What Is Psoriasis Its More Than Skin Deep
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the cells of your skin are replaced at an unusually fast rate.
- Skin cells are quickly replaced every few days, instead of every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Due to this rapid turnover, extra skins cells cause raised silvery plaques that can be flaky, red, and itchy.
- Psoriasis tends to occur in adults most frequently, and the symptoms may come and go.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but advanced medications allow roughly 80% to 90% of patients to have successful treatment to lessen symptoms and improve the appearance of the plaques.
How Does Salicylic Acid Work To Treat Plaque Psoriasis
Salicylic acid works by helping the scaly outer layer of plaques to be shed from the skin. It can also have the effect of softening psoriasis scales, and some people find that it can also help to reduce itch2. It is available in many different forms, including:
- lotions
- soaps
- shampoos
A large number of products containing salicylic acid can be found in the United States. For many patients, salicylic acid is more effective when it is used in combination with other types of psoriasis treatments, such as topical corticosteroids and the prescription topical treatment tacrolimus. Researchers think that combination treatment is effective because the salicylic acid helps the other types of topical medicines to penetrate more deeply into the skin
If the salicylic acid preparation used to treat psoriasis symptoms is strong, it may irritate the skin if it is left on too long. Patients are usually advised not use salicylic acid on large areas of the skin because it can be absorbed into the body and cause side effects. Salicylic acid can also make ultraviolet less effective, so it is recommended not to use it before UVB phototherapy treatments.
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Heads Up: Anthralin For Scalp Psoriasis
Anthralin is a prescription topical cream or shampoo for the scalp that slows down the growth of skin cells.
- Anthralin, like coal tar, can be messy, stain fabrics, and has a strong odor.
- Anthralin can also stain the skin or hair with a temporary reddish brown color.
- Treatment may be applied for short periods to help lessen staining and irritation. Follow your healthcare providers instructions for use.
Like coal tar, anthralin may be used in combination with UV light to help with skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching.
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Flare Ups: Common Psoriasis Triggers
Certain events or substances may worsen your psoriasis or cause it to come out of remission. It is best to avoid any trigger you identify that may cause a flare-up of your psoriasis.
Common triggers include:
- Cold weather, smoke or smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Certain medications such as lithium, high blood pressure medications , drugs to prevent malaria, and iodide products, such as potassium iodide and sodium iodide.
Best Overall: Cerave Sa Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin
Our skin contains ceramides, which are waxy lipid molecules that naturally occur within our cells membranes and are believed to play a role in reviving the skins protective barrier. That is why experts recommend CeraVe SA Lotion, as its formulate incorporates three types of ceramides to help hydrate the skin.
The product also uses salicylic acida go-to ingredient to relieve psoriasis patchesas a chemical exfoliant to target dry skin. The lactic acid and the ceramides in the formula work to keep new skin exfoliated and hydrated. Besides all these benefits, the product is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
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Topical Coal Tar: An Old Stand
Coal tar is one of the oldest known treatments for psoriasis. These products are effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis with few side effects, but can be messy with a pungent odor, and leave stains on clothes and other fabrics.
The exact way that coal tar treats psoriasis is not known. However, it does increase the skin’s absorption of UVB light for an added effect.
Coal tar can be found over-the-counter in shampoos, creams and lotions and can be used in combination with corticosteroids and emollients to soften the skin.
It is also used with ultraviolet-B light in a treatment known as Goeckerman treatment.
- Goeckerman treatment is a course of UV light therapy combined with coal tar for more moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
- It is messy and smelly, but can be effective however, not many doctors offer this treatment The regimen is usually given daily over several weeks at a time.
Other Treatments For Psoriasis
If youve found that psoriasis creams are having no effect upon your symptoms, you should speak to a doctor. They may suggest a more potent topical treatment, or refer you to a dermatologist for specialised treatment.
Treatment plans for severe psoriasis typically involve phototherapy with ultraviolet light, or systemic treatments given as tablets, capsules or injections.
References
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What Is Salicylic Acid
keratolytic agent , which means it can help the skin shed its outer layers.
People with psoriasis often use salicylic acid alongside other medicated creams because the salicylic acid allows the other creams to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Some products will need a prescription, but others are available over the counter.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like
Psoriasis can occur on any area of the body, including hands, feet, elbows, scalp or genitals.
- In plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, the skin tends to be dry, flaky, itchy, red and covered with white scales.
- Psoriasis can affect small areas of the body or be very widespread.
- For many people, psoriasis can lead to embarrassment, self-consciousness, or stress some people may require treatment for depression or anxiety.
- Family doctors, dermatologists, or rheumatologists may treat your psoriasis depending upon site and severity.
- See more pictures of psoriasis.
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When To Change Things Up
Many topical treatments can bother your skin. So over time, your doctor may suggest that you switch to different types of creams. You may also use them along with other kinds of treatments, like or medications you take by mouth or with shots.
And don’t be surprised if something that was working stops — or something thatâs never helped before starts to do some good. Let your doctor know what makes a difference and what doesnât. Together, you can find the treatment that’s right for you.
Before using topical treatments, make sure you understand the directions and the side effects they can cause. And stick with your treatment plan once you start. If you don’t use your medication regularly, your psoriasis could get worse.
Can Psoriasis Be Managed By Only Using Topical Treatments
You may find that what works for you today stops working for you a year from now. Topicals such as creams and ointments can be very effective for reducing or even eliminating symptoms. However, theyre not a cure.
Avoiding triggers can help make topical treatments more effective. In some instances, they may also be more beneficial when combined with prescribed medications and changes to your nutrition.
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Best For Hands: Mg217 Medicated Moisturizing Psoriasis Cream
Providing enough hydration to the hands can be a challenge, as they often are depleted of their moisture with hand washing and other tasks throughout the day. MG217 Medicated Salicylic Acid cream is fast-absorbing and doesnt stain, meaning you can get back to your other tasks within minutes of use.
The fragrance-free lotion is non-irritating and uses salicylic acid to target any psoriasis patches. Provitamin B5, avocado oil, shea butter, and aloe then mix in to provide hydrating relief. Customers rave that it’s one of the few lotions that works for them to relieve dry patches.
Now we know shampoo is not technically lotion, but hear us out. Washing the hair removes the natural oils that help keep the scalp moisturized and healthy. This can further irritate any psoriasis patches already forming on the surface.
This is where Neutrogenas T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo comes in. The product addresses dryness and flakiness on the scalp that can be caused by psoriasis while also keeping the surface hydrated. Included in the formula is coal tar extract, which scientists say works up to four hours after hair washing to help the scalp shed dead skin cells.
Topical Treatments For Psoriasis:
Some creams and lotions that can ease the dryness and itch are available over the counter with others, youll need a prescription from a doctor. It takes a bit of trial and error to find what topical treatment may work best for you. Here, some guidance to the most common types of creams and lotions for psoriasis.
Salicylic acid
This is the active ingredient in treatments that can help banish scales by softening them and making the outer layer of skin shed. You can find salicylic acid in many forms . These treatments are designed to work in combo with others, because getting rid of the scales can help other treatments do their work more efficiently. If its a strong version, salicylic acid can irritate the skin and make hair more likely to break off, and that can lead to temporary hair loss, says the NPF.
Topical steroids
The NPF advises not to use a topical steroid for longer than three weeks without consulting a doctor, as well as to avoid stopping the use of one suddenly because that can cause a flare-up of your psoriasis. Another reason to use these under the care of a physician: Topical steroids can be absorbed via the skin and have an impact on internal organs when used for a long period of time or over a wide area of skin.
Vitamin D3 treatments
Vitamin A treatments
Coal tar
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Tablets Capsules And Injections
If your psoriasis is severe or other treatments have not worked, you may be prescribed systemic treatments by a specialist. Systemic treatments work throughout the entire body.
These medications can be very effective in treating psoriasis, but they all have potentially serious side effects. All the systemic treatments for psoriasis have benefits and risks. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and any risks associated with them.
If youre planning for a baby, become pregnant or are thinking of breastfeeding, you should also speak to your doctor first before taking any new medicine to check its suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
There are 2 main types of systemic treatment, called non-biological and biological .
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What Are Retinoids
Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that can speed up the bodys skin-shedding process and slow the growth of skin cells. Tazarotene is a retinoid that doctors may prescribe for psoriasis.
When a person applies them to a psoriasis plaque, retinoids enable the body to shed the excess skin that has built up. This helps reduce the inflamed and scaly appearance and calm the feeling of discomfort.
A doctor may recommend combining tazarotene with a corticosteroid.
The treatment can sometimes irritate the skin. If this happens, the American Academy of Dermatology recommend first applying petroleum jelly around the skin patches, then applying the retinoid to the psoriasis only.
The Food and Drug Administration have issued about exposure to sunlight while using retinoids. A person should use sunscreen if they cannot avoid exposure to the sun and consider wearing protective clothing, as too much sun exposure can also worsen psoriasis symptoms in some people.
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What Is Coal Tar
Coal tar products are available over the counter or by prescription.
They can help make the affected skin look healthier and slow down the growth of new skin cells. Coal tar is often an ingredient in lotions.
In some places, coal tar products carry a warning that they may cause cancer. However, these warnings stem from research into animals and industrial exposure.
The AAD note that there is no evidence of coal tar products leading to cancer when people use them for psoriasis.
A product may contain up to 5% coal tar. Using a stronger one does not necessarily mean it will be more effective, according to the AAD.
Some coal tar treatments need a prescription, but many are available over the counter.
Vitamin D Analogues: How They Help
Vitamin D analogues are used to help control overactive skin cell production by binding to the vitamin D receptors on the skin cells.
Topical vitamin D analogues such as:
- calcitriol
are effective at slowing the growth of the skin cells and can be used with emollients and topical corticosteroids applied to the skin.
Calcipotriene with betamethasone is a vitamin D analogue that is already combined with an antiinflammatory corticosteroid. Brands include: Taclonex, Taclonex Scalp, Wynzora and Enstilar.
The most common side effect with these agents is mild skin irritation. Some topical vitamin D analogues may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for their full effect.
Oral calcitriol can also be used for psoriasis.
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Use Of Otc Emollients And Creams
Topical emollients and creams are agents that sooth and soften the skin. Emollients, such as lanolin, are rich in fats and oils. They work by moisturizing the skin and protecting it from drying.
Regular use of emollients may lessen the need for anti-inflammatories like corticosteroids in psoriasis.
Ask your dermatologist, family doctor, or pharmacist for their top recommendations.
The Symptoms Of Psoriasis
The patches that the skin disease forms can range from dandruff-like spots that scale to large patches that can cover a large area of your skin. Most types of this skin disease go through a couple of cycles, which consist of flaring a couple of weeks or months, then eventually subsides for some time. It can also go into a complete remission.
The signs and symptoms of skin disease are actually different for everyone. Here are the common signs and symptoms of psoriasis:
- Stiff and swollen joints
- Dry and cracked skin that can even bleed
- Small spots that are scaling, these are commonly seen on children
- Skin covered in red patches that has thick and silvery scales
- Soreness, itching and burning feeling
- Ridged, thickened, or pitted nails
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Salicylic Acid: A Keratolytic
Salicylic acid is available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths. It’s known as a “keratolytic”, which means it loosens dead skin from the psoriasis plaque to reduce scaling.
Salicylic acid is available in many different OTC formulations, such as lotions, gels, creams, foams, shampoos and others, to treat both skin and scalp psoriasis.
Salicylic acid can be used in combination with other treatments, like corticosteroid creams, anthralin, or coal tar to increase effectiveness.
- It may take up to several days before your symptoms improve.
- Common side effects of salicylic acid may include skin irritation, peeling, rash, or blanching of the skin area.
How Do I Choose The Best Over
There are several over-the-counter psoriasis treatment options available including aloe, hydrocortisone creams, and oatmeal bath products. Some psoriasis sufferers have found relief with lesser known remedies available over-the-counter, such as Indian earth and menthol sprays. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that creates large patches of dry, red skin that may be located on any part of the body including the scalp, back, and in creases of the body. In some cases it is characterized by layers of white, dead skin cells, referred to as plaque psoriasis. Some forms of this skin condition are thought to be genetic and all produce itchy, easily irritated skin.
Aloe is one of the most popular over-the-counter psoriasis treatment options on the market, and many patients have found great success using it. Medical experts suggest using aloe directly from the plant or in cream form. The product is to be applied directly the affected skin as often as needed. It is common for psoriasis sufferers and their doctors to try several treatments and medications before finding the appropriate combination.
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Factors Which Influence Topical Therapy
Patient factors
Treatment regimens must be individualized according to the patient’s age, sex, occupation, understanding, and the available resources.
Disease factors
Treatment also depends on the site of the lesions and their extent and severity. Assessment of severity should include the patient’s own perception of disability, the need for treatment, and an objective assessment of extent and severity.
Vehicle
The choice of vehicle can significantly alter the use and penetration of medications, and hence the therapeutic effect. There is a vast array of vehicles including creams, gels, solutions, foams, sprays, shampoos, and lotions. Different vehicles are indicated for different body sites. Scalp is commonly involved in psoriasis and requires gel, solutions, or foams that are not as messy as ointments and creams. Elsewhere, patients may prefer a less greasy preparation such as a cream during the daytime, and an ointment which is more effective but less cosmetically appealing at night.
Occlusion
Occlusive therapy, in which the skin is covered, often with a plastic membrane, enhances the penetration of topical agents such as corticosteroids. The occlusive dressings trap heat and moisture, hydrating and macerating the skin and forcing the medication through the plaques.
Combination therapy
All patients on topical therapy should be examined regularly to look for the development of side effects at the earliest.