Slide show: Caring for your skin when you have psoriasis

Using moisturizer every day can help your skin look and feel better, as well as reduce itching and discomfort. To effectively moisturize your skin:

• Apply when skin is moist. Gently blot your skin after bathing and immediately apply moisturizer. This will help seal moisture into your skin. During cold, dry weather, you might need to apply moisturizer several times a day.
• Opt for a thick, rich moisturizing cream or ointment. These can reduce redness and itching and improve the appearance of your skin. Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive, effective moisturizer. The effectiveness of avocado, coconut, olive and other oils as moisturizers hasn't been proven.