Top psoriaris tips

Itching, plaques and flaking are common symptoms you may have to deal with if you have psoriasis (Pso)^[1][2] but we have some tips to help you stay in control and make little wins every day.

Soothe the itch^[3]

• Keep your skin moisturised to reduce redness and dryness, helping the skin to heal
• Heavy creams and ointments can lock moisture into the skin, especially after a shower
• Even cooking oils may help
• Try keeping your lotions in the fridge for cooling relief
• Remove any scale and flaking skin with a scale softening (keratolytic) product containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea or phenol to reduce itch and allow lotions and ointments to sink in
• Avoid hot baths - take cool, short showers and use cold packs to relieve itch

Soften plaques

• Try replacing soap and shower gels with moisturising creams, such as emollients^[4]
• Apply them after washing to retain and lock in moisture^[5]
• Oils such as olive or coconut could also be used to soften scales and help them to lift^[4]

Combat flaking^[2]

• Flakes can build up in carpets and attract bugs, so regularly vacuum your home or sweep wooden or linoleum floors to reduce build-up
• Keep a portable vacuum in your car to help keep it clean from flakes
• If you have flakes building up in your bed overnight, using a hard-edged surface such as a card made of plastic to scrape them off could help, as could washing your sheets often
• If you have shedding on your arms or legs, wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts with buttoned cuffs will likely catch flakes before they fall
• White, grey or cream clothing is ideal for disguising flakes, as are scarves and necklaces
• Using a lint roller or brush can help to remove any build-up, as could washing your clothes often