How To Reduce Redness In Psoriasis

How Many People Have Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a fairly common skin condition and is estimated to affect approximately 1%-3% of the U.S. population. It currently affects roughly 7.5 million to 8.5 million people in the U.S. It is seen worldwide in about 125 million people. Interestingly, African Americans have about half the rate of psoriasis as Caucasians.

Ways To Treat Psoriasis At Home

Psoriasis is a recurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin.

Even though it affects your skin, psoriasis actually begins deep inside your body in your immune system.

It comes from your T cells, a type of white blood cell. T cells are designed to protect the body from infection and disease. When these cells mistakenly become active and set off other immune responses, it can lead to psoriasis symptoms.

Even though theres no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Here are 12 ways to manage mild symptoms at home.

Coping And Treating Skin Pain

Even when you cant avoid flares, you can find ways to cope and treat skin pain. Here are some self-care tips to help you manage pain.

Keep skin lubricated: Keeping your skin lubricated can prevent dry, itching painful skin. It can also reduce redness and heal skin. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends heavy creams that lock in water. Make sure you are using moisturizers that are fragrance-and alcohol-free, as fragrances and alcohol may dry out skin.

Refrigerate creams: Keep creams and moisturizers in your refrigerator. This helps keep them cold so they can soothe burning and itching.

Soften scales: You can soften scales with lotions containing lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acids. These substances can break up dead skin cells that have built up on psoriasis plaques. Generously apply to skin at night and cover up with a plastic wrap overnight. This way the lotion stays and absorbs into skin better.

Try capsaicin: Check your drugstore for creams, lotions, and ointments containing capsaicin. Capsaicin is the ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Products containing capsaicin block the nerve endings that cause pain. These products may also help reduce inflammation, redness, and scaling. However, there isnt enough research to confirm these benefits in the long-term or on the safety of capsaicin.

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The Heartbreak: What Are The Causes Of Psoriasis

The exact causes of psoriasis are not fully known. Many researchers believe it is a combination of factors — including family history, a faulty immune system, and effects from the environment.

• In people with psoriasis, certain white blood cells that normally fight off infection instead attack healthy cells . It is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the U.S.
• New skins cells are formed too quickly and result in a layer of dead, scaly skin and white blood cells that remain on the top layer of skin instead of sloughing off.
• These patches of skin and lesions are known as psoriatic lesions or plaque psoriasis.
• Psoriasis can lead to feelings of embarrasment, self-consciousness, and worry.

Flare Ups: Common Psoriasis Triggers

Certain events or substances may worsen your psoriasis or cause it to come out of remission. It is best to avoid any trigger you identify that may cause a flare-up of your psoriasis.

Common triggers include:

• Cold weather, smoke or smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Certain medications such as lithium, high blood pressure medications , drugs to prevent malaria, and iodide products, such as potassium iodide and sodium iodide.

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The First Line Of Therapy

Mild to moderate psoriasis is initially treated with a low to mid-potency corticosteroid cream, lotion, spray or ointment – such as:

• hydrocortisone

Lower potency products, such as fluocinolone can be use on the face or other sensitive areas.

Lotions or foams are best for the scalp, creams are best for oozing lesions, and ointments can treat dry, raised, or scaly lesions.

Higher potency topicals are reserved for thicker, tough-to-treat areas like elbows or knees. Topical treatments work best on mild and smaller areas of psoriasis.

• betamethasone topical is a higher potency spray used in mild to moderate psoriasis.
• halobetasol propionate lotion 0.01% from Ortho Dermatologics is also a high-potency topical corticosteroid formulation.

Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on the body, how much it itches and how it looks. Eczema tends to appear more often behind the knees and inside the elbows. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.

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Hydrocortisone Creams And Ointments

You can buy a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone without a prescription. For a few small patches of psoriasis, a mild hydrocortisone works well. If you have more than a few small patches, youll likely need a prescription corticosteroid to see results.

Whether OTC or prescription, this medicine works quickly to:

• Reduce the itch

If you have cracked or bleeding skin, an ointment will likely feel better than a cream. Ointments tend to be more soothing and less irritating than creams.

MoisturizerThis may help anyone who has psoriasis because psoriasis makes the skin dry and scaly. Moisturizer helps to seal water in the skin, which can:

• Relieve dryness

• Help your skin heal

Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer once a day, and more often when your skin is really dry. When shopping for a moisturizer, you want to select a:

• Heavy cream, ointment, or oil rather than a lotion

• Fragrance-free product

• Product that you like and will use

Oil can be especially healing, but its also messy. To reap the benefits of oil, try applying it before bedtime.

Moisturize before washing

For best results, you want to apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing and after washing your hands.

Scale softenersYoull find OTC products and prescription medicines that contain salicylic acid. This active ingredient helps to:

• Remove and soften scale

• Reduce swelling

Removing the scale helps other medicine that you apply to your skin to work better.

• Lactic acid

• Urea

Scale softeners

Methotrexate : A Longer

Methotrexate , is a folic acid antagonist, meaning it blocks the action of folic acid. Methotrexate is often abbreviated “MTX”.

• Methotrexate comes as a once-weekly oral tablet or injection that suppresses the immune system and DNA synthesis to slow down skin cell turnover.
• MTX can be used long-term for moderate to severe psoriasis and for psoriatic arthritis, but results with MTX may not be seen for several months. Review MTX dosing here.
• Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid in addition to MTX to help lessen stomach and other side effects.
• MTX can be toxic to the liver and other organs lab monitoring will be needed.

MTX should NOT be used in women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy men should also stop its use 3 months before conception. Use effective contraception during and after treatment with methotrexate.

• Effective birth control is recommended for females of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 6 months after the final dose.
• Effective contraception is recommended for males with female partners of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 3 months after the final dose of methotrexate.

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Broken Capillaries: Energy Treatments

Broken capillaries can appear as lines on an area of bright redness. “Broken capillaries are really just dilated blood vessels very close to the surface of the skin, says Dr. Cabin. Certain people are predisposed to these lesions, especially those with fair skin. But in those predisposed , external factors can cause these lesions and make them worse.

When it comes to in-office treatments, he suggests IPL and VBeam. They are really the only way to eliminate these lesions once theyve formed, he says. Complete elimination may require multiple treatments, and there is no guarantee that these areas of redness will be totally removed. So, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

More Than Skin Troubles

A 2017 study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that people with psoriasis that covers 10% of their body or more are 64% more likely than those without psoriasis to develop type 2 diabetes. “About 30% of people with psoriasis also might develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes destructive inflammation in your joints,” says dermatologist Dr. Gideon Smith. Psoriasis also may signal a higher risk for fatty liver disease and heart attacks.

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Permanent Cure For Psoriasis In Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an Indian ancient medical practice that is developed to cure health problems. Many researchers have found that ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis is proven very effective. In India, Ayurvedic medicine and process are originated 3000 years back.

In Ayurveda, Psoriasis occurs due to two doshas- Vata and Kapha. Before using ayurvedic medicine you need to make some dietary changes. Ayurvedic medicine is more effective when you avoid non-vegetarian food. You should also avoid food that is spicy, salty, or acidic.

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Complementary And Alternative Therapies

Mind-body therapies and stress management, including meditation and hypnosis, may help treat psoriasis. Studies show that people who practice meditation before getting light therapy do better than people who had light therapy alone. Exercise can help, too, as can drinking plenty of water.

Taking daily baths with lukewarm water and mild soap can help slough off scales. After your bath, gently pat skin dry and immediately apply a moisturizer to seal in water.

Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs, because some can have serious side effects or interact with common prescription medications, such as blood thinners and birth control pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking any supplement, herb, or over-the-counter medication. Be sure all your health care providers know about all therapies you use, including complementary and alternative therapies.

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What Are The Causes Of Psoriasis

Medical science is still unsure about the causes of psoriasis. But many researchers believe that this problem is related to the immunity system, genetic disorder, or could be a problem of T cells and other WBC which are known as neutrophils.

Psoriasis may be triggered by a strep infection, skin infection. Other triggers may include:-

• Excessive sunburn

What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider

If you have psoriasis, ask your healthcare provider:

• How can I prevent outbreaks and control symptoms?
• What medication will work best for me?
• What else should I do to improve symptoms?
• What are my options if creams dont work?
• Will psoriasis ever go away?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. Its related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that arent going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines dont work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2020.

References

Recommended Reading: Difference Between Dry Skin And Psoriasis

How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis: 9 Tips And Remedies To Try

This post may contain affiliate links.

If you want to know how to get rid of psoriasis, this post is a great place to start! While there is no known cure for psoriasis, there are treatment options available to help calm the skin, relieve pain, reduce redness, and keep symptoms under control. Keep reading for more information about the different types of psoriasis, common causes and symptoms, and 9 tips and remedies to help keep the condition manageable.

Tips For Managing A Psoriasis Flare

When youre in the middle of a psoriasis flare-up, you just want something that will relieve the itchiness that comes with those thick, red, scaly patches of skinand you want it fast.

Maybe your psoriasis decided to flare after a period of stress or illness. But sometimes a flare arrives for no discernible reason at all. No matter what brought it on, a flare-up doesnt have to be a catastrophe. With a little preparation, you can manage it relatively easily.

Here, dermatologists share some of the best strategies for dealing with your next psoriasis flare.

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Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Relief Treatment

This fragrance-free lotion contains cooling menthol and soothing oatmeal to help relieve and calm itch. Although it wasnât created for people with psoriasis, its ability to âhelp relieve night-time itching,â according to the manufacturer, might appeal to people with psoriasis who know this problem all too well.

Soothe Yourself With Warm Baths

A daily warm bath using a mild soap can help soothe itchy spots and remove dry skin.

Take 15 minutes to soak in the warm water. You might find comfort if you add oil, finely ground oatmeal, Epsom salt, or Dead Sea salt to your bath, but keep the water and soap mild. Hot temperatures and harsh soaps can be hard on skin that’s already sensitive.

Try not to rub your skin with the towel as you dry off. Gently pat dry instead. The rubbing action can make sores worse and even cause new ones. Follow immediately with a moisturizer.

If you don’t have time for a bath, you can still put a wet towel or cold compress on the trouble spot. Read more about skin care tips for psoriasis.

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Most Importantly Be Patient With Yourself

Dont worry if you still havent found your flare-up silver bulletpsoriasis symptoms and triggers can vary immensely from person to person, so different treatments will work better for different people.

That said, if you find that your flares are becoming more frequent or increasingly difficult to treat, Dr. Newsom says its probably time to check in with your dermatologist for guidance around how best to treat your condition.

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What Is Facial Psoriasis

Facial psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which there are one or more, persistent, thickened, red and dry patches on the face.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that may affect any skin site. Facial involvement occurs at some time in about half those affected by psoriasis. Although it is usually mild, facial psoriasis is occasionally very extensive involving the hairline, forehead, neck, ears and facial skin.

It is extremely rare to have psoriasis occurring solely on the face. Most patients also have scalp psoriasis and they may also have moderate to severe psoriasis at other sites.

Patients with facial psoriasis often suffer from psychosocial problems due to the presence of unsightly red, scalyplaques on highly visible areas.

Facial involvement presents as a therapeutic challenge because facial skin is thin, sensitive and more complicated to treat.

Also Check: Hydrocortisone For Psoriasis Of The Scalp

Ask The Experts: How Can I Alleviate Skin Redness

There are a number of reasons why your skin might be red. Maybe youre experiencing a flare-up from an underlying condition, or perhaps, your skin is, simply, a little thirsty. In any case, redness is your bodys way of showing you that its trying to heal, explains dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu, MD. When your skin gets red, it is showing inflammation, flushing, or the result of increased blood vessels in the skin’s surface, she says. This increase in vascularity is the body’s process to fight off infections or irritants.

She says the causes of redness fall into three main groups:

• Inflammatory redness
• Redness caused by rashes
• Flushing caused by broken blood vessels.

Youll find that sometimes, redness can be quelled at-home . Other times, however, you might need the help of professionals. If you are experiencing discomfort, are having difficulty breathing, or have redness near or on your eyes, see a doctor immediately, Dr. Chiu says. But generally, when redness is bothersome and symptomatic longer than two weeks, see your dermatologist to determine the actual cause and explore ways to treat the underlying condition. Below, experts detail common causes of redness and various treatments that can help.

Meet the Expert

Are Psoriasis Shampoos Available

Coal tar shampoos are very useful in controlling psoriasis of the scalp. Using the shampoo daily can be very beneficial adjunctive therapy. There are a variety of over-the-counter shampoos available without a prescription. There is no evidence that one shampoo is superior to another. Generally, the selection of a tar shampoo is simply a matter of personal preference.

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Treatment Of Psoriasis: An Algorithm

ASHA G. PARDASANI, M.D., STEVEN R. FELDMAN, M.D., PH.D., and ADELE R. CLARK, P.A.-C., Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Am Fam Physician. 2000 Feb 1 61:725-733.

See related patient information handout on psoriasis, written by the authors of this article.

• References

Psoriasis is characterized by red, thickened plaques with a silvery scale. The lesions vary in size and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis is categorized as localized or generalized, based on the severity of the disease and its overall impact on the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Patient education about the disease and the treatment options is important. Medical treatment for localized psoriasis begins with a combination of topical corticosteroids and coal tar or calcipotriene. For lesions that are difficult to control with initial therapy, anthralin or tazarotene may be tried. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain control of the lesions. Cure is seldom achieved. If control becomes difficult or if psoriasis is generalized, the patient may benefit from phototherapy, systemic therapy and referral to a physician who specializes in the treatment of psoriasis.