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Managing Your Psoriasis

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A Guide to Psoriasis Scars

Medically Reviewed By Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C

Psoriasis does not directly cause scarring. However, intense itching or discomfort that leads to scratching or rubbing of psoriasis lesions can cause scarring. Some scars fade on their own. Others may require treatments such as topical medications or laser surgery. Psoriasis scars are manageable. There are a variety of treatment options to help reduce the appearance of scars on the skin. Your doctor can help you decide which treatments may work best for you.

Read on to learn more about psoriasis scars. This article explains why psoriasis scars form, the types, and how to manage them.

Psoriasis and scarring

A woman applying sunscreen to her arm
Photography by Marc Tran/Getty Images

Psoriasis is a chronic condition in which extra skin cells build up quickly on the skin. This causes scaly, discolored patches to form. Psoriasis can affect any area of the body. However, it most commonly affects Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source the skin on the scalp, lower back, knees, and elbows.

Psoriasis itself does not cause scar tissue to form. The symptoms of psoriasis include dry, cracked, or intensely itchy skin. This can lead to frequent scratching or rubbing. Scars may form as a result.

Scar formation depends on several factors:

  • size and location of the lesions
  • your general health and age
  • how likely you are to scar

Many people living with psoriasis experience flare-ups, when symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission.

Types of psoriasis scars

People with psoriasis may develop two types of scars:

Scars are a natural part of the healing process, but they can cause embarrassment or discomfort. This may be especially true for psoriasis on the hands or face. Scars may be tender, painful, or itchy. They may cause you to become anxious about their appearance.

If psoriasis scars are impacting your quality of life, talk with your dermatologist about possible treatment options.

Learn more about preventing keloid scars.

Psoriasis scar treatments

For many people, scars fade over time but never entirely go away. However, medical and surgical treatments exist to help reduce the appearance of scars, including those caused by scratching.

Less severe scar treatments

Your dermatologist may recommend these treatments if scarring is less severe:

  • Topical medications: You apply these medications directly to your skin. They can include corticosteroids or other antihistamines to help reduce itching and prevent inflammation.
  • Injectable medications: Certain injectable medications, such as corticosteroids, may help Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source reduce the size of larger hypertrophic or keloid scars. Your doctor may decide to use this treatment alone or in combination with other therapies.

In addition, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on scars. This can reduce discoloration and help scars fade.

More severe scar treatments

If your scars are more severe, your doctor may recommend certain procedures to help improve their appearance. These procedures include:

  • Dermabrasion: Your doctor removes the upper layers of skin with a special tool. New skin grows to cover the area. Following dermabrasion, your skin may look and feel smoother.
  • Laser surgery: Your doctor may use a type of laser to lighten the scar color or help flatten it. This treatment may also improve range of motion if scar tissue is making movement difficult.
  • Cryosurgery: Your doctor uses a cold substance to freeze a scar while sparing the skin underneath. This may only be effective for small scars. Cryosurgery also may be Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source associated with lightening in skin pigmentation in people with darker skin tones.
  • Other surgical options: If necessary, your doctor may elect to perform surgery to remove scar tissue. Following the procedure, your doctor will carefully close the new wound to ensure that minimal new scar tissue forms. Scar revision, or surgery to reduce scars, can help restore range of motion and improve the appearance of scar tissue.

Learn more about scar revision surgery.

Psoriasis scar prevention

Managing psoriasis may help to prevent scar tissue from forming. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan as closely as possible.

In addition, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Go to source recommends managing psoriasis symptoms by:

  • identifying and avoiding triggers, including cold weather or infections
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • not smoking
  • limiting alcohol intake
  • protecting skin from the sun
  • keeping skin well moisturized
  • joining a support group
  • visiting a mental health professional if you experience anxiety or depression

Learn more about at-home and medical treatments for psoriasis.

Summary

Psoriasis scars can be frustrating to live with, but a variety of treatment options can reduce the appearance of scars.

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the scars. Your dermatologist may recommend topical treatment, injectable medications, or surgical procedures.

If psoriasis scars are impacting your quality of life, talk with your doctor about treatment options.

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  1. McGinty, S., et al. (2022). Keloid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507899/
  2. Nair, P. A., et al. (2022). Psoriasis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448194/
  3. O’Boyle, C. P., et al. (2017). Intralesional cryotherapy for hypertrophic scars and keloids: a review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5965337/
  4. Proper wound care: How to minimize a scar. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
  5. Psoriasis: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take. (2020). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
  6. Scars. (2017). https://medlineplus.gov/scars.html
  7. Scars: Diagnosis and treatment. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-treatment
  8. Schmieder, S. J., et al. (2022). Hypertrophic scarring. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470176/

Medical Reviewer: Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C
Last Review Date: 2023 May 17
View All Managing Your Psoriasis Articles
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.