Surprising side effect of La Nina revealed as humid weather worsens incurable skin conditions

Around two per cent of the country’s population is battling an incurable condition, with recent wild weather causing flare ups.

We’re all feeling the effects of the La Nina weather events this year as the country battles chilling forecasts, flooding and increasing rainfall even into the warmer months.

But the persistent humidity is having an effect on some Australians more than others, as those with skin conditions such as psoriasis are forced to suffer through debilitating inflammation as the wet weather continues.

Psoriasis causes an irritating and painful rash like appearance on the skin, thriving in moist, humid environments, and our current climate is wreaking havoc on those who are battling to control it.

Among them is former X Factor contestant Jason Owen, who first experienced psoriasis at the age of 18.

Jason Owen competed on the X Factor in 2012.

Mr Owen, who grew up as one of the only kids in a rural country town in NSW, says his life changed when he was the runner up to Samantha Jade on the show in 2012.

For him, it kickstarted his dream career in the music industry, and gave him a platform to talk about issues close to his heart.

But with success comes great stress, and Mr Owen said the new-found pressures on a young, country lad really coincided with the beginning of his psoriasis journey.

“I guess being taken out of Albert and thrown into the city and going through the show was a big change,” Mr Owen told NCA NewsWire.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world, but I think obviously that had a lot to do with my psoriasis.

Jason Owen is sharing his skin journey to let others in his shoes know they’re not alone. Pictures: Supplied

He’s battled with poor mental health because of his skin’s appearance. Pictures: Supplied

“I didn’t really know it until recently, but I spoke to a few people about psoriasis and they said a lot of it can be stress related and when I think back on it, it’s been like 10-11 years I’ve had this thing quite aggressively. It’s all over my body.”

Mr Owen said he has really struggled with mental health because of his psoriasis, which has even seen people turn down cash from him because they’re concerned about his skin condition.

“People make assumptions and they’re quick to judge,” he said.

“I like to speak about it because it’s not just about me. Even in everyday life where I’ve tried to buy things, people refuse to take my money because of this rash. It’s on my hands.”

“But I’m open to speak about it. It might make a difference to someone else struggling with mental health because it’s been a big struggle to me.”

Jason said sunlight helps, but there isn’t much of that around at the moment. Pictures: Supplied

He’s using his platform to share his experiences so other people feel comfortable in their own skin. Pictures: Supplied

The musician said the current climate isn’t helping his skin, as the humidity and wet weather irritate it further.

Psoriasis has no known cure, but for the thousands who live with it, every approach to calm it has different affects.

“I’ve tried diets, I’ve tried medication, I’ve tried many steroid creams; all these types of different creams, medication, prescribed medications.”

He said sunlight really helps, but given the current climate, there’s not much opportunity to go out into the sun and see any benefits from it.

One product he’s recently tried is a topical cream from Australian skincare company MooGoo.

“Believe it or not, it’s actually taken away a lot of my skin scratching and what this is actually doing is really soothing irritation of the skin.”

MooGoo CEO and founder Craig Jones started the skincare company after watching his mother battle psoriasis.

MooGoo CEO Craig Jones, who started the skincare company after watching his mother battle psoriasis, said he’s seen a huge rise in people looking for effective treatments lately, joining the 2 per cent of the population already struggling with the condition.

“There has been a rise in psoriasis and eczema and that’s in line with a rise in auto immune diseases in general,” Mr Jones said.

“Psoriasis is not curable, but there are lifestyle factors that can make it better. Some people love being out in the sun.

“So sunshine; they’ll often find when they go on holiday their skin gets a lot better because they get sunshine and less stress. Because stress is a big trigger as well.”

Craig Jones at his Burleigh Heads operations. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Cutting back on alcohol or cutting it out altogether can also help.

“Some things will help a lot and in terms of topical creams and things like that; people find that it is working fine, but then the skin can sort of build up a resistance to whatever is helping, so you need to give it a break and try something else.”

MooGoo has a range of products for different skin types and is a local Australian brand.