(ARA) - For some Americans, winter can bring a new set of challenges for their skin, hair and nail care. However, for individuals with psoriasis, this can be the most difficult season of all.

Environmental factors, such as cold winter weather and dry, indoor heat can rob the body of needed moisture and cause psoriasis symptoms to flare or worsen. The condition becomes even more severe when the stress of the holidays and winter illnesses combine and compromise the immune system.

“The physical and emotional discomfort felt by those with psoriasis can be challenging throughout the year,” says dermatologist Mark Lebwohl, M.D., professor and chairman, department of dermatology, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. “Due to winter’s effect on the skin, patients should diligently monitor their condition carefully and consult with their dermatologist if they are concerned about changes on their skin during this time of year.”

Psoriasis affects 4.5 million Americans and is most commonly characterized by thick, red, white or scaly patches on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis is caused by the unusually rapid growth of skin cells that can build up on the skin’s surface -- usually around the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet or lower back -- and cause itching and severe discomfort.

Many treatments exist to help ease the emotional and physical discomfort for patients with psoriasis and can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

Treatments are often selected based on the patient’s health, age, lifestyle and symptoms.

* Topical medications applied to the skin are used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis and are often prescribed by dermatologists at the first signs of the condition.

* Systemic medications treat the entire body and are often reserved for patients whose psoriasis is not responsive to topical medications or phototherapy.

* New biologic treatments, which target the precise immune responses involved in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, are used to treat moderate to severe conditions forms of these conditions.

* Phototherapy, or ultraviolet light treatment, is reserved for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to topical therapy.

“Patients with psoriasis should review their treatment options with a dermatologist since many innovative treatments and therapies now exist that can greatly improve the quality of life for people with psoriasis,” adds Dr. Lebwohl.