7 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis

Many people say that the itch is the most bothersome of all their psoriasis symptoms. To relieve the itch, dermatologists give their patients the following tips:

1. Treat your psoriasis. The best way to get rid of the itch is to treat psoriasis

2. Limit shower time. Limit showers to 5 minutes and baths to 15 minutes or less. Spending too much time in the water can dry your skin, which can worsen the itch.

3. Use moisturizer. Applying a moisturizing cream or ointment after every hand washing, bath, and shower helps to seal much-needed moisture into your skin. Moisturizer helps reduce the redness and the itch. It also helps your skin heal.

4. Try an itch-relieving product. You can buy many of these without a prescription. Ones that contain menthol, or camphor tend to work best for itchy psoriasis.

Some of these products can irritate your skin or make it drier. Using a moisturizer helps reduce the dryness.

5. Moisturize instead of scratch. Grab your moisturizer when you have the urge to scratch. Instead of scratching, gently apply moisturizer to the itchy skin.

6. Use warm water. Stick to warm water for baths and showers.

7. Apply a cool, damp washcloth. Placing something cool on the itchy skin can reduce the itch. The nerves that send itch signals to the brain don't work as well when they are cold.

References
Szepietowski JC, Reich A. “Pruritus in psoriasis: An update.” Eur J Pain. 2015 Sep 28. doi: 10.1002/ejp.768. [Epub ahead of print].

Written by:
Paula Ludmann, MS

Last updated: 3/23/23