Is it helpful to scratch off dead skin flakes from psoriasis? The short answer is: it's tempting, but scratching is not the way to go.
Scratching can injure the skin, cause bleeding, and even trigger new plaques to form. It can also lead to infection if the skin breaks open. As one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, "It's been Show Full Answer
Is it helpful to scratch off dead skin flakes from psoriasis? The short answer is: it's tempting, but scratching is not the way to go.
Scratching can injure the skin, cause bleeding, and even trigger new plaques to form. It can also lead to infection if the skin breaks open. As one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, "It's been itching like there's no tomorrow. I've scratched it to the point of being sore and bleeding." The good news is there are safer ways to remove scales. Here are some dermatologist-recommended tips:
- Use keratolytic products — these contain ingredients like salicylic acid that soften and lift scales without damaging skin
- Soak in a lukewarm bath — hot water dries out skin, so keep it lukewarm for about 15 minutes
- Use a soft washcloth or pumice stone — avoid rough scrubbers like loofahs that can cause irritation or bleeding
- Apply olive oil or scalp oil before shampooing to help loosen scalp scales
- Moisturize immediately after bathing to lock in hydration
The key is letting the products do the work rather than forcing scales off manually. It's always a good idea to check with a dermatologist before starting any scale removal routine, especially if skin is already sore or bleeding. They can recommend the safest approach for your specific situation.
May 29
Join
Your Privacy Choices
