Struggling with psoriasis pain?
Learn what doctors recommend tryingand avoidingduring the worst flares so you can find relief.
But there are a number of ways the estimated 125 million people worldwide who have psoriasis experience it.
Studies show anywhere from17 to 83 percentof patients say pain is one of the unwelcome side effects.
Experts in This Article
board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist, founding director of Eternal Dermatology in Maryland.
In about30 percentof cases, psoriasis also causes a condition known aspsoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints.
board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist, founding director of Eternal Dermatology in Maryland.
Here, doctors break it all down.
What causes psoriasis and the pain it can bring?
Its not entirely understood why psoriasis can be so uncomfortable.
This process results in a buildup of skin cells, Dr. Rodney explains.
Still, other people may have both.
Keep your skin moisturized
Dont skimp on that soothing lotion.
This can help to reduce dryness and scaling, which can make the pain worse, Dr. Rodney says.
Dr. Zeichner also suggests using a cream with salicylic acid to help remove excess scale.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, Dr. Rodney says.
board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist, founding director of Eternal Dermatology in Maryland.
Both medications work by temporarily increasing your bodys pain threshold so that you feel less pain.
Dr. Rodney adds that it could even lead to infection.
Instead, give a shot to stick with unscented products.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Both alcohol and cigarettes mayimpact flares2and your pain.
Its best to avoid them if youre able, Dr. Rodney says.
However, dont give up hope.
Dr. Zeichner stresses that psoriasis can be managed.
We can recommend treatment options and help manage the pain and inflammation associated with psoriasis, she says.
Theres no reason to needlessly suffer.
Halioua, Bruno et al.
Sleep Disorders and Psoriasis: An Update.Acta dermato-venereologicavol.
2022, doi:10.2340/actadv.v102.1991
Salihbegovic, Eldina Malkic et al.
Smoking Cigarettes and Consuming Alcohol in Patients with Psoriasis.Materia socio-medicavol.
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