Why You Shouldn’t Pick Your Psoriasis Scales

Psoriasis is more than just an outbreak of itchy skin rashes. It’s a systemic inflammatory disease that can also affect internal organs. More than 8 million Americans have the condition, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

While we don’t know the exact cause, many people have a genetic predisposition. When exposed to the right trigger—like a viral or bacterial infection, major life stress, or certain environmental exposures—chronic inflammation can start. Once it begins, we don’t yet have a permanent way to turn it off.

What’s Going on With Your Skin

While the thick scales and intense itch can make scratching and picking tempting, it’s not a good idea. Psoriasis pushes cells in the epidermis (the upper skin layer) to reproduce far faster than normal, leading to visible plaques.

Normally, maturing cells flatten and form the stratum corneum (the outermost, protective layer). In psoriasis, cells pile up too quickly and don’t slough off as they should—forming thick scales.

Picking at scales can trigger more psoriasis through the Koebner phenomenon (new lesions at sites of skin trauma). Removing a scale can also cause pinpoint bleeding—known as the Auspitz sign—because plaques can sit over areas where blood vessels lie close to the surface.

Mechanical exfoliation with tools like a pumice stone can backfire, too. The skin “reads” rubbing as trauma and responds by thickening—exactly what you don’t want.

Safer Ways to Treat Scales

Salicylic Acid Moisturizer

For mild psoriasis, keratolytics like salicylic acid can gently loosen and lift scales. Over-the-counter moisturizers with salicylic acid—such as those from PsoriaCare—help dissolve and reduce scale thickness on plaques.

Topicals for Itch & Inflammation

Applying topical treatments (e.g., PsoriaCare formulas targeting itch and redness) can reduce the urge to scratch and prevent trauma that worsens scaling.

For best absorption, apply after a shower while skin is slightly damp, then reapply in the evening. Morning-only applications often rub off during daily activity.

Phototherapy / Sensible Sunlight

Light can help calm inflammation and reduce scaling. Brief, sensible exposure—about 5–10 minutes of natural sunlight on affected areas several times per week—may help. Always balance with sun safety.

Oral / Systemic Options

More widespread disease can reflect systemic inflammation. In those cases, traditional oral medicines or newer biologics—prescribed by a clinician—may help tamp down inflammation and scaling.

Avoid Common Triggers

Smoking, alcohol, a high-calorie/high-fat diet, inactivity, poor sleep, and unmanaged stress can aggravate psoriasis. Addressing these habits often improves skin comfort over time.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment options.