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Psoriasis and itching - JustSuzy - Tue-22-11-2011
It's a normal cause and effect reaction that when you get an itch, you scratch it. But for individuals with psoriasis, the "itchy" feeling can be taken to truly excruciating levels where scratching doesn't stop the itch and can may it even worse.
An array of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies specifically target the itch of psoriasis. This disorder is from an immune system glitch that causes skin cells to turn over much faster than normal, producing red, scaly skin lesions. To date, there is no cure for the disorder or the itching, only treatements.
The word psoriasis, in fact, is derived from the Greek word psora, meaning "itch," and alludes to one of the most troubling symptoms.
Although many people who have psoriasis (or "psoriatics") are disturbed by how the crusty lesions, or plaques, look -- particularly when they appear on the face and hands -- some are even more concerned with the itchiness.
For example, a 2004 study found that itching was the most frequent complaint among patients hospitalized for psoriasis, which can result in lesions on any area of the body, including the genitals, palms and soles of the feet.
Also, a survey of the National Psoriasis Foundation members indicated that only the scaling of lesions outranked the itch as the most vexing symptom of the condition.
Whenever a condition causes a chronic itch, it's likely to have an impact on quality of life. That's certainly the case with psoriasis, as evidenced by another scientific study. This study revealed that people with psoriasis reported various symptoms, including itchiness that disrupted their sleep, reduced their sex drive and interfered with their ability to concentrate.
However, many options are available to counter this uncomfortable symptom. Besides reducing discomfort, treatment can help avoid what's known as the "itch-scratch cycle," in which regular scratching can increase the inflammation, which leads to still more itching.
Moreover, scratching can actually trigger psoriasis flare-ups through the Koebner phenomenon, in which skin damage -- such as cuts, insect bites or sunburn -- elicits a disease response. This occurs in a wide range of psoriatics -- between 11% to 75%, depending on the study -- as well as in several other skin conditions.
In no particular order, here are some of the most common itch-fighters for psoriasis, including prescription, OTC and homemade preparations. Specific brand names may be mentioned because they're easy to find, but each of these remedies is sold under various labels. Consult a doctor about any unexpected reactions.
1) Antihistamines: These medications target the nerve pathways related to itching and can have a sedative effect, which may help psoriatics sleep through their itching. Look for "non-drowsy" antihistamines for daytime usage. Be sure to follow dosage guidelines.
2) Creams and lotions: The simple act of smoothing on a rich layer of emollients can help keep itch away, because dry skin tends to be itchy skin -- even in a person without psoriasis. Creams are more moisturizing than lotions. Certain anti-itch creams are particularly helpful for psoriasis, including Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Cream and Aveeno Overnight Itch Relief (with oatmeal).
3) Topical corticosteroids: Whether in prescription or OTC strength, steroids -- such as Cortaid or Lanacort -- are widely used to treat various sorts of itching. However, you should exercise care in using these products. Over the long term, steroid creams can result in skin-thinning.
4) Capsaicin: An ingredient derived from hot peppers, capsaicin is proven to help itching, although for some it stings or burns at first. This product is available OTC, known as Capsin and Capzasin-P.
5) Topical anesthetics: An application of one of these nerve-deadening products can keep itch at bay for hours. Topical anesthetics include both prescription medications -- such as benzocaine and lidocaine -- and OTC products -- such as menthol and camphor -- found in Sarna lotion, Bengay and Vicks VapoRub.
6) Oatmeal baths: Especially for those with widespread plaques, oatmeal baths soothe all affected areas in one step. Just pour in the recommended amount of ground colloidal oatmeal (such as Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment) as you fill up the tub and soak in its milky smoothness for awhile. Immediately after drying off, follow with a liberal layer of moisturizing cream for longer-lasting itch relief.
7) Ice packs: Among the quickest and easiest solutions, a frozen gel pack applied to psoriatic skin not only eases itch by numbing nerve endings, but cools the rawness of inflamed patches.
8) Plastic wrap over lotion: Covering psoriasis-covered areas with lotion and then plastic wrap, socks or gloves -- known as occlusion -- keeps medicated or nonmedicated preparations airtight for hours, increasing their itch-fighting effect and helping to discourage scratching. Check with a doctor to determine which preparations may work best for your case.
RE: Psoriasis and itching - Fred - Tue-22-11-2011
(Tue-22-11-2011, 02:52 AM)JustSuzy Wrote: Ice packs: Among the quickest and easiest solutions, a frozen gel pack applied to psoriatic skin not only eases itch by numbing nerve endings, but cools the rawness of inflamed patches.
A bag of Frozen Peas works well as they will shape around you, mark the bag not for eating and you can refreeze them for your next use.
RE: Psoriasis and itching - Amm6766 - Tue-03-12-2013
This is so helpful!! I too am going crazy! I have had psoriasis since I was 16 ( I am now 47), I don't remember ever itching like this, especially at night. I am up all night scratching and bleeding (the worst being on my back). I was actually crying last night. I haven't cried over this stupid disease since I was in my teens. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with psoriatic arthritis. Did bother me this much until recently. I can hardly walk. I took so many steroids in my teens I try to avoid taking mess....but I guess it's time. Anyone have any info on why some flares are so extreme and do they always progress (being worse each time)? I guess it's time to go to the rheumatologist and dermatologist :(. Again, thank you for the article. Very helpful! Putting Vicks o. Right now!
RE: Psoriasis and itching - Fred - Tue-03-12-2013
(Tue-03-12-2013, 02:44 AM)Amm6766 Wrote: This is so helpful!! I too am going crazy! I have had psoriasis since I was 16 ( I am now 47), I don't remember ever itching like this, especially at night. I am up all night scratching and bleeding (the worst being on my back). I was actually crying last night. I haven't cried over this stupid disease since I was in my teens. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with psoriatic arthritis. Did bother me this much until recently. I can hardly walk. I took so many steroids in my teens I try to avoid taking mess....but I guess it's time. Anyone have any info on why some flares are so extreme and do they always progress (being worse each time)? I guess it's time to go to the rheumatologist and dermatologist :(. Again, thank you for the article. Very helpful! Putting Vicks o. Right now!
Nice to see old threads on Psoriasis Club are still getting found and are useful to others.
to Psoriasis Club by the way.Re Flare Ups: Here is another old thread where I asked What triggers psoriasis flare ups ? Stress is probably the biggest factor, have a look at the thread and feel free to ask there as it may get spotted by others and it could do with some more input.
Re Psoriatic Arthritis: It can be very very nasty, like you it never used to bother me much till one day I was locked up and couldn't move. I was unable to get dressed or pick up a cup of coffee, ended up in hospital for a week. So Yes go and get it checked out, the sooner you get better professional help the easier life will be and there is stuff out there that can work (I've now got my life back thanks to my dermatologist playing around and finding the right thing for me).
RE: Psoriasis and itching - Brighteyes - Wed-04-12-2013
I've found that the best method for me personally is a warm foot soak, good moisturise and occlusion. Instead of scratching the itch I apply gentle pressure to the area which seems to work.
On days where my feet are really hot I have a bag of frozen peas too.
RE: Psoriasis and itching - jiml - Wed-04-12-2013
(Tue-03-12-2013, 02:44 AM)Amm6766 Wrote: This is so helpful!! I too am going crazy! I have had psoriasis since I was 16 ( I am now 47), I don't remember ever itching like this, especially at night. I am up all night scratching and bleeding (the worst being on my back). I was actually crying last night. I haven't cried over this stupid disease since I was in my teens. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with psoriatic arthritis. Did bother me this much until recently. I can hardly walk. I took so many steroids in my teens I try to avoid taking mess....but I guess it's time. Anyone have any info on why some flares are so extreme and do they always progress (being worse each time)? I guess it's time to go to the rheumatologist and dermatologist :(. Again, thank you for the article. Very helpful! Putting Vicks o. Right now!Hi Amm and
when I used to get like that I was prescribed a product called Doublebase GelIt contains isopropyl myristate 15% and liquid paraffin it's a soothing moisturiser and it works for me I hope you soon find some relief
Good luck and keep coming back
RE: Psoriasis and itching - Trampledrosie - Wed-26-06-2024
These are great suggestions! It’s so awesome to hop around this site. I have learned a lot by following the links to other threads extremely helpful.
I have tried lukewarm soaks but find they sting too much so ice packs, a cocktail of reactine, Benadryl and hydroxyzine. Polysporin itch relief was mildly helpful. A thought just occurred to me! When I used to go out in the sun I usually burned and I used to make a boil water in a big pot with A LOT of orange pekoe tea. Then soak paper towels or thin cloths or towels, squeeze some of the tea out and put those where the burn was. Obviously the tea has to be cooled enough. I might try oatmeal soaks.
I wonder if others use Vaseline. I’ll have to go search as I am sure Fred created something about that.
I have two mouldable ice packs and they go in a little pocket and they have Velcro straps so you can wrap it all up. When I can’t sleep I strap them to my feet and it really helps.
RE: Psoriasis and itching - Kat - Thu-27-06-2024
(Wed-26-06-2024, 20:12 PM)Trampledrosie Wrote: These are great suggestions! It’s so awesome to hop around this site. I have learned a lot by following the links to other threads extremely helpful.
I have tried lukewarm soaks but find they sting too much so ice packs, a cocktail of reactine, Benadryl and hydroxyzine. Polysporin itch relief was mildly helpful. A thought just occurred to me! When I used to go out in the sun I usually burned and I used to make a boil water in a big pot with A LOT of orange pekoe tea. Then soak paper towels or thin cloths or towels, squeeze some of the tea out and put those where the burn was. Obviously the tea has to be cooled enough. I might try oatmeal soaks.
I wonder if others use Vaseline. I’ll have to go search as I am sure Fred created something about that.
I have two mouldable ice packs and they go in a little pocket and they have Velcro straps so you can wrap it all up. When I can’t sleep I strap them to my feet and it really helps.
Yes there is a ton of information here including what you just added
It's great to be in a place with people who can share what has worked and not worked for them!