W
%Start How to Safely Remove Psoriasis Scales Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Your Psoriasis Skin and BeyondPsoriasis
visibility
971 views
thumb_up
50 likes
E
By Elizabeth YunMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MDReviewed: July 26, 2022Medically ReviewedMoisturizer plus a gentle touch equals a smart way to manage psoriasis scales.Sergey Narevskih/StocksyPsoriasis scales, the gray or silvery flakes of dead skin that collect on the surface of the plaques that characterize the condition, can be itchy, uncomfortable, and embarrassing — so much so you may be tempted to pick, peel, or scrape them off. However, while there are some good reasons to remove scales, taking your fingernails to them isn’t one of them, as you risk damaging the skin they’re attached to. This “can trigger flares of more patches of psoriasis, a reaction known as the Koebner phenomenon,” says Steven Daveluy, MD, assistant professor and program director at the Wayne State University Department of Dermatology in Detroit.
thumb_up
12 likes
H
The Benefits of Removing Scales
Scales do naturally exfoliate (shed), but it can take a while. And although the only way to safely get rid of psoriasis scales is to follow a treatment plan that addresses the inflammation at the core of psoriasis plaques, there are a few things you can do to help things along — and a number of potential advantages to doing that, according to Dr.
thumb_up
16 likes
I
Daveluy:
Your medication will sink in better. If you use a topical treatment such as a prescription-strength steroid, a thick layer of scales can block the medication from being absorbed fully. Removing scales allows topical psoriasis medications to reach their target more easily.
thumb_up
25 likes
S
You’ll look better. Removing visible scales can help relieve self-consciousness and reduce social anxiety — both typical of people with psoriasis. A review published in Arthritis Care and Research in March 2019 found shame and fear of being viewed as unclean or contagious were among the top six quality-of-life issues many people with psoriasis deal with.
thumb_up
48 likes
J
This may be especially true of scalp psoriasis, which can shower shoulders with white flakes that are easily mistaken for dandruff. Your body will feel better.
thumb_up
1 likes
S
Psoriasis scales can be itchy and painful. A buildup of scales around joints can make it hard to move freely. Removing scales can help ease discomfort and improve range of motion.
thumb_up
20 likes
M
You may have fewer flares. Thick, unmanaged scales are more likely to crack, tear, or rip away before they’re ready to flake off naturally, injuring skin and triggering the Koebner phenomenon. Keeping layers of scales thin and flexible helps prevent unnecessary trauma to your skin.
thumb_up
2 likes
E
5 Ways to Help Remove Psoriasis Scales
If you’re looking to get rid of patches of thick scales or to at least minimize their appearance, the key is to be gentle and work slowly. You want to target only the topmost layer of scales — not those still attached to the plaques beneath them.
thumb_up
45 likes
S
The safest way to do this is to dissolve—rather than pick or tear—them off, using a product formulated for that purpose.
Exfoliating Acids
These include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea, each of which can help to gently remove scales without traumatizing skin, research shows.
thumb_up
3 likes
A
For example, a study published in April 2022 in Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy found that application of a gel containing salicylic acid and turmeric followed by shea butter and a salicylic acid exfoliating moisturizer daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced scales without serious side effects. Exfoliating acids come in creams, ointments, and gels. Besides minimizing scales, they can serve as a “primer” for topical prescription treatments so skin can absorb them easily.
thumb_up
15 likes
I
Bath Soaks
Submerging skin in a warm (not hot) tub can soften and loosen scales. Adding oatmeal and olive oil or Epsom salts to the water can make soaking even more effective by helping to exfoliate dry, dead skin. (Steer clear of heavily scented bath products, as they can irritate skin.) Limit tub time to 15 minutes and, when you get out, gently wipe away loose scales with a damp washcloth.
thumb_up
30 likes
S
Don’t try to rub or pry off scales that aren’t ready to come off, as this can cause pinpoint bleeding and trigger flares. With a towel, soak up excess water still on your skin, but leave it slightly damp, then slather on a thick cream or ointment to seal in moisture.
thumb_up
37 likes
J
Moisturizing Creams and Oils
Both water and oil can make scales more transparent and less noticeable, says Daveluy, so when the goal is to simply minimize scales, he recommends applying a moisturizer, petroleum jelly, or coconut or sunflower seed oil to them. Be aware these oils can make it easier for UV rays to penetrate skin, so use caution if you’re going out in the sun.
thumb_up
50 likes
A
Coal Tar
Doctors have recommended coal tar, a substance derived from coal or certain types of wood, for psoriasis for more than 100 years, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides reducing scaling, coal tar has anti-inflammatory properties.
thumb_up
31 likes
S
It can be highly effective but does have potential drawbacks, including an unpleasant odor and staining of clothing and bedding.
Keratolytic Shampoos
Around half of people with psoriasis have it on their scalp, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. If you’re among them, a keratolytic shampoo — one containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea — can be an effective way to wash those scales right out of your hair.
thumb_up
3 likes
C
After shampooing, gently brushing or combing should remove loosened scales, but don’t scrape your scalp or try to force scales to come away before they’re ready. For these shampoos to work most effectively, however, they need to be used frequently. For Black Americans with scalp psoriasis, especially women, this can be problematic, as their hair dries out quickly if washed too often.
thumb_up
39 likes
A
For them, Daveluy recommends applying a moisturizing cream to the scalp and avoiding tight braids, heat styling, combs, or chemicals that can traumatize the scalp. Valerie Callender, MD, in an address to the Skin of Color Society, recommends using a leave-on lotion, ointment, or foam containing topical corticosteroids and vitamin D in conjunction with a keratolytic shampoo. Coconut oil and sunflower seed oil are also good options for Black Americans with scalp psoriasis.
thumb_up
4 likes
K
Living With Psoriasis Plaques
As long as you’re careful, it’s safe to manage psoriasis scales anywhere on your body. If you’re prone to mindlessly picking at them, however, Daveluy recommends covering problem areas with clothing (long sleeves, long pants) or even an Ace bandage. Note too that although forcefully removing scales usually only results in minor bleeding and discomfort, it can lead to an infection.
thumb_up
27 likes
I
If you accidentally dislodge scales and expose the skin underneath, Daveluy says to go ahead and apply your prescription topical medication as usual.
More in Psoriasis
9 Psoriasis Dos and Don' ts
10 Signs It s Time to Call Your Dermatologist About Psoriasis
How to Get the Most of Your Shower or Bath if You Have Psoriasis
7 Things to Know About Psoriasis and Black Americans Skin
NEWSLETTERSSign up for our Psoriasis Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
thumb_up
20 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Details on CM Punk s WWE programming return in 2019
-
A really strong move Bacary Sagna compares Chelsea manager Graham Potter to PSG boss Christophe Galtier
-
What is Balenciaga Re sell program? Location details and more explored
-
WATCH Video shows armed robber casually walking into Florida convenience store
-
WWE legend believes Chris Jericho and top AEW personality would enhance promotion s betterment
-
5 WWE tag teams who could defeat The Young Bucks
-
What is the mistrust for? Fans slam Kiomi for her hypocrisy on having trust issues with Austin on Family or Fiancé
-
Is Hailie Deegan related to Brian Deegan?
-
CPL 2022 Most Runs and Most Wickets standings Johnson Charles and Alzarri Joseph continue to lead the charts Updated after Match 26
-
Microsoft collaborates with BBCEarth to bring Frozen Planet 2 documentary to Minecraft
-
Top AEW star on why Tony Khan reconciled their relationship
-
Genshin Impact 3 1 release date maintenance schedule and server downtime compensation
-
Borderlands 2 redeem code How to get the Unkempt Harold legendary pistol for free
-
Disney Dreamlight Valley guide How to unlock WALL E
-
Top 5 helicopters in GTA Online for PvP encounters
-
IRE XI vs SPA Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Today s Playing 11 Player Stats Pitch Report for European Cricket Championship 2022 Final
-
5 superstars who will have a point to prove in the 2022 FIFA World Cup
-
Where to buy the Vans x Disney collection? Price release date and more explored
-
Gabby Agbonlahor wonders if Manchester City new signing could return to former club on loan for rest of 2022 23 season
-
We need a PL all star game Fans dig up Rio Ferdinand s old tweet in wake of Chelsea owner Todd Boehly s recent claims
-
Ferrari boss admits team s shortcomings in 2022 F1 season
-
Rennes vs Fenerbahce prediction preview team news and more UEFA Europa League 2022 23
-
Real Madrid interested in move to sign 21 year old Argentine midfielder Reports
-
Fact check Is GTA Online shutting down?
-
5 Forgotten stars who the attributes to make it in WWE
-
5 unique Fade lineups for Breeze in Valorant
-
Twitter erupts as Kylian Mbappe double inspires PSG to crucial win over Juventus
-
Give the best reply by performing on the field Sachin Tendulkar breaks his silence on Arshdeep Singh
-
That s how it s done Happy we won but d n have to hit better Toronto Blue Jays fans relieved following team s shutout victory over Pittsburgh Pirates maintain slim lead in AL Wild Card race
-
WWE Clash at the Castle Will Drew McIntyre finally bring his old theme song back?