Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes skin cells to accumulate on the skin, creating scales and causing the skin to be dry, itchy, red or irritated. There is no specifically known cause of psoriasis, however, it is generally believed to be caused by deficiencies in the immune system and systems that affect cell production and growth. If you suffer from psoriasis, there are ways that you can keep your symptoms under control and reduce the severity.
Step 1
Take an oral medication prescribed your physician or dermatologist. Medications, such as a retinoid or methotroxate, can slow down the production of skin cells and suppress inflammation. Be sure to discuss taking these medications with your doctor to understand potential side effects.
Step 2
Practice good skin care habits. Keep skin clean and moisturized. Wear protective outerwear in the winter to protect skin from the cold. Use sunscreen and avoid overexposure to the sun during warmer months.
Step 3
Take baths daily. Add colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salt or a bath oil to the bath and soak for 15 minutes. These items will help add moisture to the skin and calm inflamed skin. Use a gentle soap to wash your skin. When washing the skin, apply light pressure in a circular motion on scaly areas in order to remove dry skin. Avoid using soaps that contain drying chemicals or large amounts of fragrance.
Step 4
Moisturize your skin daily with an ointment-based moisturizer, such as Gold Bond lotion. After bathing, blot skin dry and apply a generous amount of moisturizer. In colder months or if you tend to have dryer skin, you may need to apply moisturizer several times per day. Seal in moisture at night by applying an ointment-based moisturizer to scaly areas and wrapping your skin with plastic wrap overnight. Doing this seals moisture into your skin, loosening the scales. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and wash off any dry skin or scales.
Step 5
Apply an anti-inflammatory lotion or cream containing salicylic acid or hydrocortisone to treat itching or inflammation.
Tips and Warnings
- Maintain a strong immune system. Getting adequate exercise, taking a multivitamin daily, getting adequate rest and eating healthy, fresh foods can strengthen your immune system. Eliminate the occurrence of infections. Tonsilitis, sinusitis and strep throat are all infectious viruses that stem from compromised immune systems. Prolonged exposure to these viruses can cause ancillary illnesses, such as psoriasis.
- Discuss long-term side effects of medications you're taking with your doctor. Drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, chloroquine, lithium, indomethacine and progesterone can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Things You'll Need
- Prescribed oral medication
- Colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salt or a bath oil
- Ointment-based moisturizer
- Anti-inflammatory lotion or cream
