A Few Self-Care Tips to Manage Psoriasis Itch and Scaling

From psoriasis.org

Pair these self-care tips with proper treatment to feel more in control of your skin 

If you’re reading this, chances are you know the relentless itch and the troublesome scaling of psoriasis. About 80% of people with psoriasis experience itching, and up to 90% say these symptoms affect their quality of life, from sleep to social activities, according to a study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

The good news: When combined with proper treatment, a little self-care and self-love can go a long way toward managing psoriasis itch and scaling. Here, we’ll explain why these symptoms happen and steps to get some much-needed relief.

Why Does Psoriasis Itch and Scale?

Understanding what’s happening in your body can help make sense of these frustrating skin symptoms.

The science behind the itch

Itch is a major part of psoriasis. It’s even in the literal meaning of the word – “psora” means “itch” in Greek – and yet this symptom is often overlooked and underappreciated.

When it comes to psoriasis, itch – which is called pruritus in the medical community – is more than dry skin. According to a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the exact mechanisms that make skin affected by psoriasis so itchy are unknown, but we do know the process involves the activation of nerve fibres peripherally (on the outside of the body). The itch of psoriasis is most often associated with the area of the lesions, and often, the more a lesion is scratched, the more severe the itch becomes.

This itch-scratch cycle can also be psychological. Triggers like stress, anxiety, or even seeing someone else scratch can play a role. (Hopefully, reading this isn’t making you itch more!).

Why scaling happens

Scaling happens because psoriasis speeds up your skin’s natural renewal process, shortening the time it takes for skin cells to regenerate, causing them to pile up and form thick, dry, flaky scales that can crack and feel itchy.

How to Ease Psoriasis Itch and Manage Scaling

Pair these self-care strategies with your prescribed treatment plan to help ease your discomfort.

Don’t scratch, distract yourself

We know – it is so much easier said than done. Yet scratching never satisfies the itch, and it can lead to open wounds, raising your risk of infection.

Instead, try redirecting your attention by:

• Applying a cold compress for a few minutes.
• Going for a brisk walk.
• Doing some gentle stretching.
• Using a stress ball or fidget toy.
• Picking up a book or putting on a podcast.
• Practicing deep breathing.

If night-time itch is a problem, consider wearing cotton gloves to bed and always keep your nails trimmed and smooth.  

Moisturize when it counts

Moisturizing is a key part of any psoriasis self-care routine – and consistency matters. Use a fragrance-free cream, lotion, or ointment after hand-washing or bathing to lock in moisture. For added relief, you can gently pat it onto itchy areas to calm the urge to scratch, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

When choosing a product, check for the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition to ensure it's safe for psoriasis skin.

Rethink your shower routine

If long, steamy showers are your go-to, it might be time to adjust your bathing routine. Hot water strips natural oils from your skin and can inflame the surface of the skin. The result? Potentially dry and flare-prone skin.

• Use warm (not hot) water.
• Choose unscented, soap-free cleansers.
• Lather using your hands, not a harsh loofah or washcloth.
• Shower for under 5 minutes and keep baths under 15 minutes
• Blot gently with a towel to dry off, rather than rubbing.
• Moisturize while skin is still slightly damp.

Pay attention to stress

Managing stress is a big part of psoriasis self-care, especially since it’s a known trigger, resulting in skin flare-ups for nearly 90% of people with psoriasis, according to a study in the International Journal of Dermatology. It can also intensify itch and make it harder to cope.

Work with your health care provider to find a stress-reducing technique that works for you:

• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Journaling
• Gentle movement like yoga or stretching
• Support groups (in person or online)

Focus on healthier habits

Like most, you probably aren’t eating a perfectly healthy diet and completely avoiding alcohol, vaping, or cigarettes; however, small, consistent choices do count when it comes to supporting your skin, so perhaps a bit of moderation or adjustment could help your symptoms? Try one of these to get started:

• Cut down on processed foods and go for a mostly Mediterranean-style diet with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Limit alcohol, which can trigger and aggravate psoriasis flares, dry out skin, and even make some medications less effective. Some mixed studies even suggest alcohol can increase psoriasis itch.
• Skip smoking, tied to more severe disease (more itchy scales) and can worsen related conditions (or comorbidities) like cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

Focused, regular self-care might not stop every flare-up or completely eliminate the itch or scaling, but it can help reduce surface inflammation, soothe skin, and improve your overall well-being. Use these ideas as inspiration and find what works for you and your psoriasis.

https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/self-care-tips-for-psoriasis-itch-and-scaling/