Patients with psoriasis can take baths; scientific bathing can help clean the skin, soften scales, and relieve itching, but the key is to control water temperature, duration, and method, avoiding improper practices that stimulate the skin and worsen the condition.

1. The "benefits" of bathing: why baths are recommended

Cleansing and descaling: Warm water can soften the thick scales on the skin surface and remove them more gently than dry rubbing, reducing discomfort caused by scale accumulation; it can also clean dirt on lesion surfaces and lower the risk of infection.

Relief of itching and relaxation: contact with warm water on the skin can temporarily suppress the itch sensation at nerve endings, while helping the body relax and alleviating psychological tension caused by the condition, indirectly reducing the "stress → disease worsening" cycle.

Aiding moisturization: after bathing the skin’s stratum corneum absorbs water and swells; applying moisturizer promptly at this time can more effectively lock in moisture and repair the damaged skin barrier, working better than applying moisturizer to dry skin.

2. The "contraindications" of bathing: mistakes you must not make

37-40℃

Improper water temperature: excessively high water temperature (above 40°C) will dilate skin blood vessels and exacerbate inflammatory responses, potentially causing lesions to become red and itching to worsen; excessively low temperature (below 37°C) may stimulate the immune system and is also unfavorable for softening scales. It is recommended to keep the temperature between 37–40°C (test with the back of the hand or the elbow; it should feel warm, not scalding).

Excessive duration: soaking for more than 20 minutes will wash away the skin’s natural oils excessively, making the skin barrier more fragile and dry, which may worsen peeling. It is recommended to limit each bath to 10–15 minutes; stop when scales are softened, there is no need to soak for a long time.

Vigorous rubbing: Do not vigorously scrub lesions with a bath towel, exfoliant, or towel; even if scales are thick, pat gently or dab dry with a soft towel. Forcible rubbing can damage the skin and may trigger a "Koebner phenomenon" (new lesions appearing at sites of injury).

Adding irritating substances: Avoid adding soap, shower gel (especially products containing soap base, fragrance, or alcohol) to bathwater, and do not use herbal sachets, bath salts, etc., unless a physician has confirmed they are safe, as they may irritate the skin and worsen inflammation.

3. Three key steps for bathing correctly

Preparation before bathing: Rinse surface dust off the body first to prevent dirt from contaminating the bathwater; if lesions are broken, weeping, or infected (e.g., redness, swelling, pus), do not bathe temporarily and follow medical advice for treatment first to prevent spread of infection.

During bathing: Soak in plain warm water and gently immerse affected areas; if scales are thick, toward the end of the bath gently loosen and remove softened scales with your fingers (do not pick forcefully). Keep the water temperature stable throughout and avoid adding very hot water midway.

Post-bath care: After bathing, immediately pat the skin dry with a soft towel (do not rub), and while the skin is still slightly damp (within 3 minutes after bathing), quickly apply a thick-textured moisturizer (such as petroleum jelly, ceramide ointment) to lock in moisture; this is when moisturizing is most effective.