How to Relieve Itching From Psoriasis and What Causes It

Medically Reviewed By Bukky Aremu, APRN

There are many options to ease psoriasis itchiness. They range from home remedies such as moisturizing to over-the-counter and prescription medical treatments. “Psoriasis” comes from the Greek word for “itching.” Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes dry, thick, scaly skin that can feel itchy.

Self-care tips and medical treatments can help manage the condition. This article examines ways to relieve itchiness associated with psoriasis, why psoriasis causes itchiness, and when to contact a doctor.

What home remedies provide relief from psoriasis itch?

A person is moisturizing their leg.
Nuria Seguí/Stocksy United

Various home remedies can help alleviate itchiness caused by psoriasis.

Apply moisturizer

Moisturizing daily keeps inflamed, flaking skin moist, which helps manage psoriasis. Consider a thick moisturizer with anti-inflammatory products.

Try to avoid moisturizing lotions that contain fragrances or perfume — these can irritate the skin. Also, products labeled “unscented” may still contain chemicals that can aggravate psoriasis.

Bathe in warm water

Hot water dries the skin, so consider bathing or showering in warm water.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends limiting showers to no more than 5 minutes and baths to no more than 15 minutes.

Always apply moisturizer after washing to help lock in moisturizer.

Take a salt or oatmeal bath

Consider bathing in colloidal oatmeal or Dead Sea salts. These can help soothe itchiness and may soften scales and flakes, making them easier to remove.

Apply a cool pack

A cold pack or cool compress may help soothe itchy patches. Also, avoid applying ice directly to the skin. Instead, wrap the ice or cool pack in a clean towel and apply it to itchy skin.

Reduce stress

Stress can cause psoriasis flares that make itching worse. A 2018 study found that stress triggered psoriasis in 31–88% Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of cases. Finding a relaxing activity may help alleviate itchiness and other symptoms of psoriasis.

Use a humidifier

Dry, warm weather naturally triggers itching. A humidifier in your home can keep the air and your skin moist.

Adjust your diet

Although there’s no specific psoriasis diet, identifying foods that may trigger your symptoms can help. Try keeping a food diary and noting when your symptoms flare or worsen.

Your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory eating plan or refer you to a dietitian who can help you create an eating plan that includes foods such as:

  • leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach
  • tomatoes
  • nuts such as walnuts and almonds
  • some fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and cherries
  • fatty fish such as tuna, sardines, salmon, and mackerel
  • olive oil

Are there any medical treatments for psoriasis itch?

Medical treatments for psoriasis may help soothe itchy skin.

Keratolytic products

Over-the-counter (OTC) products containing keratolytic may help remove scales and alleviate related itchiness. OTC keratolytic products contain ingredients such as:

  • salicylic acid
  • lactic acid
  • phenol
  • urea

Topical corticosteroids

Your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids, a cream that can help reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness.

Vitamin D

Synthetic vitamin D, or vitamin D analog, may treat psoriasis. It’s a modified version of vitamin D supplements that your doctor may prescribe specifically to reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors

Topical calcineurin inhibitors are prescription creams that may help alleviate psoriasis on thinner areas of the skin. Your doctor may recommend applying topical calcineurin inhibitors to your:

  • face
  • neck
  • body folds

Roflumilast cream

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Roflumilast cream for treating mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis.

The topical medication can help soothe itchy skin and clear up areas of psoriasis, including in the body folds. You will typically apply the skin daily.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, uses UVB lights to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. Improving symptoms with phototherapy may help with managing itchiness.

A dermatologist can provide phototherapy and answer your questions.

Oral medications

If psoriasis affects a large area of your body, your doctor may prescribe oral medication. Possible medications include:

  • apremilast
  • biologics
  • cyclosporine
  • JAK inhibitors
  • methotrexate
  • retinoid pills

Why does psoriasis cause itchiness?

Psoriasis causes itchiness as a result of inflammation. Inflammation can cause raised plaques or scaly skin, which can feel dry and itchy.

Inflammation is the result of an overactive immune system. Skin cell growth happens too quickly, meaning skin cells do not have enough time to grow and fall off the skin completely. This typically occurs within a month, but with psoriasis, it can take only 3–4 days.

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor or dermatologist if you have concerns about psoriasis or want to discuss your current treatment plan. They can advise on symptom management and recommend medical treatments.

Summary

Home remedies such as applying a thick moisturizer or a cool pack and using a humidifier can help alleviate itchiness caused by psoriasis.

Bathing in warm water and colloidal oatmeal or Dead Sea salts may help provide relief. Managing stress and avoiding foods that cause inflammation may also help reduce flare-ups.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend medical treatments. These include OTC products containing keratolytic, topical ointments, and synthetic vitamin D. Oral medication and phototherapy are other options.

Contact your doctor if you have concerns about psoriasis. They can recommend self-care tips and medical treatments to help you manage psoriasis symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

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Medical Reviewer: Bukky Aremu, APRN
Last Review Date: 2023 Mar 23
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