How to relieve itching caused by plaque psoriasis?

Comment soulager les démangeaisons causées par votre psoriasis en plaque ?

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease which develops in the form of flare-ups. It is characterized by the regular appearance of red and scaly plaques. Two mechanisms are involved: skin inflammation, responsible for the red plaques, and accelerated skin renewal, responsible for the appearance of scales. Itching is often associated with these plaques and can have a significant impact on daily activities. Some simple tricks can help you live better with your psoriasis.

5 simple daily rituals

  • Comply

    with your medical prescription

    Why?

    Treating psoriasis is the best way to reduce itching

    How?

    Take medical treatment(s) as recommended by your doctor.
    Set alarms or reminders so that you don’t forget.

  • Moisturize

    the skin

    Why?

    To soothe itching and limit plaque recurrence

    How?

    Apply a moisturizer all over the body after each shower or bath, or after each time you wash your hands.
    Remove unabsorbed excess with a cotton ball or tissue.

  • Avoid

    scratching

    Why?

    Scratching can make the itching worse and promote the development of plaques

    How?

    • Apply a moisturizer or cold compress to itchy areas (cold pack, refrigerated thermal spring water, etc.) 
    • Keep your hands and mind busy so you don’t have to think about it

  • Reduce

    the time you spend in the shower or bath and avoid using very hot water

    Why?

    Staying in the shower or bath too long, in water that’s too hot, can dry out the skin and make itching worse

    How?

    • Use products suited for atopic skins, without soap
    • Use lukewarm water (27 to 30°C)

  • Wear

    light, comfortable clothing

    Why?

    Tight-fitting synthetic or woolen clothing tends to irritate the skin

    How?

    Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing

The first stages of psoriasis

Eczéma Atopique - 01

Factors that can trigger a flare-up

Genetic predisposition, stress, micro-trauma, infections, medication, seasons, epidermis, dermis

Eczéma Atopique - 02

Appearance of a psoriatic plaque

Inflammatory cascade and accelerated cell renewal

Eczéma Atopique - 03

Psoriatic lesion

Red, inflamed, scaly plaque + itching

How to react to the way others look at psoriasis?

  • Explain simply and clearly what psoriasis is, an inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself through the appearance of plaques. Skin renews itself faster than normal in some areas of the body.
  • Reassure them that psoriasis is not an infection and is not contagious.
  • Distract them by diverting the conversation to another topic.

To find out more, ask your doctor for this explanatory document:

“Social skills strategies: coping with the stares you get when you have psoriasis”; Dr. Beatrice De Reviers, general practitioner with a degree in behavioral and cognitive therapies; 2021

What can trigger a psoriasis flare-up ?

  • Stress
  • The weather (mainly cold and dry)
  • Certain medications
  • Smoking
  • Skin injuries (such as cuts, sunburns or repeated chafing)
  • Infections, such as a simple cold

Produits associés

1.

Cleanse

du_kertyol-pso_cleansing-gel_Packshot_front_400ml_3282770148435
KERTYOL PSO
Cleansing Gel

2.

Care & treat

du_kertyol-pso_treatment-shampoo_Packshot_front_200ml_3282770148473
KERTYOL PSO
Treatment shampoo

3.

Care & treat

du_kertyol-pso_concentrate_front_100ml_3282770148480
KERTYOL PSO
Concentrate Body and scalp

4.

Complete your routine

du_kertyol_pso_daily_balm_Packshot_front_tube_200ml_3282770148442
KERTYOL PSO
Daily balm
A-DERMA
Avène

Discover our medical tip sheets to help you provide precise recommendations to your patients. These comprehensive resources provide clear, concise information on a variety of dermatological conditions to help your patients in their daily lives.

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