Italy warns of summer health risks: psoriasis flare‑ups and Legionella infection

Health officials in Italy caution that summer can aggravate chronic psoriasis and increase exposure to Legionella bacteria. While sun and sea water may temporarily ease skin plaques, uncontrolled sunburn, the Koebner effect and unsupervised changes to medication can trigger relapses. The national "Psoriasi? Affrontiamola insieme" campaign, with a launch event on 4 July at the Federico II University Hospital in Naples, urges patients to keep treatment regimens, use proper sun protection and seek dermatologist follow‑up.

Legionella, the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease, thrives in stagnant or poorly maintained water systems such as showers, hot‑tub jets, pool filters and cooling towers. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols can lead to serious pneumonia, especially in older adults, smokers and those with chronic illnesses. Authorities recommend running water after periods of inactivity, regular cleaning of fixtures, and proper maintenance of hotel, spa and vacation‑home installations. Early symptoms—high fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches—should prompt medical consultation.