Ditch the Itch: Psoriasis Skin Care Tips

Psoriasis can affect your day-to-day life in so many ways, from the physical discomfort and itchiness to the emotional discomfort of either trying to cover your symptoms or knowing people can see them. The first line of defense, of course, is to have a great dermatologist who understands your psoriasis and can give you specialized care to ease your symptoms, whether that includes prescriptions, in-office treatments, or other techniques.

But on top of following your dermatologist’s treatment, your skin care practices can help your psoriasis too. Check out these skin care tips for ditching the itch (or at least turning down the volume on it) if you have psoriasis.

Prioritize Hydration

When your skin gets dry, it makes the itchiness of psoriasis worse, and skin with psoriasis is especially prone to dryness and irritation. For that reason, hydration should be a primary goal in your skin care. For each step of your skin care routine, choose products that are designed to be hydrating, like a hydrating cleanser as opposed to a harsher traditional cleanser. Remember to also moisturize after every shower or bath and to use hand cream every time you wash your hands.

Be Wise About Showers and Baths

As refreshing and necessary as showers and baths are, it’s easy for them to dry out your skin and make your psoriasis worse. You don’t necessarily have to cut down on bathing, you just have to be smart about it. Use strategies like:

• Use warm water instead of hot water
• Limit showers to 5-10 minutes each
• Use a hydrating body wash rather than a harsher soap
• Pat yourself dry rather than rubbing your skin with a towel
• Apply moisturizer right afterward

These simple habit changes can make sure you’re squeaky clean without compromising your skin health.

Have Itch-Relief Techniques Ready When You Need Them

You already know that when your psoriasis is itchy, scratching isn’t healthy for your skin. Instead of gritting your teeth until the itch passes, have some techniques available in case you need them. For example, applying some moisturizer on the itchy area instead of scratching it can ease the itch. Another helpful strategy is applying something cold like a damp, cool washcloth to the area, because the cold will limit the nerves that trigger the itch.

Try Petroleum Jelly

Sometimes you’re having a particularly itchy flare-up, and traditional moisturizer just isn’t cutting it. When that happens, try petroleum jelly. This drugstore staple does a powerful job of locking in moisture, easing scaly or cracked skin, and reducing the itch. Better yet, you can even double up – apply your go-to moisturizer first and then the petroleum jelly on top of it. The petroleum jelly will act as a second moisture barrier and help your moisturizer to be even more effective.

Soak Up Some Sun

Did you know that sunlight can help psoriasis symptoms by slowing the rapid cell turnover? In fact, there are some in-office procedures that use UV light in specialized ways to treat psoriasis.

You can take advantage of that knowledge by giving yourself a little time in the sun. You don’t need much – even just 20 or 30 minutes a day will be helpful. Ideally, go outside when the sun isn’t at its most intense for the day (aim to go outside either before 10am or after 4pm), and put sunscreen on exposed areas that don’t have psoriasis symptoms, because you don’t want to add the itch of a sunburn.

Kick the Nicotine

If you use nicotine, whether it’s cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco, or other forms, you might not realize it but it’s probably making your psoriasis worse. Nicotine can be a direct trigger for some people with psoriasis. Even if it’s not, it increases inflammation which strengthens your psoriasis symptoms. If the idea of quitting entirely sounds too intimidating, some studies have found that just reducing the amount of nicotine you use can lower the impact on your psoriasis.

Choose Alcohol-Free Skin Care and Avoid Other Irritants

When you have psoriasis, you don’t need any further irritation to your skin because it’s already sensitive. So, when shopping for skin care or personal care products, you want to avoid certain ingredients that can be harsh on your skin.

Alcohol is a biggie. It’s common in some skin care products like toners and some cleansers, but it can be very drying, which can make your psoriasis symptoms worse. Grab an alcohol-free toner instead. You should also steer clear of other notorious irritants like fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Have Your Dermatologist Audit Your Skin Care Products

There are so many skin care ingredients that can be potentially irritating for psoriasis that it can be difficult to know what you’re using that might be setting you back. Your dermatologist probably can’t give you a comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid, but at your next appointment, bring in the skin care products you use regularly and ask your dermatologist to take a look and let you know if any of them are counterproductive for your psoriasis.

Teaming Up with the Pros to Treat Your Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be a very impactful medical condition, and the best way to manage your symptoms is through a team effort between you, your dermatologist, and any other medical professionals who are involved in your care. The tips above can help you do your part in reducing your itch and other psoriasis symptoms from day to day.