When you have psoriasis, you develop dry and itchy patches on the surface of your skin. These patches are excess cells that are building up above the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic condition and has periods of remission. Although psoriasis cannot be cured, you can treat the symptoms to offer relief during outbreaks. Because psoriasis can be triggered by behaviors such as alcohol use, figuring out your triggers can reduce the number of outbreaks. Make an appointment with your doctor to inquire about various treatment options.
Step 1
Moisturize your skin after bathing. Bathe in lukewarm water to avoid further drying out your skin through hot showers and baths. Epsom salts can be added to the bath to exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface. While your skin is still wet, lather on a moisturizer or body oil.
Step 2
Cover the dried and scaly area overnight. Use a heavy body lotion on the affected areas of the skin and cover in plastic wrap. When you bathe, the dried flakes are rinsed off of the body.
Step 3
Reduce the amount of scaling with hydrocortisone cream. The cream can stop scaling and itching caused by psoriasis. Only use a small amount and only during outbreaks. Overuse can lead to skin sensitivity. Products with salicylic acid or coal tar promote the removal of skin cells on the skin and can be used on a daily basis.
Step 4
Speak to your doctor. In moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, prescription medication may be required to treat the dryness and irritation caused by the skin condition. Topical prescriptions are often given and include active ingredients such as corticosteroids, vitamin D and retinoids. Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light is another type of method used by doctors to treat psoriasis.
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