Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Psoriasis ItchesWhat Makes It WorseTreatmentWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Psoriasis Itches
What Makes It Worse
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Psoriasiscan cause anitchy, scaly rash on your skin. Some itchy rashes are temporary, but psoriasis is a chronic, lifelong skin condition. It can lead to changes in your skin that cause you physical and mental discomfort. People often say the itching from psoriasis feels like burning and can be very painful.
Psoriasis may not itch all the time and some types of psoriasis rarely itch. If you live with psoriasis, you might find some flare-ups itchier than others or notice that some feel worse at night.
This article covers why psoriasis itches, what triggers can make it worse, and what you can do to get relief.
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Photos of Psoriasis
Why Does Psoriasis Itch?
It’s not known why psoriasis causesitching, but it might happen the same way that other itches do.
Infections, allergies, chronic diseases, drugs, and evenpregnancycan make your skin itch.
While misfiring cells explain why an allergic rash is so itchy, it is unclear why an itch happens with non-allergic conditions like psoriasis.
Scientists do know that there are a lot of nociceptors between the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the layer of skin just below it (thedermis). This is also the place where psoriasis starts.
What Makes Psoriasis Itching Worse?
Psoriasis may not itch all the time—or at all. Some forms of psoriasis (like plaque psoriasis) tend to be more likely to itch than others, and some flare-ups will cause worse itching than others. Psoriasis can also be mistaken foreczema, which also causes itchy skin.
Psoriasis Triggers
There are certain things in your life and environment that can trigger flare-ups of psoriasis and make itching worse.
Each person with the condition may have their own set of triggers, butcommon psoriasis triggerscan include:
Try Not to ScratchScratching itchypsoriasiscan make the condition worse, lead to infections, and cause scarring.Scratching an itchy psoriasis rash can also cause new lesions to form (Koebner response).
Try Not to Scratch
Scratching itchypsoriasiscan make the condition worse, lead to infections, and cause scarring.Scratching an itchy psoriasis rash can also cause new lesions to form (Koebner response).
How to Get Relief From Itchy Skin
How to Treat Psoriasis Itch
One of the most important parts ofliving with psoriasisand managing your symptoms is figuring out what your triggers are and trying to avoid them.
For example, you might find the itching from psoriasis starts up or gets worse when you’re stressed, or during the cold, dry winter months.
There are also many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments you can try to get relief from psoriasis itching. Some are calledantipruritics, meaning that they treat the itch itself. Others treat skin dryness and flakiness that can make itching worse.
OTC and Prescription Treatments for Psoriasis Itch
Some common anti-itch remedies for psoriasis include:
Psoriasis Treatment Options
Home Remedies for Psoriasis Itch
You might want to try some home remedies for psoriasis itch, such as:
If you’ve noticed that the itchiness from your psoriasis is getting worse or you have signs of a skin infection, let your provider know. You might need to change your treatment to manage the condition better.
You should also reach out to your provider if your psoriasis symptoms—including itching—are affecting your physical ormental healthin any way. Having really itchy skin can keep you from getting enough quality sleep and may affect your ability to function in your day-to-day life.
How to Talk About Psoriasis
Summary
It’s not clear why psoriasis itches, but many people living with it know that it does—sometimes very badly. As much as you may want to scratch, try not to. Scratching skin that’s itchy and inflamed from psoriasis can make the condition worse and lead to scarring and infections.
If you try OTC creams, soothing oatmeal baths, and cool compresses and still itch, talk to your provider. You might need a prescription treatment to relieve the itching.
6 Reasons Why You Itch After a Shower
18 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.Zhu B, Edson-Heredia E, Guo J, Maeda-Chubachi T, Shen W, Kimball AB.Itching is a significant problem and a mediator between disease severity and quality of life for patients with psoriasis: results from a randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(5):1215-1219. doi:10.1111/bjd.13065Szepietowski, J. and Reich, A.Pruritus in psoriasis: an update.Eur J Pain.2016;20(1):41-6. doi:10.1002/ejp.768Gupta K, Harvima IT.Mast cell-neural interactions contribute to pain and itch.Immunol Rev. 2018;282(1):168–187. doi:10.1111/imr.12622Medline Plus.Pruritus.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis or eczema?.Taliercio VL, Snyder AM, Webber LB, et al.The disruptiveness of itchiness from psoriasis: A qualitative study of the impact of a single symptom on quality of life.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(6):42-48.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis: Causes and triggers.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare ups?.Johns Hopkins.Psoriasis diet: Foods to eat and avoid if you have psoriasis.Balak DM, Hajdarbegovic E.Drug-induced psoriasis: clinical perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017;7:87-94. Published 2017 Dec 7. doi:10.2147/PTT.S126727National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Treatments for psoriatic disease.American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Medications and light therapies.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: A retinoid you apply to your skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: biologics.The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Immunosuppressant therapies.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Healthy diet and other lifestyle changes that can improve psoriasis.
18 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.Zhu B, Edson-Heredia E, Guo J, Maeda-Chubachi T, Shen W, Kimball AB.Itching is a significant problem and a mediator between disease severity and quality of life for patients with psoriasis: results from a randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(5):1215-1219. doi:10.1111/bjd.13065Szepietowski, J. and Reich, A.Pruritus in psoriasis: an update.Eur J Pain.2016;20(1):41-6. doi:10.1002/ejp.768Gupta K, Harvima IT.Mast cell-neural interactions contribute to pain and itch.Immunol Rev. 2018;282(1):168–187. doi:10.1111/imr.12622Medline Plus.Pruritus.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis or eczema?.Taliercio VL, Snyder AM, Webber LB, et al.The disruptiveness of itchiness from psoriasis: A qualitative study of the impact of a single symptom on quality of life.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(6):42-48.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis: Causes and triggers.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare ups?.Johns Hopkins.Psoriasis diet: Foods to eat and avoid if you have psoriasis.Balak DM, Hajdarbegovic E.Drug-induced psoriasis: clinical perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017;7:87-94. Published 2017 Dec 7. doi:10.2147/PTT.S126727National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Treatments for psoriatic disease.American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Medications and light therapies.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: A retinoid you apply to your skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: biologics.The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Immunosuppressant therapies.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Healthy diet and other lifestyle changes that can improve psoriasis.
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.
Zhu B, Edson-Heredia E, Guo J, Maeda-Chubachi T, Shen W, Kimball AB.Itching is a significant problem and a mediator between disease severity and quality of life for patients with psoriasis: results from a randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(5):1215-1219. doi:10.1111/bjd.13065Szepietowski, J. and Reich, A.Pruritus in psoriasis: an update.Eur J Pain.2016;20(1):41-6. doi:10.1002/ejp.768Gupta K, Harvima IT.Mast cell-neural interactions contribute to pain and itch.Immunol Rev. 2018;282(1):168–187. doi:10.1111/imr.12622Medline Plus.Pruritus.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis or eczema?.Taliercio VL, Snyder AM, Webber LB, et al.The disruptiveness of itchiness from psoriasis: A qualitative study of the impact of a single symptom on quality of life.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(6):42-48.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis: Causes and triggers.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare ups?.Johns Hopkins.Psoriasis diet: Foods to eat and avoid if you have psoriasis.Balak DM, Hajdarbegovic E.Drug-induced psoriasis: clinical perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017;7:87-94. Published 2017 Dec 7. doi:10.2147/PTT.S126727National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Treatments for psoriatic disease.American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Medications and light therapies.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: A retinoid you apply to your skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: biologics.The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Immunosuppressant therapies.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Healthy diet and other lifestyle changes that can improve psoriasis.
Zhu B, Edson-Heredia E, Guo J, Maeda-Chubachi T, Shen W, Kimball AB.Itching is a significant problem and a mediator between disease severity and quality of life for patients with psoriasis: results from a randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(5):1215-1219. doi:10.1111/bjd.13065
Szepietowski, J. and Reich, A.Pruritus in psoriasis: an update.Eur J Pain.2016;20(1):41-6. doi:10.1002/ejp.768
Gupta K, Harvima IT.Mast cell-neural interactions contribute to pain and itch.Immunol Rev. 2018;282(1):168–187. doi:10.1111/imr.12622
Medline Plus.Pruritus.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis or eczema?.
Taliercio VL, Snyder AM, Webber LB, et al.The disruptiveness of itchiness from psoriasis: A qualitative study of the impact of a single symptom on quality of life.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(6):42-48.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis: Causes and triggers.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare ups?.
Johns Hopkins.Psoriasis diet: Foods to eat and avoid if you have psoriasis.
Balak DM, Hajdarbegovic E.Drug-induced psoriasis: clinical perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017;7:87-94. Published 2017 Dec 7. doi:10.2147/PTT.S126727
National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Treatments for psoriatic disease.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Medications and light therapies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: A retinoid you apply to your skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: biologics.
The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Immunosuppressant therapies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Healthy diet and other lifestyle changes that can improve psoriasis.
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