Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission. Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms. And you can incorporate lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis.
What are psoriasis scales?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply very quickly. This overgrowth can result in thick, scaly plaques that itch and cause discomfort.
Psoriasis scales are a characteristic sign of psoriasis. They typically appear as patches of rough, red skin and silvery-white scales that may itch, cause discomfort, and flake away.
Normally, a skin cell matures in 21-28 days and during this time it travels to the surface, where it is lost in a constant invisible shedding of dead cells.
With psoriasis, the cycle lasts around 4-7 days, and this means that live cells reach the surface much quicker and accumulate with dead cells.
The result is different from person to person. With some it can be a small patch on the elbow while with some people the result is much more visible. Regardless of the size of the psoriasis patch, same wherever it occurs on the body.
Is it safe to remove psoriasis scales?
The biggest concern regarding scale removal is ripping healthy skin away. This can lead to additional pain, discomfort, and scarring. By picking your scales, you risk enlarging the affected area.
It is strongly recommended to avoid picking scales because that can lead to even worse psoriasis flare. It is easy to pull too much of a scale off, leading to broken skin underneath. This could cause further irritation or bleeding that makes symptoms worse. Picking may also put the skin at an increased risk for infection.
Don’t treat the scales, treat the cause of the scales.
The best way to prevent scales from forming is by treating the psoriasis itself, this way you can expect to Live Confidently with Psoriasis.
There are also products which can be applied to the scales which can help in eliminating the pain:
Exfoliators
OTC chemical exfoliators may be helpful in removing scale in mild to moderate cases. Doctors may prescribe stronger versions of these topical medications in some cases.
Moisturizers
Regular moisturizers are important for healthy skin. This may be more apparent in people with psoriasis. Applying psoriasis moisturizers regularly may help reduce the visibility of scales on psoriasis patches. It may also help reduce some symptoms, such as itching caused by very dry skin.
Shampoo for scalp treatment
If you have psoriasis on your scalp then wash the hair regularly with a psoriasis shampoo with natural ingredients. Slowly work the shampoo into your head and use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp. Remove the flakes with a gentle fine-toothed comb. In the process of exfoliating your scalp, some flakes might get stuck in the strands of your hair. A fine-tooth comb will be able to pick up any detached scales.
Coal tar
Coal tar is an anti-inflammatory product thatt may help reduce redness and itching.
OTC corticosteroids
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the plaques, slow down the growth of skin cells, and slightly suppress the immune system response behind these issues. However it is strongly recommended not to use corticosteroids on the long-term to avoid further damaging the skin.
Warm baths
Want to shed some scales and soothe your skin? Put Dead Sea or Epsom salts into a tub with warm water. Soak for about 15 minutes, and use a moisturizer when you’re done to seal in the water.
