How to reduce itching due to psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs due to an immune system disorder that leads to increased inflammation in the skin. Skin cells proliferate and differentiate at an unusually fast rate from the bottom layer to the top layer of the skin. They fall off in about 7 days, 3-4 times faster than normal, creating thick patches of peeling, rough, scaly skin.

Dr. Ly Thien Phuc, specialist in Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said itching is one of the common unpleasant symptoms of psoriasis, reducing people’s quality of life. disease, besides peeling skin. The reason is that the skin’s protective barrier is weak, allowing allergens from the environment to penetrate, leading to itching.

An increase in inflammatory substances in skin lesions increases the sensitivity of nerve fibers, thereby exacerbating the itching sensation. “Many patients cannot stand the itching and scratching, causing scratches and damage to the skin, making it susceptible to infection and multiple infections, making the disease worse,” said Dr. Phuc.

Dr. Phuc guides patients on how to control itching caused by psoriasis.

Use medication as directed

Psoriasis treatment medications such as oral medications and topical medications often contain ingredients that reduce inflammation and itching, or are prescribed by a doctor along with itch-reducing medications. Antihistamines not only have an impact on the pathophysiological mechanisms related to itching but also have a sedative effect, helping patients feel more comfortable and sleep better.

Topical corticosteroids can be used to both treat psoriatic skin lesions and reduce inflammation to help relieve itching. However, it is necessary to use oral and topical medications as prescribed by your doctor to avoid systemic and local side effects such as thinning of the skin and vasodilation.

Moisturizes the skin enough

Dr. Phuc said that moisturizing products are almost always given priority in the parallel prescription of psoriasis treatment drugs. Psoriasis skin suffers negative effects from the inflammatory process. The skin’s protective barrier is easily damaged, leading to increased water loss through the skin, so the skin is more easily irritated by environmental factors.

Therefore, regular moisturizing not only helps the skin significantly reduce water loss and soften, but also creates an artificial skin protective barrier, thereby reducing symptoms of itching, scaling and dermatitis. Patients should apply moisturizer all over their body after bathing. Cover the moisturizer area by wearing socks and gloves to keep moisture on the skin longer and reduce scratching. If the climate where you live is dry, you can use a humidifier for the air.

Limit scratching

Scratching helps relieve itchy skin temporarily, but this action actually causes further damage to the skin and activates nerve fibers in the skin, making it more itchy, according to Dr. Phuc. People with psoriasis can quickly and easily reduce itching by applying cold compresses with ice packs and applying cold towels to their bodies. However, each time you should only use it for less than 10 minutes and there should be a break between uses to avoid cold burns on your skin. After applying a cool compress, the patient can use additional moisturizer to enhance the moisturizing effect and soothe the skin.

To avoid scratching, cover the affected area with long-sleeved clothing or thick cotton gloves. Do not peel or pick at lesions or scabs because they cause bleeding, infection and aggravate the condition. You should cut your nails and sharpen the sharp edges to avoid damaging the skin when scratching unconsciously.

Avoid exposure to high temperatures

Bathing in too hot water or frequent exposure to sunlight, especially between 8am and 4pm, when heat and UV rays are at their peak, dehydrate the skin. High environmental temperatures make the skin hot, sweating, causing more pain and itching.

Doctor Phuc recommends that patients bathe with water at a temperature equal to or lower than body temperature. Do not use cosmetics such as shower gel, facial cleanser, hand sanitizer that have strong cleaning properties or contain alcohol or fragrance.

Choose clothes that are soft, absorb sweat well, and are not studded with stones or beads… to help reduce rubbing and itchy skin. Turning on fans and air conditioners to cool the body during recurring psoriasis also helps reduce itching and discomfort. People with psoriasis should abstain from alcoholic beverages and caffeine, tobacco, and limit stress because it can trigger psoriasis flare-ups along with itching.