What To Do For Psoriasis Pain?

Psoriasis makes the skin burn, itch and hurt. So when a psoriasis flare up becomes very painful, the patient tends to seek instant relief. Wondering what to do for psoriasis pain? Keeping some remedies handy can help to soothe the sore and tender psoriasis skin when most needed. However, if the psoriasis pain is really bad or the skin is oozing or crusty yellow then the patient should contact a doctor without delay since this is a sign of an infection. This infection, if not treated, will spread and become worse than a regular psoriasis flare up. Antibiotic may need to be administered in this case to manage the psoriasis. Some other simple measures which you can undertake to relieve psoriasis pain are.

Psoriasis can become uncomfortable, as the skin becomes dry, inflamed, and scaly. A moisturizer can be applied on the skin to hydrate it. The creamier or thicker the moisturiser, the better it is for soothing psoriasis pain. Using ointments and creams, which come in a tube or tub is better, since lotions tend to get watered down.

However, if choosing to use moisturizer for treating psoriasis pain, one should only opt for the ones with ceramide in them. Further, even a basic petroleum jelly can help to relieve skin dryness from psoriasis pain and trap in the moisture.

Lotions with lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acids can break the dead skin cells, which accumulate on psoriasis plaques. These lotions should be spread over the affected region at night and be covered with a plastic wrap, for keeping the lotion in place and ensuring that the lotion gets absorbed properly in the skin to get relief from psoriasis pain.

Chilli peppers contain a component called capsaicin, which makes them hot. Capsaicin can also help to ease psoriasis pain by blocking nerve endings which transmit pain. Capsaicin even helps to decrease swelling and redness and other psoriasis symptoms. Certain capsaicin containing product, which are easily available in drugstores, can be used to manage psoriasis pain effectively.

Psoriasis itch can feel more like a biting or burning feeling. Many over-the-counter medications are available for controlling this psoriasis itch. The mild steroid call hydrocortisone can prove helpful too. Doctors can also advise the patient to use lotions and creams that contain menthol or pramoxine for easing the psoriasis itch. Further, the sufferer should avoid scratching the affected skin area as this can lead to worsening of the psoriasis itch and also lead to development of skin injury as well.

By applying cold packs on the affected area, itch-scratch cycle of psoriasis can be shortened. Cold pack tends to confuse the brain as it makes it difficult for the brain to feel cold and itch simultaneously. This helps in relieving the psoriasis pain.

Soaking their body in a tub of warm water, with some Epsom salt added in it, for about 15 minutes, can help to remove the psoriasis scales and soothe the itch in psoriasis patients. Even oatmeal baths offer similar benefits. After bathing, the skin must be patted dry, and moisturized immediately to relieve the psoriasis pain.

Some non-mainstream therapies to relieve the psoriasis discomfort and improve psoriasis involve using.

Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV proves effective in soothing the itching in scalp psoriasis. The scalp should be massaged with apple cider vinegar, few times a week, and then rinsed with water after half an hour to prevent irritation. If burning is experienced on the scalp, then a mixture of half water-half vinegar should be used instead for relieving the psoriasis pain. This ACV therapy for psoriasis pain produces evident results within 2 weeks. However, people with bleeding or cracked scalp psoriasis should not use this apple cider vinegar therapy.

Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a simple and effective alternative therapy and is without many side effects. Acupuncture helps to stimulate specific points on the body, most often with insertion of thin needles into the skin. Acupuncture method is widely used to treat pain, and is especially used in Asia for treating psoriasis pain. However, a doctor must always be consulted before starting with Acupuncture therapy.

Meditation and Exercise. One of the main triggers for psoriasis is stress. So, one should try reducing their stress levels by relaxing. Meditation, yoga and other exercises help to relax and calm the mind, body and soul. Meditation and yoga also helps to relieve anxiety as well. For doing meditation, a person needs to sit comfortably on the floor with their eyes closed for about 15 to 20 minutes, while focusing just on their breathing. They should put all other thoughts out of their mind while concentrating on their breathing. Yoga and exercise can help to boost the mood and fight anxiety effectively. A study found that women who exercised daily have lesser chances of contracting psoriasis, than the ones who are less active.

However, self-care remedies should not be used to replace a doctor’s treatment plan for psoriasis pain. Patients should contact a doctor if they are getting depressed, if their psoriasis is worsening, if their skin is red all over, or if their joints hurt.

Also Read:

• Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Ways To Cope
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• Eczema Vs Psoriasis: Differences Worth Knowing
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• Hand and Foot Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
• How to Choose the Right Shampoo When Suffering From Psoriasis?
• Diet for Psoriasis: Foods to Avoid & Foods to Include in Your Daily Diet for Psoriasis