10 Tips for Choosing Psoriasis-Friendly Clothing and Bedding

If you have psoriasis, avoid clothing made of harsh fabrics like wool and synthetics like polyester or nylon. They can trap heat, make you sweat, scratch your skin, and cause irritation. Choose clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or satin. They allow your skin to breathe. Soft, cool fabrics also absorb sweat, which can worsen symptoms.

Clingy, tight clothes that stick to your skin may irritate any scaly patches you have. Opt for loose-fitting outfits that let you stay comfortable as you go about your day.

Sweat can irritate your skin and make your psoriasis worse. Pick workout clothes made from natural fibers that absorb perspiration. Or choose activewear that’s designed to wick moisture away from your skin.

Some dyes are made with harsh chemicals. Fabrics colored with them may irritate your skin and cause your psoriasis to flare up.

Even a mild sunburn can trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Cover up with long sleeves and long pants or skirts. When it’s sunny out, wear a hat to protect your scalp.

Ill-fitting shoes rub against your skin and irritate it. Some shoes also make your feet sweat, which may trigger your psoriasis. Make comfort a priority when you're buying shoes. If your feet sweat a lot, wear cotton socks to absorb moisture. Shoes made of breathable materials like leather or canvas help, too.

Some types of bedding can overheat you, make you sweat, and irritate your skin. Look for sheets, pillowcases, and duvets with a high thread count (this is a measure of how tightly woven the fabric is). A count above 200 is best. Also, choose breathable, natural fibers like 100% cotton, bamboo, a bamboo-linen blend, or silk.

Did you know your mattress could make your psoriasis worse? Spring mattresses have spaces that can harbor dust mites. Memory foam mattresses can cause overheating. Natural latex mattresses are a good choice, since they resist both mold and dust mites. But they can be pricey, and they're not for you if you're allergic to latex. If a new mattress isn't an option, use a mattress protector made of natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo.

Washing your bedding in a machine with hot water kills dust mites and controls mold. That helps keep psoriasis symptoms at bay. Launder your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week. Use detergents without fragrance to avoid chemicals that could cause a flare.

After a shower, gently pat yourself dry with a 100% cotton towel. Don’t rub or pull on your skin, as this may irritate it. Machine-wash your towels in hot water at least once a week, using gentle detergent. If you reuse your towels, make sure they get dry between uses. And avoid sharing them with others.