By Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld
New York City’s subway is a place where dreams collide with delayed trains, where humanity is packed tighter than a Trader Joe’s checkout line on a Sunday, and where—let’s be honest—hygiene is more of a suggestion than a requirement. Now, add psoriasis to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a real-life survival challenge. I should know—I’ve been treating patients with skin conditions at 629 Park Avenue for decades, and let me tell you, if the MTA were a skin type, it’d be an irritated, inflamed, flaking mess.
Welcome to the Subway, Your Skin’s Worst Enemy
Picture this: It’s rush hour. You’re gripping the pole because, well, gravity. But so is the guy who just sneezed into his hand like he’s trying to bless every single rider with a souvenir from his immune system. Meanwhile, the heat is cranked up to ‘sauna’ levels, your stress is rising like rent prices, and suddenly, your psoriasis decides, “Ah yes, now is the perfect time to flare up.”
The subway isn’t just an underground train; it’s an underground bacterial petri dish. The heat, the stress, the recycled air—it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet for inflammation. But don’t worry, because Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld is here with the ultimate survival guide to keeping your skin safe while navigating NYC’s underground jungle.
1. The Golden Rule: DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE
Your hands have just caressed a pole that has been touched by Wall Street brokers, Broadway actors, lost tourists, and that guy eating a tuna sandwich at 8 AM. If you have psoriasis, you’re already dealing with sensitive, easily irritated skin. So unless you want to introduce your face to a whole new ecosystem of subway germs, keep your hands where they belong—away from your skin.
Pro Tip: Carry alcohol-free hand wipes or a gentle cleansing mist. Trust me, if I could prescribe “stop touching your face” as medical advice, I would.
2. Stress Less, Flare Less
If the MTA ran smoothly, stress would be a non-factor. But alas, we live in reality, where the phrase “signal failure” is as common as pigeons in Times Square. Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, and nothing spikes cortisol like hearing, “We’re being held momentarily” while sandwiched between a man blasting TikTok videos and a woman applying full glam makeup on a moving train.
What to Do:
Noise-canceling headphones. Invest in them. Trust me, psoriasis loves peace.
Deep breathing. Inhale patience, exhale MTA rage.
Meditation apps. Not kidding—10 minutes of mindfulness can do more for your skin than you think.
3. The Air Down There is Trying to Kill You
Ever notice how the subway air smells like a unique blend of mystery liquid, despair, and regret? That’s because it’s filled with pollution, dust, and enough airborne irritants to make your skin beg for mercy. And for people with psoriasis, polluted air is like gasoline on a fire—it dehydrates, inflames, and triggers flare-ups.
Your Move:
Hydrate, inside and out. Drink water like you just ran the NYC Marathon.
Apply a thin layer of barrier cream before leaving the house. Think of it as armor against airborne nonsense.
When you get home, wash your face immediately. Consider it a detox for your pores.
4. Fashion Choices Can Save (or Destroy) Your Skin
New Yorkers love their black-on-black outfits, but if your psoriasis flares up from friction and heat, that leather jacket might as well be made of sandpaper.
Best Subway Fabrics for Psoriasis:
✔️ Soft, breathable cotton (your skin will thank you)
✔️ Loose-fitting clothing (airflow = less irritation)
✔️ Hypoallergenic fabrics (no weird dyes or synthetics)
Avoid wool, tight jeans, and anything that makes you sweat like you’re auditioning for a Peloton commercial.
5. Be Your Own Walking Dermatology Clinic
NYC is unpredictable. One moment, you're in a freezing car; the next, you're in a sauna on wheels. Your skin doesn’t need that kind of whiplash. Always carry a psoriasis emergency kit with these essentials:
✔️ A travel-sized moisturizer (fragrance-free, always)
✔️ Blotting papers (goodbye, subway-induced oil slick)
✔️ A calming mist spray (because your skin needs a break, too)
✔️ Non-irritating sunscreen (UV rays don’t care if you’re underground)
Final Thoughts: The Subway Is Chaos, But Your Skin Doesn’t Have to Be
Look, I’ve spent my life treating elite athletes, celebrities, and everyday New Yorkers battling skin conditions, and the truth is: psoriasis thrives in chaos. But you don’t have to let the subway turn your skin into a war zone. A little preparation goes a long way, and if you ever feel like the MTA is conspiring against your face, just remember—at least you’re not the guy eating sushi off his lap at rush hour.
If you need psoriasis treatment in NYC, my office at 629 Park Avenue is where science meets sanity. Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld, at your service. Call 212-644-4484, and let’s get your skin back on track—unlike the subway.
NYC Dermatology – Psoriasis Specialists
📍 629 Park Avenue, New York, NY
📞 212-644-4484
🌐 nycdermatologist.com/psoriasis-nyc-subway-skin-care
|
| DR GARY JAYNE ROTHFELD |
