Itch relief
First posted and last updated Nov. 9, 2001
It is clear that itching is a major problem for people with psoriasis. According to National Psoriasis Foundation Members, itching ranks second only to scaling as their chief complaint. In fact, the word "psoriasis" comes from the Greek "psor," which means "of itching." There is no cure for itching, just as there is no cure for psoriasis, but there are ways of controlling it.
Keeping the skin moisturized is important. Skin is usually itchy because it is dry, and itching can be especially bothersome during the cold winter months. One way to combat itch is by using a moisturizer frequently, especially immediately after a bath or shower. Other things like heat, stress or wearing an irritating fabric can aggravate itching. Wearing lightweight cotton clothing and using fragrance-free soaps and natural cleaning products might help calm the skin.
Medications to treat itching
Antihistamines
Some physicians prescribe antihistamines for psoriasis-related itching, both because they are designed to counteract the cause of the itch and because their sedative properties can help people sleep through their itching. Antihistamines are available over the counter and by prescription.
Steroids
Steroids have anti-itch properties and are sometimes prescribed along with other traditional therapies for psoriasis (such as coal tar, salicylic acid, Dovonex and Tazorac) that can cause irritation or an itching sensation.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is an ingredient derived from hot peppers that has been shown to relieve itching in some people. Some people report a burning or stinging sensation when the medication is first applied, but after continued use this sensation usually ceases. Products containing capsaicin are usually sold in 0.025% strength. Brands include Capsin and Capsazin-P.
Creams and powders
A variety of creams and powders to treat itch are available in most drugstores. Some brands include Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Cream and Powder, Aveeno Oatmeal Anti-Itch products and various cortisone creams (Cortaid, Cortizone 10, Sarna-HC Lotion.) There are also products designed to treat itching of the scalp: Maximum Strength Scalpicin Anti-Itch Liquid Dermatology Formula and T/Gel Therapeutic Stubborn Itch Control Shampoo, to name a few.
Topical anesthetic
Another approach is to use a topical anesthetic (containing benzocaine, lidocaine or pramoxine) to deaden the nerve endings in the skin. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products are available. Consult with your doctor before using any anesthetic, and watch for signs of allergic reaction, particularly with benzocaine. Another type of OTC anesthetic contains menthol or camphor. Examples are BenGay and Vicks VapoRub.
Everyone responds to treatments differently, so keep trying until you find something that works for you. Even though it is easier said than done, if you have the urge to scratch, don't. Try a wet towel, pressure or a cool lotion instead. A Psoriasis Foundation Member recently shared this advice:
"I find cold water soothing for the pain, heat and itch. In addition to soaking, I occasionally wrap my feet in cold, wet towels. Also, for the heat and itch, I soak my feet and hands in an iodine mixture. You can get this at your drugstore over the counter. For the really bad itch, I take hydroxyzine (prescription antihistamine) as needed. Since it makes you drowsy, it is recommended for only one pill at bedtime. Though, at times, I must take one during the day."
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