Home Treatment for Psoriasis

Overview

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which skin cells grow very rapidly and form thick, silvery scales. The skin may also be very dry, red, itchy and painful. There is no cure, but many home treatments can ease the pain and discomfort associated with this disease.

Baths

A daily 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 or Epsom salts to the bath, and not using harsh soaps (using soaps that have oils or fats added to them, instead).

Phototherapy

Expose the skin to the sun. Too much sunlight can make the condition worse, so make sure to only sunbathe about three or four times a week, and only for a short amount of time. Use a sunblock that's rated at least an SPF of 15.

OTC Creams and Ointments

Use over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments that contain ingredients such as jojoba, zinc pyrithione, aloe vera and/or capsaicin. These ingredients can moisturize and soothe inflammation, remove scales and relieve itching.

Stronger OTC Products

For more severe psoriasis cases, try ointments and creams that contain coal tar or anthralin, dandruff shampoos (for scalp psoriasis), creams with salicylic acid or lactic acid (to remove scales), and cortisone creams.

Moisturize the Skin

For the most effective results, combine all of the above home treatments, and make sure to use moisturizers on a daily basis--particularly after bathing and during cold and dry weather.