Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin, resulting in irritated, red skin covered in scaly, whitish patches. The patches of skin tend to flake off and may be thickened and even pink, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Though the cause of psoriasis is unknown, it's related to some immune system dysfunction that causes an inflammatory response and attacks healthy cells. It's also thought that psoriasis may be a hereditary disease, says the NLM.
Psoriasis can never be cured, but it can be managed with a variety of psoriasis treatment options.
Creams and Ointments
The dry, scaly skin of psoriasis can be itchy, so the U.S. National Library of Medicine says that a cortisone cream is often recommended to help soothe itching. Other topical psoriasis treatments include ointments and creams that contain the ingredients anthralin or coal tar to ease inflammation and scaly skin and help smooth the skin. The NLM says that topical corticosteroids are also helpful to ease inflammation and symptoms of psoriasis.
Medications
Drugs called retinoids, in the vitamin A family, can be a useful psoriasis treatment--particularly when other treatments fail, says the Mayo Clinic. Cyclosporine and methotrexate help to suppress the immune system to ease psoriasis symptoms. Biologic drugs are infused or injected rather than taken orally and are good psoriasis treatment options for people who have moderate or severe psoriasis. These medications affect the immune system to help alleviate psoriasis symptoms, says the Mayo Clinic.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not often prescribed as psoriasis treatment, but secondary bacterial infections can often strike skin affected by psoriasis. The NLM says that antibiotics are typically prescribed if you develop a skin infection.
Sunlight
Sunlight therapy is a commonly recommended psoriasis treatment and is one of the most effective. The Mayo Clinic says that phototherapy is often used in conjunction with medications to help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. There are a number of ways to carefully expose skin to sunlight for psoriasis treatment, including UVB or other UV ray therapy, says the Mayo Clinic. But, it's important to be careful when exposing your skin to sunlight and prevent serious burns.
Shampoos and Moisturizers
Special dandruff shampoos can help to alleviate scaly patches of psoriasis on the scalp, says the NLM. These shampoos can be purchased over the counter or with a doctor's prescription. You can also try a moisturizer as an additional psoriasis treatment, says the Mayo Clinic, but moisturizers alone aren't enough to completely treat psoriasis. Moisturizers can ease itchiness and help clear up scaling.
Comfort at Home
Soaking in an oatmeal bath can be soothing for dry, itchy skin ravaged by psoriasis, says the NLM. Oatmeal bath soaks can help to loosen scaly skin and help those patches fall off. Try a special oatmeal bath product or just use a cup of oatmeal in a bathtub full of warm water.
