For people with plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the condition, itching can be especially uncomfortable. About 60 percent to 90 percent of people with psoriasis experience pruritus (itching) that affects their quality of life. Itching can get in the way of daily activities and take a toll on mental health.

The main causes of itching are inflammation and a buildup of skin cells. In psoriasis, skin cells grow and pile up faster than normal, leading to dryness and irritation. Dry skin can make the itching feel even worse.

MyPsoriasisTeam members often discuss their frustrations with itching. “Bad start to my morning. I’m very itchy today. I have to be at work and can’t take any antihistamines. Fighting the itch!” one member posted.

“So tired of my scalp being itchy,” another member wrote. “People look at me as if I had head lice. What can I use to stop this itch?”​

“My face is killing me today, all red, tight, and itchy. I’m now on day four of barely sleeping. I feel so itchy, and it’s 10 times worse at night,” a third member said. “No amount of moisturizer is helping. It just seems to aggravate the itch.”

In the past, doctors didn’t always take itching from psoriasis seriously. Researchers and healthcare professionals now realize that treating the itch is crucial when treating psoriasis because it can affect a person’s quality of life.

This article discusses four ways to manage the itch and finally get some psoriasis itching relief.

1. Talk With Your Doctor About Treatment

Treating psoriasis lesions can require considerable time and effort with skin care at home. This is in addition to any other treatments, like phototherapy or medication, you may be using to control the condition. To help manage itching and avoid flares, it’s important to follow your treatment plan every day.

“People look at me as if I had head lice. What can I use to stop this itch?”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Research shows that people with psoriasis fail to stick to their treatment plans more often than people with other chronic (ongoing) conditions. This is usually because they aren’t satisfied with previous treatment outcomes.

If you’re not satisfied with your current psoriasis treatment plan, discuss it with your doctor instead of stopping your treatment or changing it on your own. They can recommend different options that might be a better fit with your goals and lifestyle. Work with your healthcare team to establish realistic expectations and treatment goals, and adjust treatment plans as needed in consultation with your doctors. If sticking to your treatment plan feels hard, talk to your dermatologist. They can help you find options that are easier to follow.

2. Consider Topical Treatment for Itch

Topical treatment is often the first-line treatment for reducing symptoms like itching. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical corticosteroid, which is a cream or ointment that helps reduce inflammation. They may also recommend a prescription nonsteroidal topical treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) options can sometimes help as well.

Setting aside time for an effective and regular skin care regimen is one of the most important ways to control itching. Choosing the right products is key to keeping your skin healthy.

Moisturizers

Keeping skin clean and moist is essential in managing itchiness. Dry, scaly patches from plaque psoriasis are likely to itch. Plaques risk cracking and bleeding as well, which can make flare-ups worse. “I would scratch so hard, I’d bleed!” one member said.

Moisturizing the skin adequately helps maintain the barrier, thereby reducing the moisture loss and improving the overall function of the skin.

Your skin needs to be well hydrated throughout the day. Moisturizing has been shown to improve psoriasis symptoms, like itch, and to improve quality of life. Creams and ointments will be more emollient (softening) than lotions, but they may be more difficult to use.

Over-the-Counter Products

Along with any prescription topical agents you might be using, many OTC cleansers, shampoos, and moisturizing products are safe to use as home remedies for psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation has a directory of products that contain ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid, and ceramides, which are known to ease itching and help remove scales. The directory also features laundry products to help you avoid detergents that may leave irritants on clothing or towels.

“Consider the types of soaps you are using on your skin and scalp,” one member advised. “Many people do have itching as part of psoriasis, but mine goes away with careful consideration of my shampoo, soap, and lotions. Less is more with this: less fragrance, additives, etc.”

Skin Care Routine

Maintaining a topical treatment routine can be difficult among all the other demands of daily life, as MyPsoriasisTeam members frequently mention. “Doing my skin routine. Three hours and 45 minutes.😢” one member commented.

“Some days, it’s hard to keep up with the cream routine,” another member wrote.

But for some MyPsoriasisTeam members, a topical skin care routine brings comfort. “A long moisturizing and gentle exfoliation routine is a good start to my day,” a member explained.

Another member described part of their routine: “Using in-shower cream is really good. I save time doing my skin routine, and it makes me happy and looks great! No more itch!”

3. Don’t Scratch

The urge to scratch can be hard to control. Scratching can make the condition worse and trigger the itch-scratch cycle, which can further damage skin. Scratching psoriasis feels good, but when you stop, your urge to scratch will be even greater. It is crucial to break this cycle. Keep nails short and rounded, in case you scratch without realizing it. Work on developing habits that ease the itch without scratching the skin.

“It’s been itching like there’s no tomorrow. I’ve scratched it to the point of being sore and bleeding.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Many MyPsoriasisTeam members talk about their struggles with scratching. “My elbows are driving me mad today. Itch, itch, scratch, scratch, bleeding, 😢” one member lamented.

Another member described troubles with scratching itchy skin: “I’m having a really bad day with my skin. It’s been itching like there’s no tomorrow. I’ve scratched it to the point of being sore and bleeding. I have had a bath, put my ointment on, and I’m trying not to scratch.”​

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests people with plaque psoriasis follow these recommendations to help figure out how to stop psoriasis itching and avoid scratching:

• Remove scales, which are a cause of itch, safely with careful techniques.
• Take short showers or baths. Avoid hot water, which dries out the skin. Use lukewarm water instead.
• Use gentle cleansers on your skin.
• Moisturize right after bathing or washing hands, and reach for a moisturizer instead of scratching.
• Pat your skin gently with a soft towel after bathing rather than rubbing it, and immediately apply a moisturizer.
• Try itch-reducing products with menthol or camphor.
• Use cool compresses to relieve the itch.

Research suggests that sunlight can help improve psoriasis symptoms on the skin. But be careful — too much sun can cause sunburn, which may damage the skin and raise the risk of skin cancer.

4. Make Lifestyle Adjustments

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce psoriasis flares and overall disease activity, which can ease symptoms like itching. MyPsoriasisTeam members frequently share their tips on lifestyle changes that have helped them reduce psoriasis symptoms.

“No booze really helps,” said one member.

Another member offered these tips: “I cut down on my sugar intake and eat very few processed foods. It has helped me tremendously.”

“I’ve improved my diet, and I’m still getting plenty of exercise. As a result, I’ve been condition-free for the best part of a year now,” a member wrote.

Another member described some of the lifestyle factors that have helped reduce psoriasis: “I mainly owe it to diet, biologics, and an herbal remedy that I take. I’m keeping a simple life and keeping the stress reduced as much as possible. Being in the sun is also beneficial.”​

Smoking

Tobacco smoking contributes to a range of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which develop at higher rates in people with psoriasis than in the general public. Doctors believe that smoking can make psoriasis worse by causing inflammation in the skin. Talk with your healthcare provider about programs that can help you quit smoking.

Diet and Exercise

Obesity occurs at a higher rate in people with psoriasis. A proinflammatory condition, obesity is associated with an increase in psoriasis severity. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and may help reduce psoriasis symptoms.

Psychological Stress

Many people with psoriasis experience stress, anxiety, and depression due to the demands of living with this chronic autoimmune condition. Stress is also associated with an increase in psoriasis disease activity. Managing stress with mental health counseling or mindfulness practices, like yoga or meditation, can help reduce flares and symptoms like itching.

Alcohol

Higher levels of alcohol use have been connected to worsening psoriasis symptoms, including itching. If you drink, cutting back may help ease some of your symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Living with psoriasis and constant itching can be frustrating and exhausting. But you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Whether it’s finding the right treatment, trying new routines, or making small lifestyle changes, there are ways to feel more comfortable and in control. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s working — and what isn’t — so you can get the support and care you need.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What helps you with itch? Let others know in the comments below.