How to Avoid Steroids When Treating Psoriasis

Overview

Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that is characterized by red, scaly patches that appear on the skin. Treatment for the disease involves taming or eliminating the symptoms. Topical and oral steroids--common and effective treatments of psoriasis symptoms--can interrupt daily activities and cause severe discomfort. While it may reduce psoriasis symptoms, the Mayo Clinic reports that steroids can cause glaucoma, high blood pressure, mood swings and weight gain.

Step 1

Use an over-the-counter cream that contains salicylic acid, which softens affected skin so that it can slough off. Salicylic acid also causes hairs to break off while it clears up the skin, leading to temporary hair loss in the spots where you use it.

Step 2

Try creams that include coal tar. Doctors at the National Psoriasis Foundation report that coal tar is one of the most common treatments for psoriasis. The tar helps to slow the growth of psoriasis cells while reducing swelling and irritation. Avoid staining your skin from the tar by applying the medication on top of a moisturizer.

Step 3

Keep the affected areas moist with moisturizers and lotions that contain aloe vera, capsaicin or jojoba. Heavier creams and lotions that are oily work best to seal in moisture and provide longer relief and continued softening.

Step 4

Add oil or colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath and soak the affected areas for at least 15 minutes. Apply a heavy moisturizer immediately after getting out of the tub.

Step 5

Cover the moisturized area with plastic wrap, non-stick bandages or cotton to seal in the moisturizer. Wrapped psoriasis sores can absorb the moisturizer while you're sleeping or during the day.

Step 6

Consider light therapy to reduce psoriasis symptoms. Expose the affected areas to moderate sunlight to help dry up the sores. Many dermatologists provide controlled doses of phototherapy with artificial UVB lights or lasers.

Step 7

Take oral medications for severe psoriasis outbreaks, drugs that contain ingredients such as cyclosporine, methotrexates or acitretin. Oral psoriasis medications have serious side effects such as birth defects, liver failure and decreased white blood cell count, so talk to your doctor to see if this type of treatment is right for your particular case of psoriasis.