Psoriasis Itch: What Helps an Itchy Flare, Day and Night
Why psoriasis itches, practical ways to relieve it day and night, and the treatments that calm itchy plaques.
Part of our psoriasis guide.
Get urgent help first. Call 999 or go to A&E if your skin suddenly becomes red and inflamed over most of your body, or you have widespread pus-filled spots, especially with a fever, chills or feeling very unwell. These can be signs of erythrodermic or generalised pustular psoriasis, which are emergencies. See a GP soon if you have painful, swollen joints. Online treatment isn't suitable in these situations.
Key fact: most people with psoriasis find it itchy, and scratching can trigger new plaques. Cooling emollients, avoiding hot water and perfumes, and treating the psoriasis itself are the most effective ways to reduce itch.
Adults only online, and not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Access Doctor's online psoriasis service is for adults aged 18 and over, and can't supply treatment if you're pregnant or breastfeeding: your GP or midwife can help. Children with psoriasis should see their GP.
Is psoriasis itchy?
Yes. Although psoriasis was once thought of as less itchy than eczema, most people with psoriasis say itch is one of their most troublesome symptoms. It can also sting, burn or feel sore. Scratching can damage the skin and trigger new plaques, so controlling the itch matters.
Quick ways to relieve psoriasis itch
- Apply a thick emollient, ideally one kept in the fridge for a cooling effect.
- Have a short, lukewarm bath or shower with an emollient soap substitute, then pat dry and moisturise.
- Press or pat the itchy area, or hold a cool, damp cloth on it, instead of scratching.
- Keep nails short and smooth, and wear cotton gloves at night if you scratch in your sleep.
- Wear loose, soft clothing such as cotton; avoid wool next to the skin.
Itching at night
Itch often feels worse at night, when the skin is warmer and there are fewer distractions. Keep the bedroom cool, moisturise before bed and use breathable bedding. Poor sleep can make itch and stress worse, so tell your GP if itch is keeping you awake.
Treating the itch by treating the psoriasis
The most effective way to reduce itch is to control the psoriasis itself. Steroids calm inflamed, itchy plaques quickly; combined steroid and vitamin D products such as Enstilar also help. See our treatment options guide. Salicylic acid or urea products can reduce thick, tight scale that pulls and itches.
- Antihistamines: non-drowsy antihistamines don't usually help psoriasis itch. A sedating antihistamine at night may help some people sleep, but check with a pharmacist first.
- Menthol creams: a cooling cream containing menthol in an emollient can soothe itch for some people.
- Avoid: perfumed products, hot baths and harsh soaps, which make itch worse.
Stress and the itch-scratch cycle
Stress can make itching worse, and itching causes stress, creating a cycle. Habit-reversal techniques, relaxation and talking therapies can help. See our guide to psoriasis triggers.
See a GP if itching is severe, widespread, stopping you sleeping, or if you have itching without a rash, which can have other causes that need checking.
Itchy psoriasis on your body?
Our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers can assess your psoriasis online and, if suitable, prescribe treatment to calm inflamed, itchy plaques. Adults 18 and over. Dispensed from our UK pharmacy. Approved before 3pm, Monday to Friday? Dispatched the same day, by Royal Mail Tracked 48, Tracked 24 or Special Delivery guaranteed by 1pm next working day: you choose.
Start Psoriasis Consultation →How our online service supplies psoriasis treatment: adults 18 and over, not for the face, genitals or skin folds. Enstilar, Dovobet and other psoriasis-only treatments need psoriasis already diagnosed by a GP or dermatologist. Enstilar and Dovobet: one pack per order, supplied as a course of up to 4 weeks, on no more than 30% of the body. Betnovate and Elocon: up to 3 × 30g or 1 × 100g, for a 4-week course followed by a 4-week break. Dermovate only if you have been prescribed it before. Widespread psoriasis, joint pain or psoriasis that hasn't responded to treatment is referred to your GP.
UK safety and reporting side effects
Prescription psoriasis treatments are only supplied after a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews your consultation, including where your psoriasis is, how much skin it covers and what you have used before. Always read the patient information leaflet. Since 2024, UK steroid packs show their strength on the front (mild, moderate, strong or very strong). The MHRA advises using topical steroids for the shortest time needed, and to tell a healthcare professional if your skin flares badly after you stop a steroid you have used for a long time, which can be a topical steroid withdrawal reaction.
If you think you've had a side effect, tell your pharmacist or doctor. You can also report it to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.
Psoriasis treatments from Access Doctor
Following an online consultation, our prescribers can supply the treatments below where suitable, as part of our psoriasis treatment service.
Vitamin D + potent steroid · Rx
Enstilar Foam
Calcipotriol with betamethasone in a spray foam, once a day for up to 4 weeks. For diagnosed plaque psoriasis.
View product →Potent steroid · Rx
Betnovate Cream
Betamethasone 0.1%. A 4-week course for body plaques, then a 4-week break.
View product →Potent steroid · Rx
Elocon Cream
Mometasone 0.1%, applied once a day.
View product →Vitamin D + potent steroid · Rx
Dovobet Gel
Calcipotriol with betamethasone, for the scalp and for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis on the body.
View product →Frequently Asked Questions
Does psoriasis itch?
Yes. Most people with psoriasis say itch is one of their most troublesome symptoms, and it can also sting, burn or feel sore, especially during a flare.
How do I stop psoriasis itching at night?
Keep the bedroom cool, moisturise before bed with a thick emollient, wear soft cotton clothing, keep nails short and consider cotton gloves. Treating the psoriasis itself is the most effective long-term step.
What is the best cream for itchy psoriasis?
A thick emollient, ideally cooled in the fridge, helps straight away. To calm inflamed, itchy plaques, a prescription steroid or a combined steroid and vitamin D product such as Enstilar works best.
Do antihistamines help psoriasis itch?
Non-drowsy antihistamines don't usually help psoriasis itch. A sedating antihistamine at night may help some people sleep; check with a pharmacist that it's suitable for you.
Why does psoriasis itch more when I'm stressed?
Stress can make the skin more sensitive and increase inflammation, and itching in turn causes stress. Relaxation, habit-reversal techniques and talking therapies can help break the cycle.
References
- British Association of Dermatologists. Psoriasis: an overview (patient information leaflet), August 2023. skinhealthinfo.org.uk
- NHS. Psoriasis. nhs.uk
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Psoriasis. cks.nice.org.uk
- NICE. Psoriasis: assessment and management (CG153). nice.org.uk
Medical disclaimer: This article is for information only and isn’t medical advice. Prescription psoriasis treatments need a clinical consultation before they can be supplied. If your skin is red all over, you have widespread pus spots, a fever or you feel unwell, seek medical advice the same day. In a medical emergency, call 999.