Psoriasis is an immune system disease that is chronic and usually appears on the skin in the form of red, scaly lesions and patches, report doctors at the National Psoriasis Foundation. About 30 percent of patients with psoriasis also get psoriatric arthritis. People who are obese and who have diabetes and heart disease also tend to develop psoriasis. The condition can develop on any part of the body. Treatment to clear psoriasis varies between patients.
Step 1
Rub on an over-the-counter cream that contains keratolytic, which is a peeling agent that causes the outer layer of skin to shed off. Coal tar is another over-the-counter cream that is used to treat psoriasis. Coal tar slows the production of new skin and allows the skin to heal. Both can irritate the skin and cause additional redness if left on for too long.
Step 2
Keep the affected areas moisturized with heavy oils and lotions. Doctors at the National Psoriasis Foundation say that heavy cream can help to lock in the skin's natural moisture. Cooking oils and shortening can be used just as effectively as expensive moisturizers.
Step 3
Get a prescription from a doctor for topical cream that can slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce the inflammation caused by psoriasis sores. Prescriptions may or may not contain steroids. Other common ingredients in prescription topical creams and ointments include calcipotriene, a vitamin A derivative called tazarotene or calcitriol.
Step 4
Expose the affected skin to ultraviolet light either by going out in the sunlight or receiving treatments with a pulsed dye laser that targets affected psoriasis lesions with a timed laser.
Step 5
Take oral prescription medicine, such as methotrexate or cyclosporine, that you can get from your doctor. Methotrexate slows the growth of skin cells and can be helpful to people with related arthritis, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Cyclosporine is an immunosupressant drug that impedes the functioning of the immune system to clear up the symptoms of psoriasis.
Tips and Warnings
- Take a bath every day in warm water to remove scaly skin and soothe inflammation. Use bath oil, colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts and soak for at least 15 minutes. Wash with mild soap that contains oil.
- Extended use of medications to treat psoriasis can be risky. Methotrexate can cause liver damage, while cyclosporine leaves the body open to develop other serious infections and cancer while it suppresses the body's immune system.
Things You'll Need
- OTC creams
- Prescription topical cream
- Prescription medicine
- Cooking oil
