When it comes to psoriasis, it might not be just the red scaly skin that drives you crazy. Itchy psoriasis can be one of the most bothersome symptoms of this condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, around 90 percent of people who have psoriasis also have itching. That can interfere with your life, including your stress levels and the amount of sleep you get.
The sensation isn’t always a simple itch, either. You might feel a pinching or a burning sensation. It can be hard to resist the urge to scratch the area. However, itching can make it even worse. This is because itching will damage the skin and cause injuries or even an infection. This can trigger a psoriasis flareup.
1. Follow Your Treatment Plan
Your doctor will come up with a treatment plan for your condition. The best way to get rid of the itchiness is to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. While there is no cure for the condition, managing your symptoms is the best way to reduce itchy psoriasis.
2. Remove the Scales
If you do not have as many scales from your psoriasis, then you will not have as much itchiness. Removing the scales can also make itch-relieving products a bit more effective. You can try salicylic acid, which is a peeling agent. You also can try keratolytic, which is a topical that you will apply to your skin to soften the scales so you can easily and gently brush them away. Don’t just pull scales off since that can make your psoriasis worse.
Stay away from any products that have more than 3 percent salicylic acid. These products might be too irritating for your condition. Other ingredients to look for in a skin-care product are urea and lactic acid.
3. Limit Your Time in the Shower
Try only taking a shower for around five minutes or less. Don’t spend more than around 15 minutes in a bath. If you are in the water too much, your skin can dry out. That might make the itch worse.
4. Always Moisturize Your Skin
Every time you wash your hands, put an ointment or another kind of moisturizer on your skin. The same goes for showers and baths. That can help seal in your skin’s moisture, which can reduce both the itchiness and the redness while helping your skin heal.
5. Look for an Itch-Relieving Product
You can find many anti-itch creams and ointments over the counter that don’t need a prescription. Many people have found success in using products that have camphor or menthol in them. Just remember that some of these products might make your skin drier or irritate your skin. You can reduce these issues by also using a moisturizer.
6. Use Moisturizer When You Have to Itch
When you feel like you have to scratch your skin, get your moisturizer. Gently apply it to the itchy psoriasis area.
7. Avoid Hot Baths and Showers
If you take a hot shower or bath, you might end up with itchier skin. Instead, go for a cool shower, which might help reduce the burning sensation.
8. Try a Cool Compress
If you put a cool compress on your skin, you might reduce the itchiness. The nerves that tell your brain you need to itch do not work quite as well when they are cold.
Closing Thoughts for Itchy Psoriasis
It can be highly tempting to itch your skin when you have psoriasis. But remember that it can do more harm than good. Instead, try one of these tips and talk to a dermatologist at Complete Family Dermatology. Our team will focus on relieving your symptoms and making sure you stay comfortable in your skin. To schedule an appointment, please call 402-423-1111 or visit our website.
