Preventing Infection and Cracking in Psoriasis-Affected Skin

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and we want to highlight something that doesn’t get enough attention: preventing your psoriatic skin from cracking and becoming infected. When your skin develops those thick, scaly patches, it loses its ability to protect itself the way healthy skin does.

At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, we help patients understand why their skin cracks and what they can do to prevent serious complications.

Why psoriatic skin cracks so easily

Psoriasis makes your skin cells multiply about 10 times faster than normal. This rapid turnover prevents the proper formation of the protective layer that keeps bacteria out and moisture in. The thick, scaly areas become rigid and prone to splitting easily when you move.

Common bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, can enter through these cracks and cause infections that spread beyond the original area.

Desert air makes cracking almost inevitable

The desert climate here exacerbates everything. Our low humidity pulls moisture out of your already damaged skin barrier, making cracks more likely to form and go deeper when they do.

This is why standard moisturizing advice doesn’t work for psoriasis. Once-daily application isn’t enough when your skin barrier is this compromised.

Watch for these warning signs that a crack is getting infected:

• Increasing redness that spreads beyond the original crack
• Warmth around the area that feels different from your usual plaque inflammation
• Any type of discharge or pus
• Red streaking extending from the crack
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Don’t try to treat these symptoms at home. Call us immediately if you notice any of these changes.

Moisturizing needs to become a top priority

Most people with psoriasis moisturize, but your skin needs attention at least three times daily — more during flare-ups or dry weather.

Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp from washing to trap water inside. Look for products containing ceramides, petrolatum, or dimethicone that repair your skin barrier, rather than just sitting on top of it. We often recommend thicker ointments for problem areas, even if they feel heavy.

Rethink your psoriasis treatment arsenal

Long-term use of topical steroids can cause thinning of the skin, making it more prone to cracking. We work with patients to find the right balance between controlling inflammation and maintaining skin strength.

Newer combination treatments, such as calcipotriene with betamethasone, may help strengthen your skin barrier while treating the psoriasis itself. The key is using these medications correctly and adjusting your routine based on how your skin responds.

When to seek professional help

Deep cracks that won’t heal with home care need medical attention. We can apply specialized dressings that maintain the right moisture level while protecting against bacterial growth. Some patients need prescription antimicrobial ointments for problem areas that keep cracking.

Our team at Vivida Dermatology knows that managing psoriasis means more than just treating the visible symptoms. Call us in Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, or St. George, Utah, to discuss your skin protection plan, or book online today.