The chronic skin disease known as psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to send faulty signals to skin cells. The disease is characterized by red, patchy scales and lesions that can appear anywhere on the body. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there is no cure for psoriasis, but topical and systemic treatments can clear up outbreaks for long periods of time.
Step 1
Use over-the-counter topical ointments that contain salicylic acid to soften the hard patches and lift them off. Salicylic acid is best used on small patches of skin because the body may absorb too much of the chemical if applied to large areas, report doctors at the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Step 2
Buy shampoos, creams and lotions that contain coal tar. The ingredient has proven effective in relieving scaling and itching and reducing inflammation. Try it on a small patch of skin first to see if it produces additional itching. Skin should not be exposed to the sun for 24 hours after using a coal tar product.
Step 3
See your doctor about getting a prescription for a systemic medication that works throughout the entire body. Common oral treatments for psoriasis include the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine or methotrexate, used for severe psoriasis. Acitretin is an oral retinoid that decreases the rate at which skin cells multiply. All oral medications have side effects that you should monitor.
Step 4
Ask a dermatologist to hold a family counseling session for you and your family to explain the disease. Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology report that when understood better, the disease does not scare others, resulting in less stress on the patient.
Step 5
Keep a journal to record flare-ups so that you can learn to identify the triggers that cause your outbreaks. Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology remind patients that psoriasis flare-ups often occur 10 days to two weeks after a triggering event, so get in the habit of maintaining a daily journal to become more familiar with your disease and how it affects you.
Tips and Warnings
- Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing to avoid stress, which can be a trigger for psoriasis outbreaks.
- Not all psoriasis medications work for every patient. People with the condition need to experiment with various treatments to find the one that works best for them.
Things You'll Need
- Salicylic acid
- Coal tar
- Oral medication
- Journal
