Psoriasis Tips You’ve Never Heard Before
This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links we may earn a commission. Thank you for your continued support.
If you’re living with psoriasis - whether it’s plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis -you already know it’s so much more than “just a skin condition.” It can be itchy, painful, emotionally exhausting, and honestly? Pretty misunderstood.
I’ve lived with plaque psoriasis for over a decade. It started as a dry, itchy patch right in the crease at the back of my scalp. I thought it was dandruff at first - until it cracked, bled, and never went away. Since then, psoriasis has made its appearance on my face, elbows, back, neck, breasts, and butt (yes, all the glamorous spots). Along the way, I’ve tried countless creams, treatments, and coping methods - and I’ve learned a lot.
These tips are real-life psoriasis hacks that have helped me calm flare-ups, reduce discomfort, and feel more in control of my skin.
Please note: These psoriasis tips are based on my personal experience and are not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist about your treatment plan.
1. Always Keep a Healing Moisturizer Within Arm’s Reach
When my psoriasis is flaring, my skin feels like it’s shrinking, cracking, and begging for hydration. That’s why keeping lotion or ointment nearby at all times is my golden rule.
My go-to: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Thick, protective, and fragrance-free
Locks in moisture and protects skin from cracking
Doubles as lip balm, cuticle cream, and even a dewy highlighter in a pinch
Whether I’m sitting at my desk, in the car, or about to go to bed, I always have a tube close. Applying it regularly has made a huge difference in managing itching and keeping my plaques from getting worse.
Pro tip: Apply after every shower or hand wash to lock in moisture when your skin is most vulnerable.
2. Use a Gentle Sugar Scrub in the Shower to Soften Plaques
Exfoliation can be tricky when you have psoriasis. You don’t want to overdo it and cause trauma to the skin, but removing the top layer of dead skin can make a huge difference in reducing that rough, scaly texture.
That’s why I swear by gentle sugar scrubs during my shower routine.
Why it works:
Warm water softens plaques
Light exfoliation helps remove flakes
Leaves skin smoother and less itchy
Preps the skin to absorb moisturizer or prescription creams better
Get my favorite sugar scrub here - use code VICTORIAVOOS15 for 15% off
Important:
Always scrub gently - never force plaques off
Follow up with a thick moisturizer or ointment
Avoid exfoliating areas with open wounds or active irritation
3. Calm Inflammation With an Epsom Salt Bath Soak
There’s nothing like a long, hot bath to reset your nervous system. And when it comes to psoriasis? An Epsom salt soak is one of the best at-home remedies for flare-ups - especially if you also have psoriatic arthritis.
Epsom salt baths help:
Soothe inflamed, itchy patches
Loosen and soften plaques
Ease joint pain from psoriatic arthritis
Relax your body and reduce stress (a major psoriasis trigger)
Tips for using Epsom salt with psoriasis:
Stick to warm water - not hot
Soak for 15–20 minutes
Moisturize immediately after to prevent dryness
Avoid if you have cracked or bleeding plaques, as salt may sting
4. Use Baby Powder to Protect Open Psoriasis Patches From Friction
Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous part of psoriasis: the oozing, sticking, and tearing when plaques crack open and rub against clothes. I deal with a lot of psoriasis on my butt, back, and under my breasts, so trust me - I’ve tried everything to prevent clothing from making things worse.
What’s worked? Baby powder.
Creates a dry, soft barrier between skin and fabric
Prevents sticking and pulling
Keeps clothing from rubbing or reopening healing plaques
Especially helpful for sweat-prone areas in warmer months
Look for talc-free baby powders with soothing ingredients like aloe or cornstarch. If you’re worried about sensitivity, test a small area first.
5. Wrap Psoriasis-Prone Areas Overnight for Deep Moisture Healing
This is one of my most dramatic (but most effective) psoriasis tips: wrap your plaques overnight. It sounds intense, but it works wonders when nothing else seems to touch the dryness and itch.
How to do it:
Apply a thick layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment, or your prescription cream
Wrap the area loosely in plastic wrap or gauze
Cover with cotton pajamas or socks if needed
Sleep and let it soak in!
This trick is especially helpful for:
Elbows and knees
Hands and feet (use cotton gloves or socks)
Large dry plaques that resist moisturizers
You’ll wake up with noticeably softer skin - and it helps protect against night scratching too!
Bonus Tip: Pay Attention to Psoriasis Triggers
Managing psoriasis is about more than just skincare - it’s about the whole picture. If you find yourself constantly flaring, it might be time to do some trigger tracking.
Common triggers include:
Stress
Cold, dry weather
Hormonal shifts
Smoking
Certain foods (for some, dairy or gluten)
Infections or illness
Skin trauma (cuts, sunburns, harsh scrubs)
Try keeping a psoriasis flare journal to log what you ate, how you slept, stress levels, and skin condition. It helps you spot patterns and talk with your doctor about potential adjustments.
What Worked for Me Might Not Work for You
Everyone’s psoriasis journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But these psoriasis tips helped me feel more in control of my skin - and a little more like myself.
Living with psoriasis means learning to listen to your body, advocate for your needs, and build routines that make you feel good - physically and emotionally. Some days are better than others, but you’re not alone in this.
If you're newly diagnosed, dealing with stubborn plaques, or just looking for new tricks to try, I hope at least one of these tips brings you some comfort.
Want More Psoriasis Tips? Keep Reading:
Check out more helpful posts to support your psoriasis journey:
Living with Psoriasis: My Story, Struggles, and Treatments
Dry Skin Care Products You Need This Winter
XXX
Final Thoughts From One Psoriasis Babe to Another
You deserve skincare routines that actually help, products that soothe instead of sting, and clothes that don’t stick to your patches. Whether you’re new to this or a seasoned psoriasis warrior, remember - your skin doesn’t define your beauty, and you’re doing amazing, Fly Friend.