“I love my hot tub but don’t know if it makes things worse,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared. So, will using a hot tub make psoriasis worse? The short answer is: it depends.

People with psoriasis have different triggers, so everyone has to figure out what affects their own body. Some people might find that soaking in a hot tub helps to manage their psoriasis, while others may find that it actually triggers or worsens their psoriasis symptoms.

In the end, it’s your choice whether or not to use a hot tub. Knowing the possible effects can help you decide what’s best for you. As always, talk to your doctor, dermatologist, or another healthcare provider to understand how something new — like a hot tub soak — may affect your psoriasis.

Hot Tub Chemicals and Psoriasis

Chemicals can sometimes trigger psoriasis flare-ups, but not everyone reacts the same way. Chlorine is a chemical that’s often used in hot tubs to prevent bacteria and viruses. But many people with psoriasis worry about chlorine touching their skin.

Can chlorine make psoriasis worse? Yes — chlorine can cause skin dryness, which may worsen symptoms. One MyPsoriasisTeam member explained, “Chlorine burns and dries skin. I have to take a long shower immediately after exiting pools/hot tubs.”

While there are ways to clean hot tubs without chlorine, those methods still use chemicals. If you decide to try a hot tub soak, do so carefully. Before you get in, think about whether your skin is sensitive to chemicals like chlorine, which are present in most hot tubs.

If you don’t have sensitive skin and choose to soak, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends taking a bath or shower right after getting out. This can help wash away leftover chemicals and lower your risk of irritation. Pay attention to how your skin reacts. Notice whether your psoriasis gets worse — or better — after spending time in the water

Psoriasis and Water Temperature

Do hot tubs dry out your skin? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hot water can lead to dry skin, which may trigger your psoriasis, make your existing symptoms of psoriasis worse, or lead to skin irritation.

Doctors don’t tell people with psoriasis to avoid baths altogether. In fact, many recommend they take daily baths in lukewarm or warm water — not steaming hot water — to help soothe your skin and remove scales. Following that logic, turning down a hot tub’s temperature even by a few degrees could help protect your skin. Limiting your time in the water to 15 minutes or less may also prevent a soak from making your psoriasis worse.

Some people find that hot water doesn’t trigger or worsen their psoriasis. For others, it does. It often takes trial and error to find out. Seek out medical advice from your doctor, dermatologist, or another healthcare professional before trying new routines so you can test safely

Psoriasis and Soaking Salts

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members report that adding mineral salts to hot tub water helps their psoriasis symptoms. One member wrote, “Hot tubs with salts have been a treatment for psoriasis for years.”

Another said that saltwater pools were “amazing all-around” for their skin and psoriasis.

Reactions to salt vary. If you have psoriatic arthritis, minerals like Epsom salt may help ease joint pain. But salt can also dry the skin, which may cause itching or irritation.

You might find relief, like the member who shared, “My daughter found some Epsom salt that’s safe for the hot tub and boy, oh boy, does it make a difference.”

Keep in mind that not all hot tubs are built to handle salt water. Check what chemicals and additives are safe for the hot tub you use before adding anything new.

There’s some scientific evidence that combining salt water soaks with light therapy may help improve psoriasis symptoms. But research is not strong enough to say this approach is proven or safe for everyone.

Find Your Team

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried hot tubs for your psoriasis? Let others know in the comments below.