Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that does not have a cure (as of 2009). It is characterized by outbreaks of thick, scaly skin patches that can often be inflamed and painful, not to mention unsightly. Though there are a number of treatment options for the condition, several options specifically address the symptom of scaly skin. Since psoriasis outbreaks generally last from two to four weeks or more, getting fast results may not be possible. However, mild to moderate cases of scaly skin due to psoriasis can improve quickly with the right treatment.
Step 1
Use over-the-counter (OTC) ointments or creams containing salicylic acid. According to PsoriasisNet, salicylic acid is a peeling agent, medically known as a "keratolytic" substance, and causes the outer layer of the skin to shed. It is used commonly to treat a wide variety of skin problems. For psoriasis sufferers, it can help soften and remove scales.
Step 2
Try other OTC keratolytics. Though salicylic acid is the most commonly used peeling agent, other non-prescription ingredients may be more helpful to some psoriasis sufferers. Since everyone's psoriasis case is different, the Mayo Clinic states that what works for one patient may not work for another; with that in mind, explore other scale-peeling agents and look for OTC ointments and creams with the active ingredients of lactic acid, urea or phenol.
Step 3
Try light therapy. Known as phototherapy, this is a method that exposes psoriatic skin to either sunlight or to UVB light generated in a clinical setting. UV light from the sun and UVB artificial light destroys T-cell on the surface of the skin; T-cells are white blood cells that multiply uncontrollably in psoriasis, causing the scales and red skin that are typical of the disease. Too much UV or UVB light can actually worsen psoriasis scales, so make sure to sunbathe for short bursts not more than three to four times per week, and always use sunblock of at least 15 SPF.
The excimer laser technique, which uses powerful pulses of UVB light that are aimed directly onto the affected areas without hitting the surrounding healthy skin, is one of the newer forms of phototherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, excimer laser therapy requires fewer sessions than regular phototherapy, so ask your doctor whether this option is right for your case of psoriasis.
Step 4
Combine treatments. The Mayo Clinic states that combining topical applications with phototherapy can speed up psoriatic scale reduction and elimination. For example, a procedure called the Goeckerman treatment involves using UVB phototherapy in combination with coal tar, which is applied topically and makes skin more sensitive to UVB light, which in turn makes phototherapy sessions more effective.
Step 5
Use moisturizers on a daily basis. A regular habit of applying moisturizers to your skin may help reduce or even eliminate psoriasis scales, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, which goes on to suggest using heavy oil-based moisturizing creams and lotions (the Foundation also notes that using cooking oils or shortening can be an effective and cheaper substitute). To make these moisturizers even more effective, the Foundation suggests using a technique called "occlusion," where you cover the moisturizers on your skin with plastic wrap (alternatives include cotton socks and waterproof dressing) and leave it covered overnight, washing the moisturizer off in the morning.
Tips and Warnings
- Take a daily 15-minute bath in lukewarm (not hot) water to reduce scales.
- Always talk to your doctor about any OTC remedy you want to try.
