The 9 Best Psoriasis Creams and Lotions, According to Dermatologists

Psoriasis can be a fairly unpleasant skin condition, as it results in flare-ups of itching, inflammation and tenderness that can last for days or even weeks.

"Psoriasis is a genetic skin condition that results in the body's immune system attacking the skin, resulting in plaques of thicker skin," says Purvisha Patel, MD, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee. "The thicker plaques can split and crack, causing the nerves beneath the skin to fire," triggering that itchy, inflamed feeling.

While the condition can occur anywhere, it's especially common in sensitive areas like the elbows, knees and buttocks. Luckily, there are plenty of over-the-counter psoriasis creams and lotions that can help.

So, what's the difference between a cream and a lotion? "A lotion is usually formulated with a higher water content than oil, making it lighter, thinner and more easily absorbed," says Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston. "Creams are blends of oil and water with a higher oil concentration, making them richer and thicker in consistency than lotions. Creams form a better barrier than lotions but can feel greasy."

Here are some great OTC psoriasis lotions and creams that are recommended by dermatologists.

We tapped dermatologists to share their recommendations for the best creams and lotions for people with psoriasis. The products below were chosen based on the following criteria:

• Ingredients
• Effectiveness
• Availability
• Cost

Find more information on how we choose and review products here.

"This has urea and ceramides to help exfoliate the thicker skin and moisturize the skin beneath," Dr. Patel says.

Dr. Mokaya also recommends this cream because it "has 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate and remove scales, and has great ingredients like lactic acid, niacinamide (which calms skin), ceramides for barrier repair and shea butter" for soothing the skin.

Because this cream has 1 percent hydrocortisone, Dr. Patel says it can really help with the annoying itching that often accompanies psoriasis. And while it's an "Amazon's Choice" favorite, it's also very reasonably priced.

This cream contains 3 percent salicylic acid, which Dr. Patel says "should help exfoliate the rougher parts of the skin and make it smoother."

This makes it a good pick for knees and elbows, too.

You're already eating anti-inflammatory foods to treat psoriasis, but what about an anti-inflammatory cream?

According to Dr. Patel (who created this balm), this cream has natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help soothe cracked skin while also acting as a moisturizing agent.

It also promises to improve the quality of your skin and increase its elasticity, so it's got quite a few perks.

"It contains 3 percent salicylic acid, and also has great moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, panthenol (provitamin B5) and aloe vera," Dr. Mokaya says.

"Dead Sea mud has long been heralded as a healing treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including psoriasis, due to the high mineral content," says Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DERMAdoctor.

The creamy product contains vitamin E, Dead Sea minerals and a calming mandarin and cedarwood scent. It's also vegan and paraben-free.

If you want a stronger cream that not only soothes skin but helps reduce the amount of scaling and flaking that psoriasis produces, this one by Dermarest could be a good option. It contains 3 percent salicylic acid and zinc to help reduce patches, is fragrance-free and comes with a tip applicator to help target troubled skin. It can even be used alongside a psoriasis shampoo.

Plus, it's dermatologist recommended and recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as a helpful cream for psoriasis.

Sometimes, good old Vaseline can be just the thing to help protect and calm skin with psoriasis. Petroleum jelly is considered an occlusive, a substance often used in skin care to form a protective barrier on the skin and help lock in moisture, per Michigan State University.

Apply a small amount of Vaseline to your scaly patches and help reduce flaking and itching. You can even wear it overnight if you find the texture too thick or greasy for daytime use.

Just note that, while it is moisturizing, Vaseline does not contain ingredients like urea or salicylic acid to break down skin, so it will not help with thick scales.

Exfoliating can be an important part of taking care of skin with psoriasis. Gentle exfoliating substances (or physical exfoliation through things like dry brushing) can be helpful to slough off scaly, flaky skin.

That's where this lotion from La Roche-Posay comes in. It contains soothing agents like shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide. It also has the brand's prebiotic thermal water, which softens patches so they're easier to exfoliate.

Try this lotion prior to exfoliating for best results.

Keratolytic agents soften and remove extra skin cells, such as those of psoriasis. Dr. Mokaya suggests picking a lotion or cream that contains salicylic acid, as that's the most commonly used and effective keratolytic agent.

The exception may be if the psoriasis is in your armpits or groin, Dr. Patel says, because those areas are more sensitive. In that case, you may want to avoid creams with harsh acids.

Niacinamide, aloe vera and arnica are good ones, according to Dr. Mokaya.

She also recommends opting for a rich moisturizer that contains ​​shea butter or avocado oil to help hydrate your skin.

"Consistency in skin care is key to help keep skin healthy and as rash-free as possible," Dr. Kunin says. "Moisturize twice daily, ideally with an active moisturizer that helps lift away dead, dry skin."

Creams and lotions certainly help with the condition, but Dr. Patel says the best thing you can do for your psoriasis is to make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep and drink six glasses of water per day, both of which can help keep inflammation in check.

Inflammatory foods such as soda, snack foods, desserts and alcohol may trigger psoriasis flares, so it's best to limit or avoid them (along with any foods you're personally sensitive to).

Instead, prioritize anti-inflammatory fare like fruits and veggies, fatty fish like salmon and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kombucha.