Is Vaseline good for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that involves the development of dry, thick, and raised patches covered with thick, silvery scales.

Other common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• persistent dry skin
• itching or burning sensation that may be mild to moderate
• nail changes, like discoloration

While there is no cure for psoriasis, you can try various treatment options to manage its symptoms and improve skin health. Vaseline is a popular choice to ease specific psoriasis symptoms like skin dryness. 

Should I apply Vaseline to the skin if I have psoriasis?

Vaseline, a product made of petroleum jelly, is commonly used as a moisturizer and barrier ointment. It locks in skin moisture and creates a protective barrier.

Vaseline may help soothe dry skin and reduce the appearance of scaly patches associated with psoriasis.

Research from 2017 suggests that emollients, including Vaseline, are an effective adjunct (complementary) therapy for managing the condition. These moisturizers strengthen the skin’s function as a barrier, which is important because psoriasis is associated with a compromised skin barrier. 

That said, it’s essential to avoid potential irritants like fragrances or alcohol, as these may worsen psoriasis. 

Vaseline may not be recommended for everyone living with psoriasis. Consider talking with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, before applying petroleum jelly directly on psoriatic skin.

How to use Vaseline for psoriasis

If you’re considering using Vaseline as one option to help your psoriasis symptoms, it’s essential to understand the best practices for using this product.

Here are some dos and don’ts to discuss with your healthcare professional.

Dos

• Apply Vaseline to clean, dry skin: It’s essential to cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying petroleum jelly. This avoids trapping bacteria or other irritants against your skin.
• Use regularly: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline on dry skin as often as needed to keep your skin moisturized and protected. This may be several times a day, depending on the severity of your psoriasis.
• Use in combination with other treatments: Ask your healthcare professional whether it’s OK to use Vaseline with other topical psoriasis treatments. It may provide effective relief for your symptoms, but some precautions may apply. 
• Choose appropriate formulations: Vaseline formulations with additional properties, such as colloidal oatmeal, may relieve inflamed and irritated skin. It’s highly encouraged that you test any new product on a small skin area before using it to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Don‘ts

• Do not apply Vaseline to open or infected areas: While petroleum jelly may help with dry, scaly psoriasis patches, it is not recommended for open or infected lesions. These may require other medical interventions, such as topical or oral antibiotics, and they may worsen if you apply petroleum jelly. 
• Do not use formulations containing potential irritants: Certain Vaseline formulations, such as those containing fragrances or alcohol, may worsen psoriasis symptoms and should be avoided. Look for simple formulations that are fragrance-free and recommended for sensitive skin.

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Medications for psoriasis

Medications are the most effective way to manage psoriasis symptoms. These may include:

Oral medications

These drugs are taken by mouth to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Some commonly prescribed oral medications for psoriasis include:

• methotrexate (Trexall)
• acitretin (Soriatane)
• cyclosporine (Neoral)

Topical medications

These are applied directly to the skin and are usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. They come in various forms, such as creams, ointments, gels, foams, and shampoos.

Some commonly used topical medications for psoriasis include:

• corticosteroids such as clobetasol (Clobex)
• vitamin D analogs such as calcipotriene (Dovonex)
• retinoids such as tazarotene (Tazorac)

Infusion and injection medications

For severe or chronic plaque psoriasis that does not respond well to other treatments, a healthcare professional may recommend infusion or injection medications. These may include:

• adalimumab-adaz (Hyrimoz)
• infliximab (Remicade)
• ustekinumab (Stelara)

Other treatments for psoriasis

Psoriasis may also respond well to these strategies:

• Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoid triggers such as emotional stress, humidity, and irritants. An anti-inflammatory diet may also help.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, herbal remedies, or dietary adjustments may be options once you get your healthcare professional’s approval.

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Summary

Vaseline may be a simple and effective option for moisturizing and soothing psoriasis-affected skin. Yet individual experiences may vary, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Treatment options for psoriasis include medications, light therapy, stress management, and dietary adjustments.