Psoriasis: Care Instructions

Overview

Psoriasis (say "suh-RY-uh-sus") is a long-term (chronic) skin problem. It causes skin cells to grow too quickly and form thick, raised red patches of skin with silvery-white scales. The patches (called plaques) can range in size from small to large. They most often appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back.

The skin may be scaly. If the condition is severe, your skin can become itchy and tender. Some people may feel embarrassed if the patches are on visible areas.

You can treat psoriasis with good care at home and with medicine from your doctor. You may put medicine on your skin and take pills or have shots to stop the redness and swelling. Your doctor also may suggest ultraviolet light treatments.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor prescribes medicine, use it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Follow your doctor's advice for sunlight or ultraviolet light treatment.
• Protect your skin.
  • Keep your skin moist. After bathing, put an ointment, cream, or lotion on your skin while it is still damp. This seals in moisture. Use over-the-counter products that your doctor suggests. Oil-based moisturizers work better than water-based lotions. Look for products that contain glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, or shea butter.
  • If you have psoriasis on your scalp, use a shampoo with salicylic acid.
  • Avoid harsh skin products, such as those that contain alcohol. They can dry the skin and make psoriasis worse.
  • Cover your skin in cold weather.
  • Try to prevent sunburn. Although short periods of sun exposure reduce psoriasis in most people, too much sun can damage the skin and cause skin cancer. And sunburns can trigger psoriasis. Use sunscreen on areas of your skin that do not have psoriasis. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use it every day, even when it is cloudy.
  • Take care to avoid accidents such as cutting or scraping your skin. An injury to the skin can cause psoriasis patches to form anywhere on the body, including the area of the injury.
  • Avoid tight shoes, clothing, watchbands, and hats. These may irritate your skin.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
• Try making one or more changes to your daily habits to help with managing your psoriasis. For example:
  • Try to control stress and anxiety. They may cause psoriasis to appear suddenly or can make symptoms worse.
  • Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
  • If you drink, limit or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
  • Try to eat a balanced diet and stay at a weight that's healthy for you.
• Seek support from family, friends, counselors, or a support group. Support can help you manage living with psoriasis.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have swelling, stiffness, or pain in your joints.
• You do not get better as expected.