Amid the dizzying array oftreatments available for psoriasis, moisturizing is the only therapy that can helpallpatients, regardless of the severity of their skin lesions. A daily moisturizing regimen is simply essential for people withpsoriasis. If you have psoriasis, you want to keep your existing patches from worsening and help to prevent future outbreaks.
Amoisturizer—whether in the form of a lotion, cream, oil, or ointment—serves double duty in the fight against psoriasis, an immune-system condition that causes skin cells to reproduce far more rapidly than normal. About 6 million Americans, or 2 percent of the population, suffer from psoriasis. It can strike at any age but peaks in early and late adulthood.
It usually produces itchy, inflamed skin lesions anywhere on the body, though it is most common on the elbows, knees, and scalp. Although it is not curable, many available medications can help controlsymptoms, including topical creams, ultraviolet light therapy, oral medication, and injectable medicines known as biologics.
Wirestock / Getty Images
However, no matter which therapy is used, regular moisturizing will also improve all other benefits. First, skin that is consistently moisturized—in addition to simply feeling better—is also stronger and more able to keep cracking and other damage at bay. For a significant number of people with psoriasis, even minor skin damage can lead to a flare-up in the same location, a trigger known as theKoebner phenomenon. As a result, it’s recommended that you don’t scrub your psoriasis patches too vigorously.
The Best Moisturizers for Psoriasis
So which moisturizers work best?
A general rule of thumb is that oils and ointments lock in skin moisture more effectively than creams—which, in turn, do this better than lotions.
Here’s a guide to the terms you may come across while reading over-the-counter moisturizer labels:
Establish a Treatment Routine
People with psoriasis who establish a daily bathing and moisturizing routine will find that doing so not only minimizes scaling, but also helpsalleviate itchingand keeps psoriasis patches looking as good as possible. According to Doris J. Day, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center, this routine should include a 10- to 15-minute soak in warm bath water (nothot, because it saps moisture from the skin). The bath can include sloughing off scales with a loofah sponge or washcloth, if necessary.
After bathing, pat skin lightly to dry and then moisturize immediately, Day advises. Patients may want to use heavier creams, ointments, or oils at night and lighter lotions in the morning. Twice-daily moisturizing sessions are optimal.
SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.“Camouflage and Cover-ups.“Psoriasis.org. Oct 2005. National Psoriasis Foundation.“Dry Skin.“University of Maryland Medical Center. 18 Jul 2007. University of Maryland Medical Center.“Emollients and Moisturizers.“Psoriasis.org. 2008. National Psoriasis Foundation.Doris J. Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, NYU Medical Center. Phone interview.
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.“Camouflage and Cover-ups.“Psoriasis.org. Oct 2005. National Psoriasis Foundation.“Dry Skin.“University of Maryland Medical Center. 18 Jul 2007. University of Maryland Medical Center.“Emollients and Moisturizers.“Psoriasis.org. 2008. National Psoriasis Foundation.Doris J. Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, NYU Medical Center. Phone interview.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
“Camouflage and Cover-ups.“Psoriasis.org. Oct 2005. National Psoriasis Foundation.“Dry Skin.“University of Maryland Medical Center. 18 Jul 2007. University of Maryland Medical Center.“Emollients and Moisturizers.“Psoriasis.org. 2008. National Psoriasis Foundation.Doris J. Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, NYU Medical Center. Phone interview.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
