ASHLEY R. CURTIS: Psoriasis itch
can be very intense,
and although it's really hard
to do, it's best not to scratch.
Especially in psoriasis, when
you scratch, it actually makes
the lesion worse.
At home, if you're having
horrible itching with psoriasis
and you're looking for something
that's a home remedy,
some of the things that we've
found that do help
are moisturizing, so getting
a good moisturizer and using it
liberally.
And I'm also a fan of some
of the menthol containing
moisturizers.
They give you a sense
of cooling, and really can help
relieve some of the itch.
Other things are cold packs
can sometimes help.
Sometimes patients will have
psoriasis in their scalp,
and this can be extremely,
extremely itchy.
Some of the things that we found
that are helpful that you can
use, that are over-the-counter
are certain medicated shampoos.
Most of them
will have things like zinc
or salicylic acid,
and even sometimes
tar preparations, and they seem
to help a lot with the itch
and the scalp.
Lastly, this is one
of the few instances where
a dermatologist will tell you
you can get some sun.
Psoriasis actually improves some
with sunshine.
The narrow band, or UV
light that you can get
from the sun can actually
decrease some
of the inflammation associated
with psoriasis.
Another thing that we found
helpful
for itching and psoriasis
patients
is using anti-histamines.
For example.
Claritin.
Which you would think of mainly
as seasonal allergies or bug
bites, it actually can help
occasionally in psoriasis
with the itch.
