Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes patches of dry, itchy skin, called plaques. Without proper treatment plaques can get itchy and flaky and then sometimes crack and bleed.

People with psoriasis tend to notice bleeding if they scratch plaques too much, rub cracked skin against their clothes, or put pressure on their skin while sitting or bending.

The more parched your skin, the more likely it is to develop cracks (fissures) and open sores. “The dryness is what causes the plaques to crack and subsequently bleed,” says Saakshi Khattri, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Cracks in your skin that bleed are uncomfortable and could increase your risk of infection, but there are ways to prevent and manage this issue.

First-Aid Care for Cracked Skin

If you develop cracks in your skin, it’s important to take steps to treat the wound and reduce your risk of infection, “although eventually the goal should be to treat underlying psoriasis,” Dr. Khattri says.

He advises the following first-aid measures:

Wash your hands. Use warm, soapy water to wash your hands before touching your skin.

Stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure to the fissure with a clean bandage or cloth until the bleeding stops.

Clean the cut. Rinse the wound under running tap water and clean the surrounding area with soap. Gently remove any dirt, lint, or other debris from the wound.

Apply a protective ointment. The best over-the-counter first aid is petroleum jelly, says Khattri. Petroleum jelly can help injured skin heal and ease dryness.

Watch for infection. Generally, psoriasis plaques don’t get infected, but if they’re cracked or open, they could, says Khattri. Watch for pus or yellow discharge, redness, swelling, tenderness to the touch, worsening discoloration on or around the lesion, or any systemic problems such as fevers or muscle pain, as these can be signs of infection, she adds. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these or if the wound isn’t healing.

How to Prevent Skin Cracks and Bleeding

Following your psoriasis management and treatment plan can help reduce your risk of developing fissures, as can practicing self-care habits to protect your skin, says Khattri.

Keep your skin moisturized. As noted, dry skin is more likely to crack and bleed. Avoid long showers or baths, which can dry out skin, and apply cream or ointment after you shower, take a bath, or wash your hands to help lock in moisture.

Remove scales. Over-the-counter lotions and creams with salicylic acid can help decrease the buildup of scales, according to Khattri. Plain old moisturizer has its place, too. “A good moisturizer that helps with dryness and skin healing can be a helpful [addition],” she adds.

Be gentle on your skin. If you use an abrasive product, such as a pumice stone, to remove scaly skin, you could be doing more harm than good. “There is a possibility that such aggressive measures could result in bleeding,” Khattri notes.

Avoid your triggers. Knowing your psoriasis triggers and taking steps to avoid them can help prevent plaques from developing in the first place. Common triggers include stress, smoking, cold weather, and injuries to the skin.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Psoriasis Treatment Plan

Look at your psoriasis symptoms as part of the bigger picture, says Khattri. If your skin is frequently cracking and bleeding, it may be a sign that your condition isn’t well managed and you need to discuss options with your doctor to see improvements. See a dermatologist if your skin continues to bleed and crack, is breaking over a large area of your body, or impairs your quality of life, she advises.

There are many treatment options for psoriasis, including medicated topical treatments that are mostly available by prescription, as well as 1 percent hydrocortisone, which is available over the counter, Khattri says. However, note that 1 percent may not be strong enough for thick plaque psoriasis.

Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments of differing potencies, depending on the severity of your psoriasis, your preferences, your age, and the location of your plaques. For example, people with chronically dry, thick plaques might need the strongest class of steroids.

While topical treatments come in many forms, one study found that nearly 76 percent of participants with moderate psoriasis said they preferred water-based creams; almost 71 percent also like oil-based foam. Less-popular options included gel, solution, lotion, and ointment.

If topical treatments aren’t enough to manage your psoriasis, your doctor may recommend systemic therapies, such as biologics, says Khattri. Unlike topicals, which are applied directly to the skin, systemic medications are taken orally or injected and work with the immune system to help control the underlying inflammation that causes psoriasis.

Work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that will help keep your psoriasis symptoms under control.

The Takeaway

Psoriasis plaques may crack or bleed if your skin is very dry or if you scratch the affected area too much.
To care for cracked skin, make sure to first wash your hands then apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, wash the cut, and apply a protective ointment to promote healing.
Prevent cracks and bleeding by keeping your skin moisturized, removing scale gently, and avoiding psoriasis triggers. If you continue to have issues with cracked and bleeding skin, talk to your doctor about updating your psoriasis treatment plan.

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Resources

Plaque Psoriasis. Cleveland Clinic. April 25, 2022.
5 Ways to Use Petroleum Jelly for Skin Care. American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin Infections. MedlinePlus. April 24, 2024.
Causes and Triggers. National Psoriasis Foundation. January 22, 2025.
Elmets CA et al. Joint AAD–NPF Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. February 2021.
Curcio A. Patient Preferences in Topical Psoriasis Treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. April 2023.
Psoriasis Treatment: Biologics. American Academy of Dermatology. August 22, 2024.

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist, specializing in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques, including injectable fillers and botulinum toxin injections, advanced laser procedures, noninvasive body contouring, and removing lumps and bumps with precision. She is an expert in the treatment and detection of medical conditions, including skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Dr. Rose believes in a comprehensive approach to skin health and incorporating a skin-care routine tailored specifically for each individual and utilizing a wide array of tools to target specific skin concerns.

Rose has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Self, Women’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

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Julie Stewart

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Julie Stewart is an author and editor with more than a decade of experience in health, science, and lifestyle writing. Her articles have appeared online for Men’s Health, Women’s Health, EatingWell, Vice, AARP The Magazine, and Shape.

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