8 Tips to Make Self-Injections Easier When You Have Psoriasis
Learn how to administer self-injecting biologic medications with these simple and effective tips.
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If topical medications haven’t been strong enough to control your psoriasis, your dermatologist may recommend a biologic, a type of drug that targets the part of the immune system responsible for triggering symptoms.
According to Adelaide Hebert, MD, a dermatologist with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, these drugs are often more effective than topical medications.
The only catch: You have to inject them yourself, something that makes around 25 percent of people anxious — or downright terrified.
Whether you are new to injections or have done them regularly, these tips can help ease anxiety and lessen the pain.
8 Self-Injection Tips
Biologics are available as either single-use, prefilled syringes or auto-injectors. A prefilled syringe has a plunger and a visible needle, whereas an auto-injector is like a pen with a hidden needle. Either way, the following tips can give you some control over the process and make self-injections less stressful.
1. Let the Medication Come to Room Temperature
Injectable medications need to be stored in a refrigerator, but injecting cold medication can be uncomfortable. Try taking your medication out of the refrigerator 35 to 40 minutes ahead of time and letting it warm up to room temperature, says Dr. Hebert. Do not use anything to heat it up, such as in a microwave or on the stove.
2. Make It Routine
If you’re feeling nervous, try giving yourself the injection at the same time each day while sitting in the same spot. Turning the process into a ritual gives you more control over it, which can improve your confidence and lessen fears.
3. Numb the Skin
Applying an ice pack to the injection site will numb the area, which helps ease the pain. Keep the ice pack in place for about 15 minutes before you give yourself the injection — any longer and you may overly freeze the skin, which can lead to frostbite.
4. Relax Your Muscles
Injections tend to hurt more if your muscles are tensed.
If you’re nervous about giving yourself an injection, try listening to some calming music, taking a few deep breaths, or distracting yourself by talking to someone else.
5. Pinch the Skin
When you’re ready to give yourself an injection, experts recommend pinching the skin around the site with your fingers and then injecting the medication into the raised skin with your other hand.
If you’re using a prefilled syringe, you probably need to hold it at a 45-degree angle; if you’re using an auto-injector, you’ll hold it at a 90-degree angle. But always check the instructions for the specific medication you’re taking first.
6. Give Yourself a Massage
After you’re finished, gently rub the injection site with your fingers. This helps loosen the muscles and disperse the medication, which can help ease the ache.
7. Rotate the Injection Site
Once you’ve properly disposed of the needle or auto-injector, jot down where you gave yourself the injection (left thigh or right side of the stomach, for example). When it’s time for the next shot, pick a new spot. “There is some injury to the skin during the injection, so we like patients to rotate the site of the injection,” says Hebert.
If the area where the needle went in becomes red, itchy, or swollen, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as a topical steroid, to soothe the skin, says Hebert.
8. Review Your Injection Technique With a Professional
Often, a healthcare professional will teach you the best techniques for self-injection before you begin injectable therapies. There are also online videos that demonstrate how to self-inject medications. If at any point you have questions, contact your doctor, who can review the procedure with you and answer any questions.
The Takeaway
Self-injecting biologic medications is daunting for some people with psoriasis, but there are ways to make the process easier.
To ease the discomfort, try letting the medication warm up, rotate the injection site each day, and stay relaxed.
As the process becomes routine, you’ll likely feel more comfortable about self-injecting.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
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.
Clair-Jones AS et al. Understanding and Minimising Injection-Site Pain Following Subcutaneous Administration of Biologics: A Narrative Review. Rheumatology and Therapy. December 2020.
5 Ways to Take the Sting Out of Self-Injections. Arthritis Foundation. June 1, 2023.
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.
Maria Masters is a contributing editor and writer for Everyday Health and What to Expect, and she has held positions at Men's Health and Family Circle. Her work has appeared in Health, on Prevention.com, on MensJournal.com, and in HGTV Magazine, among numerous other print and digital publications.
