Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome RemediesOTC TreatmentsPrescription MedicationsPhototherapyTriggersDiet
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Home Remedies
OTC Treatments
Prescription Medications
Phototherapy
Triggers
Diet
Topical prescription medications, oral medications, and home remedies are not the only ways to manage skin pain withpsoriasis. You can also avoid psoriasis triggers, such as the weather, foods you eat, skin trauma, and stress. Frequent moisturizing and lukewarm baths to soften scales should also help.
An autoimmune disease,psoriasiscauses itchy, scaly patches of skin, most commonly on theknees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Nearly 90% of people with psoriasis experience itching, skin discomfort, and increased sensitivity to pain.Although it is a lifelong condition, symptoms can often be controlled with appropriate therapies.
2:076 Myths About Psoriasis
2:07
6 Myths About Psoriasis
Home Remedies for Psoriasis Pain
Even when you can’t avoid flares, you can find ways to cope and treat skin pain. Here are some at-home remedies for psoriasis pain:
Can You Put Ice on Psoriasis?Yes, applying ice or cold packs to psoriasis can temporarily relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and numb pain. To avoid hurting your skin, wrap the ice in a cloth and limit each application to about 10 to 15 minutes to prevent skin irritation.
Can You Put Ice on Psoriasis?
Yes, applying ice or cold packs to psoriasis can temporarily relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and numb pain. To avoid hurting your skin, wrap the ice in a cloth and limit each application to about 10 to 15 minutes to prevent skin irritation.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Over-the-counter treatments are commonly used in addition to home remedies to reduce psoriasis pain and other skin symptoms. Options include:
Can You Put Vaseline on Psoriasis?Yes, you can applyVaselineto psoriasis skin. As an emollient, Vaseline can help keep the skin moist and reduce dryness. It can lower scaling and itching and make the skin feel softer. By softening the skin, it can also increase the absorption and effectiveness of other psoriasis medications.
Can You Put Vaseline on Psoriasis?
Yes, you can applyVaselineto psoriasis skin. As an emollient, Vaseline can help keep the skin moist and reduce dryness. It can lower scaling and itching and make the skin feel softer. By softening the skin, it can also increase the absorption and effectiveness of other psoriasis medications.
If home remedies and OTC treatments are unable to manage psoriasis skin pain, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication. Prescription treatments for psoriasis include topical, oral, and injectable medications including:
How to Stop Burning Skin From PsoriasisSeveral over-the-counter options can help control burning skin from psoriasis. Ask your healthcare provider about treatments that contain ingredients like menthol and pramoxine. A colloidal oatmeal bath can be very helpful for soothing irritated, burning skin.
How to Stop Burning Skin From Psoriasis
Several over-the-counter options can help control burning skin from psoriasis. Ask your healthcare provider about treatments that contain ingredients like menthol and pramoxine. A colloidal oatmeal bath can be very helpful for soothing irritated, burning skin.
Phototherapy for Psoriasis Pain
Phototherapy—exposing the skin to ultraviolet light—is used to treat psoriasis flare-ups. Research shows phototherapy helps to relieve skin pain and other symptoms of psoriasis.
Also known as light therapy, phototherapy is typically performed in a dermatologist’s office using artificial light or lasers. In some cases, patients may be prescribed a portable device for treatment at home.
Ultraviolet (UV) light-based therapies include:
Avoiding Psoriasis Triggers
Avoiding triggers forpsoriasis flare-upscan help to prevent skin pain, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.Many people with psoriasis report the following common psoriasis triggers:
Managing Psoriasis With Diet
Because psoriasis is an inflammatory disease,your dietmight play a part in triggering inflammation and triggers.Foods that may promote inflammation and worsen psoriasis skin symptoms include:
Eating a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods may help to reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups. Anti-inflammatory foods include:
Talk to your healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your psoriasis management plan.
Summary
Psoriasis pain stems from inflammation of the skin and abnormal functioning of sensory nerves. However, there are several options for managing skin pain with psoriasis.
If these remedies don’t work, talk to your healthcare provider about prescription medications or phototherapy. You can try to avoid triggers and stick to a psoriasis-friendly diet.
A Word From VerywellWhile psoriasis may be asymptomatic, it can, in some cases, lead to itching or pain. Regardless of symptoms, psoriasis has been shown to impact quality of life and can also impact one’s mental health. For this reason, it’s important to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to better understand treatment options.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
While psoriasis may be asymptomatic, it can, in some cases, lead to itching or pain. Regardless of symptoms, psoriasis has been shown to impact quality of life and can also impact one’s mental health. For this reason, it’s important to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to better understand treatment options.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
While psoriasis may be asymptomatic, it can, in some cases, lead to itching or pain. Regardless of symptoms, psoriasis has been shown to impact quality of life and can also impact one’s mental health. For this reason, it’s important to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to better understand treatment options.
—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
15 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.Zhang X, He Y.The role of nociceptive neurons in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1984. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01984University of Michigan Health-Sparrow.Psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter (OTC) topicals.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ice packs vs. warm compresses for pain.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.Bartholomew E, Chung M, Yeroushalmi S, Hakimi M, Bhutani T, Liao W.Mindfulness and meditation for psoriasis: a systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(10):2273-2283. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00802-1American Academy of Dermatology Association.What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription?Maroto-Morales D, Gyulai R, Carrascosa J.Study of skin barrier function in psoriasis: The impact of emollients.Life (Basel). 2021 Jul;11(7):651. doi:10.3390/life11070651National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Psorsiasis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Han J, Kim H.Itch-relieving cosmetics.Cosmetics. 2024;11(14):114. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11040114Elmets CA, Lim HW, Stoff B, et al.Joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(3):775-804. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.042. Erratum in: JAm Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):780.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?Pascoe VL, Kimball AB.Seasonal variation of acne and psoriasis: a 3-year study using the Physician Global Assessment severity scale.J Am Acad Dermatol.2015;73(3):523-5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.001Ji YZ, Liu SR.Koebner phenomenon leading to the formation of new psoriatic lesions: evidences and mechanisms.Biosci Rep. 2019;39(12):BSR20193266. doi:10.1042/BSR20193266National Psoriasis Foundation.Dietary modifications.
15 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.Zhang X, He Y.The role of nociceptive neurons in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1984. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01984University of Michigan Health-Sparrow.Psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter (OTC) topicals.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ice packs vs. warm compresses for pain.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.Bartholomew E, Chung M, Yeroushalmi S, Hakimi M, Bhutani T, Liao W.Mindfulness and meditation for psoriasis: a systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(10):2273-2283. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00802-1American Academy of Dermatology Association.What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription?Maroto-Morales D, Gyulai R, Carrascosa J.Study of skin barrier function in psoriasis: The impact of emollients.Life (Basel). 2021 Jul;11(7):651. doi:10.3390/life11070651National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Psorsiasis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Han J, Kim H.Itch-relieving cosmetics.Cosmetics. 2024;11(14):114. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11040114Elmets CA, Lim HW, Stoff B, et al.Joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(3):775-804. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.042. Erratum in: JAm Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):780.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?Pascoe VL, Kimball AB.Seasonal variation of acne and psoriasis: a 3-year study using the Physician Global Assessment severity scale.J Am Acad Dermatol.2015;73(3):523-5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.001Ji YZ, Liu SR.Koebner phenomenon leading to the formation of new psoriatic lesions: evidences and mechanisms.Biosci Rep. 2019;39(12):BSR20193266. doi:10.1042/BSR20193266National Psoriasis Foundation.Dietary modifications.
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.
Zhang X, He Y.The role of nociceptive neurons in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1984. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01984University of Michigan Health-Sparrow.Psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter (OTC) topicals.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ice packs vs. warm compresses for pain.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.Bartholomew E, Chung M, Yeroushalmi S, Hakimi M, Bhutani T, Liao W.Mindfulness and meditation for psoriasis: a systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(10):2273-2283. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00802-1American Academy of Dermatology Association.What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription?Maroto-Morales D, Gyulai R, Carrascosa J.Study of skin barrier function in psoriasis: The impact of emollients.Life (Basel). 2021 Jul;11(7):651. doi:10.3390/life11070651National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Psorsiasis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Han J, Kim H.Itch-relieving cosmetics.Cosmetics. 2024;11(14):114. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11040114Elmets CA, Lim HW, Stoff B, et al.Joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(3):775-804. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.042. Erratum in: JAm Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):780.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?Pascoe VL, Kimball AB.Seasonal variation of acne and psoriasis: a 3-year study using the Physician Global Assessment severity scale.J Am Acad Dermatol.2015;73(3):523-5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.001Ji YZ, Liu SR.Koebner phenomenon leading to the formation of new psoriatic lesions: evidences and mechanisms.Biosci Rep. 2019;39(12):BSR20193266. doi:10.1042/BSR20193266National Psoriasis Foundation.Dietary modifications.
Zhang X, He Y.The role of nociceptive neurons in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1984. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01984
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow.Psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter (OTC) topicals.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ice packs vs. warm compresses for pain.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.
Bartholomew E, Chung M, Yeroushalmi S, Hakimi M, Bhutani T, Liao W.Mindfulness and meditation for psoriasis: a systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(10):2273-2283. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00802-1
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription?
Maroto-Morales D, Gyulai R, Carrascosa J.Study of skin barrier function in psoriasis: The impact of emollients.Life (Basel). 2021 Jul;11(7):651. doi:10.3390/life11070651
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Psorsiasis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
Han J, Kim H.Itch-relieving cosmetics.Cosmetics. 2024;11(14):114. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11040114
Elmets CA, Lim HW, Stoff B, et al.Joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(3):775-804. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.042. Erratum in: JAm Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):780.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?
Pascoe VL, Kimball AB.Seasonal variation of acne and psoriasis: a 3-year study using the Physician Global Assessment severity scale.J Am Acad Dermatol.2015;73(3):523-5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.001
Ji YZ, Liu SR.Koebner phenomenon leading to the formation of new psoriatic lesions: evidences and mechanisms.Biosci Rep. 2019;39(12):BSR20193266. doi:10.1042/BSR20193266
National Psoriasis Foundation.Dietary modifications.
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