, food and skin care. And the best treatment methods for psoriasis are always individual, so you need to consult a doctor in this regard, but not the internet (or me).
Key Takeaways
- Cold water provides short-term itch relief, not the cure.
- Lukewarm water is better in everyday use.
- Research supports gentle bathing practices, not cold ones.
- Moisturise yourself right after taking a bath.
- Talk to your doctor before changing your routine.
FAQs
Can a cold shower treat psoriasis?
Unfortunately, it doesn't help to cure itching because the underlying cause still stays there.
Is it bad to take hot water baths if I have psoriasis?
Yes. It tends to dry your skin and cause irritation. So, use lukewarm water.
How long should I bathe?
The duration of the call should be 5–10 minutes.
Should I apply moisturizer after bathing?
It can be done in minutes while the skin is wet.
Does Ayurveda help with psoriasis?
There is also an opinion that coconut oil can help in decreasing skin irritation. However, it's better to consult with your dermatologist before using it for this purpose.
Mandatory Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it.
