Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid cell growth on the surface of the skin. These abnormal growths look like thick, silvery scales on the skin, and sufferers experience dry, red and itchy patches of skin that can be painful, and can be located anywhere on the body. The disease can go into remission and reappear again unexpectedly. As of 2009, there is no cure, but many home treatments can ease the pain and discomfort associated with this disease.
Step 1
Take a bath. If done daily, a 15-minute soak in a warm (not hot) bath can alleviate the pain associated with inflamed skin, and can also remove psoriasis scales. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts or dead sea salts to the bath, and not using harsh soaps.
Step 2
Use moisturizers. These are particularly effective if applied immediately following a soak in the tub. Do not rub, but rather dab, your skin with a towel after the bath, then apply any type of ointment-based moisturizer. You may need to apply moisturizer more frequently--several times daily--during cold and dry weather. The Mayo Clinic also recommends applying moisturizer to the affected area, covering it with plastic wrap, leaving it overnight, and washing it off in the morning.
Step 3
Expose the skin to sunlight. Too much sun can worsen the condition, so make sure to expose the affected areas to sunlight only about three or four times a week, and only for a short amount of time. Also be sure to use a sunblock that's rated at least SPF 15.
Step 4
Try over-the-counter remedies. These include ointments and creams containing coal tar or anthralin, dandruff shampoos (for cases of scalp psoriasis), creams containing salicylic acid or lactic acid (to remove scales), and cortisone creams.
Step 5
Use other over-the-counter products that contain ingredients such as jojoba, zinc pyrithione, aloe vera and/or capsaicin. These ingredients will soothe and moisturize inflamed skin, and may help to remove scales and relieve itching as well.
