Psoriasis Itch: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Psoriasis is a frustrating condition that can be expensive to treat, but there are natural treatments you can find at home, which we list below.

Many people become self-conscious from psoriasis because of the symptoms which can include red, itchy and scaly patches that suddenly appear on the skin.

Psoriasis occurs as a result of problems in the immune system. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes we can make that reduce the likelihood of psoriasis symptoms and lessen the severity of flare ups.

Signs and symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs in different forms and each of these forms have their own unique triggers.

Usually psoriasis causes rashes that turn red and scaly. These are seen on the face, scalp, feet, hands and the groin. In children and teenagers, the most common psoriasis is known as Guttate psoriasis. With Guttate psoriasis the rash appears as small red dots instead of scaly patches.

When people develop psoriasis in the armpits it tends to be red and shiny. This is known as inverse psoriasis.

The rash seems to be the red dots. In armpits, people also face psoriasis that is red and shiny and known as inverse psoriasis.

Psoriasis tends to come and go. It will flare up at times and appear to be in complete remission at other times.

Factors that may activate psoriasis

People with psoriasis might already know some triggers and factors that tend to cause flare ups. Here are some of the common triggers to avoid if you are suffering from psoriasis:

Stress

Psoriasis is often activated by stress. This is because the body responds to stress by inflammation. People with psoriasis already have an overactive immune system, so remaining calm rather than becoming overwhelmed with stress is one of the best ways to minimize psoriasis flare ups.

Smoking

There are many studies that prove a relationship between smoking and psoriasis. Many people observe that psoriasis becomes more severe when they smoke. This is because nicotine in a cigarette damages our immune system and also stops the growth of skin cells.

Skin irritation

Psoriasis outbreaks can also be caused by burns, skin irritation or bug bites. Doctors do not know exactly why skin irritation can leads to a psoriasis flare up, but they believe it is related to the Koebner phenomenon.

Useful treatments for psoriasis

Even though there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be treated to reduce the irritating symptoms. These are some of the treatments that are prescribed by doctors to patients suffering from mild to severe types of psoriasis:

Steroid creams

Steroid-induced cream is considered one of the most effective treatments of psoriasis. These creams work to slow down the cells that cause redness, itchiness, rashes and patches all over the skin. These creams are also helpful in soothing dryness of the skin.

Use these creams as prescribed by your physician. Do not skip an application and use it only on the body part where your doctor prescribed it for.

Coal tar

Coal tar is often used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. Some people do not like its smell and find that it can irritate the hand they use to apply it. However, it helps to heal the body parts affected by psoriasis. You can also use a plastic wrap during application to avoid smearing it on your clothes.

Coal tar used to be a more popular treatment, but it has become less popular than new medications doctors are able to prescribe.

Oral medications

The doctor may prescribe the patient suffering from psoriasis with different oral medications or injections to help treat the disease.

The two most common oral medications are oral retinoids and biologics. These help to clear the rashes and stop the growth of extra cells. These medicines are expensive and often people face side effects that may range from birth defects to bone pain.

Light therapy

This therapy is prescribed when the case of psoriasis is mild. Light therapy involves exposing your skin to natural sunlight at certain points of the day. It’s important to limit sun exposure as getting a sunburn is counterproductive. Nevertheless, natural sunlight is one of the most effective treatment options.

Narrow-band UVB

Narrow-band UVB therapy is considered a more intense version of light therapy. The patient is exposed to intense UVB lights which can help remove the psoriasis flare ups. Most patients need at least 5 sessions before they are able to notice any results.

Natural remedies

If you are not satisfied with the above results so you may opt for natural treatment that you can discuss with your doctor. Some of these include:

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural disinfectant for years. Apple cider vinegar can be helpful in reducing skin irritation, itchiness and redness. You just need to rinse the body part affected by psoriasis with vinegar. Do this for a few minutes and then rinse with water.

Aloe vera

This is a very helpful plant for many skin problems. The leaves of aloe vera have a soothing effect and they also keep the skin hydrated. Aim to purchase an aloe vera product that has at least 0.5% natural aloe vera for best results.

Dead sea salts

Although this may seem similar to ordinary salt, Dead Sea salts has unique chemical components for fighting psoriasis. Soak the body part for 15 minutes in a bath of Dead Sea salts and then apply lotion after drying off.

Oregon grapes

Oregon grape is also referred to as barberry and is available in Pacific Northwest. This plant is similar to mistletoe and shows an ability to decrease redness and inflammation. Try to buy creams with at least 10% Oregon grape extract for the best results.