Over The Counter Psoriasis Treatment Considerations
If you believe you have psoriasis, you should visit your medical provider for a diagnosis before trying to address the problem with over-the-counter products. For severe cases, prescription medications and other clinical interventions may be needed. Your health care provider can discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best products for your needs. He or she can also give you tips and advice regarding skin care to lower your likelihood of future outbreaks. Only use psoriasis treatment products as directed by the manufacturer unless you receive other advice from a medical provider.
Related Resources For Psoriasis:
* Prescription savings vary by prescription and by pharmacy, and may reach up to 80% off cash price.
Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
Buying Psoriasis Creams Over The Counter
You can readily buy emollients in a pharmacy, but medicated creams will typically require a conversation with the pharmacist or a prescription from your doctor.
Coal tar shampoos, including polytar shampoo, which are a treatment for scalp psoriasis, are usually available to buy without speaking to a pharmacist.
polytar-shampoo-150ml,dermalex-psoriasis-60g,grahams-natural-psoriasis-cream-75gm,stiefel-oilatum-cream-150g,e45-cream-125g,e45-dermatological-moisturising-lotion-200ml,doublebase-diomed-flare-relief-emollient
Recommended Reading: Psoriasis On Top Of Hands
How Often Can You Use Scalpicin
What is the best treatment for itchy scalp?There are multiple home remedies which may be effective for an itchy scalp that doesnt require medical treatment.Apple cider vinegar. Organic coconut oil. Salicylic acid. Ketoconazole shampoo.
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.
You May Like: Natural Psoriasis Treatment During Pregnancy
Precautions When Using Phototherapy
As this treatment involves exposure to UVB radiation, it can result in burning, just like overexposure to sunlight. Longer-term exposure to UVB radiation can cause skin cancers and premature aging although in theory because a patient is only exposed to a very narrow wavelength of light less UV exposure actually occurs. Although the true risk is not yet fully known much research has been done that suggest it is much less risky than PUVA phototherapy.
More information can be found throughout this site.
Some basic safety tips must be followed when using Narrowband phototherapyAvoid burning your skin by overexposure
- Do not use if you are taking any medication that makes you photosensitive
- Always moisturise after a treatment to prevent your skin drying out.
- Seek guidance from your doctor before starting a treatment at home
Light Or Laser Therapy
You can go to a dermatologists office two or three times a week to receive whats called narrow-band UVB phototherapy.
It feels a lot like going to a tanning salonyou step into a vertical box thats filled with lights. You dont really see maximum benefit until 10 to 12 weeks and many patients continue to do it for six months, says Dr. Klein. There are also home light box units that we try to get insurance to cover. Light therapy is generally a good choice if you have scalp psoriasis, as well as psoriasis on other areas of your body.
Another variation: You can get a comb with a light in it, so you can essentially brush with this light turned on that emits UVB rays, says Dr. Buka. Thats one way to suppress inflammation on the scalp without using a steroid.
Theres also an excimer laser, which is a form of ultraviolet laser and can be used in a doctors office two to three times a week. This works great for the scalp because its more of a targeted therapy and we actually put the laser where we see the plaques, says Dr. Klein.
Read Also: Home Remedies To Remove Psoriasis Scars
Do Any Vitamins Help Psoriasis
Vitamins are no replacement for conventional psoriasis treatments, but vitamins A, E, D, and C may help to reduce symptoms and prevent severe flare-ups. Speak to a doctor before supplementing vitamins to manage a medical condition. Vitamin intake is more effective in the diet than in supplement form.
Traditional Treatment Cautions Breast Psoriasis
You make an appointment to see your doctor because your psoriasis is flaring. He takes a look and then whips out his prescription pad to order one of the following:
. A prescription strength topical treatment
. phototherapy
. oral and injection therapy
. over the counter drugs
Any of these treatments may work fine to relieve your symptoms and make you feel better for now. The trouble with conventional treatment methods is that they rarely work to cure the underlying cause of this skin condition and that can leave you suffering repeat attacks. Still it is important to know what helps are available, and how they may help or hurt your chance of treatment success.
Topical Ointments Breast Psoriasis
Topical ointments are used at the first sign of psoriasis. If caught early enough they can sometimes stave off a full-blown attack. Unfortunately, most people report becoming immune to them when used often, which makes them useless for long term use. Still, using the occasional cream or gel can help relieve some of your symptoms. Steroids
Both topical and internal steroids can be prescribed to help ease psoriasis swelling inflammation and itching. Immunomodulators
MTX is a type of chemotherapy drug that has been shown to help relieve severer psoriasis. This heavy duty drug works in two major ways: 1. to stop plaque building cells from regenerating at such a fast speed 2. to stop inflammation on white blood cells, which keeps psoriasis lesions from growing. Cyclosporine
Recommended Reading: What Gets Rid Of Psoriasis
My Personal Experience With Over The Counter Psoriasis Shampoos
The last time I used over the counter shampoos for my scalp psoriasis was back in 2009 when I was first trying to figure out the best natural treatments for psoriasis. These days, when I stick to the Smart Psoriasis Diet Plan, my scalp psoriasis stays in check.
However, I can recommend using Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula for mild scalp psoriasis . I know many people do not like the ingredients of some of these products, but I see using these products as a short-term measure while you start incorporating a healthy diet and lifestyle. Once you start seeing the benefits of the change in diet, you slowly phase out the non-natural products.
Before long, you will be able to discard all chemically formulated products and rely on natural treatments for scalp psoriasis.
You May Like: How To Know If You Have Psoriasis On Scalp
Does Ibuprofen Help Psoriasis
For both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, NSAIDs are a common first-line treatment. Typically available over the counter, NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen , and naproxen sodium . Your doctor may provide a prescription-strength NSAID if appropriate. NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications.Six Treatment Options for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Healthline
Also Check: What Causes Scalp Psoriasis Flare Ups
Best For Legs: Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer
Hydrating the skin after bathing is a crucial step to preventing dryness because completely toweling off before using lotion can deplete the barrier of necessary moisture. Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer takes this problem on at its head by providing you with a moisturizer to be used on wet skin.
Keep this bottle handy in the bathroom after you step out of the shower or bath. The formula is activated once it mixes with the water on your skin, helping it penetrate deep into the barrier. Ingredients include ceramides, shea butter, and pro-vitamin B5 to address any dryness or irritation.
The irritation, itchiness, and inflammation of the skin can cause immediate frustration for anyone with psoriasis. Thats where Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream comes in. The formula addresses multiple symptoms related to psoriasisfrom scalliness to itchinessall while incorporating a key ingredient: salicylic acid.
The product works great for psoriasis patches around the knees, a common area for the skin condition to flourish, because it soothes the surface while providing maximum hydration to penetrate deep into the barrier. Customers say their psoriasis patches significantly improve within days of use.
Coconut Or Avocado Oil
Coconuts and avocadoes are filled with healthy fats that boost skin health. Massage a few drops of either type of oil, cool or lightly heated, onto your scalp and put on a shower cap. Wait 20 minutes, remove the cap, then wash your hair as usual. This can reduce and remove some of the scaling associated with the condition.
Dont Miss: Light Therapy For Psoriasis Cost
Read Also: Is Jojoba Oil Good For Scalp Psoriasis
Best Natural: Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream
Looking for a lotion that provides itchiness relief, repairs damaged skin cells, and smooths the skin, all while not using any harmful additives, fragrances, or chemicals? Then Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream could be the lotion for you.
The formula boasts all-natural ingredients, including organic aloe veraan anti-inflammatory that penetrates deep to soothe cracked skinand manuka honey, which provides healing properties. In all, the moisturizer combines vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help seal in moisture so the skin stays hydrated for hours on end. Customers say the product brightens and smoothes their skin while minimizing psoriasis patches.
How To Choose The Product That Is Right For Your Scalp
So how do you choose the right over-the-counter product for you? First you need to determine the severity of your condition. The more severe the case the stronger the active ingredient may have to be to help treat your scalp psoriasis. Remember to read the packaging. The FDA recommends levels of Sal Acid and Tar from 1-3% for Salicylic Acid and from .5-5% for tar. It is always better to start lower and increase concentration if the medication is not working effectively for you. Never go right for the highest concentration because this could irritate your scalp and cause the psoriasis to become worse.
Recommended Reading: Does Selsun Blue Help With Psoriasis
Is Cbd Good For Psoriasis
How can CBD help with psoriasis? Some research indicates that CBD may benefit people with psoriasis, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 review suggests that CBDs anti-inflammatory properties may help treat skin conditions, including psoriasis.3 of the best CBD oils for psoriasis | Medical News Today
Methotrexate : A Longer
Methotrexate , is a folic acid antagonist, meaning it blocks the action of folic acid. Methotrexate is often abbreviated “MTX”.
- Methotrexate comes as a once-weekly oral tablet or injection that suppresses the immune system and DNA synthesis to slow down skin cell turnover.
- MTX can be used long-term for moderate to severe psoriasis and for psoriatic arthritis, but results with MTX may not be seen for several months. Review MTX dosing here.
- Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid in addition to MTX to help lessen stomach and other side effects.
- MTX can be toxic to the liver and other organs lab monitoring will be needed.
MTX should NOT be used in women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy men should also stop its use 3 months before conception. Use effective contraception during and after treatment with methotrexate.
- Effective birth control is recommended for females of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 6 months after the final dose.
- Effective contraception is recommended for males with female partners of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 3 months after the final dose of methotrexate.
Don’t Miss: Light Therapy For Scalp Psoriasis
Safety And Side Effects
Keep in mind that these products wont cure scalp psoriasis, but they may help manage flare-ups.
If your condition worsens, its best that you check in with your doctor. Some cases of scalp psoriasis are more severe and may require prescription shampoos.
As with any new product, be sure to do a patch test before using a scalp psoriasis shampoo over your whole head. To do a patch test, put some product on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation.
Coal tar might not be safe to use during pregnancy or on infants, so its always best to talk with your doctor first.
Using some of these shampoos alone can be drying to your hair because coal tar and salicylic acid strip away oils. Find a good conditioner and make sure that youre keeping your hair and scalp moisturized.
Kenkoderm, Head & Shoulders, and Vanicream have conditioners that pair with their respective shampoos. As for other shampoos, you can pair them with moisturizing or intensive care conditioners.
Ultraviolet Treatment For Psoriasis
is the use of UV radiation to treat skin disorders, and this can be very effective in the treatment of psoriasis. It is generally reserved for cases where topical therapy has been ineffective or too much of the skin surface is involved to treat psoriasis effectively with topical agents. It is administered in cabinets at specialised centres, and a treatment course for psoriasis will usually consist of 23 treatments per week for 2030 treatments.
- Phototherapy is best avoided in patients with very fair skin, who take certain immunosuppressive medications, or who have a previous history of skin cancer.
The need for regular travel to a phototherapy centre can make this option difficult for some patients. The beneficial effects may be short-lived.
Read Also: Will Cortizone 10 Help Psoriasis
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.
Show Sources
Bruce E. Strober, MD, PhD, associate director of dermatopharmacology, department of dermatology, New York University School of Medicine co-director, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Center consultant for Amgen, Biogen, Genentech, Fujisawa, and 3M.
Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD, director of the Clinical Research Center, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York City assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons consultant for Amgen and Genentech.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
American Academy of Dermatology.
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
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Psoriasis On Your Chest
What Is Scalp Psoriasis
Since youre reading this article, chances are you already know what scalp psoriasis is, but heres a quick overview just in case.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can happen anywhere on the body. It sometimes crops up in areas that are hard to treat, such as the nails and scalp.
Psoriasis can also appear on other parts of the body, including:
- knees
- back of the ears
- neck
Like other types of psoriasis, scalp psoriasis causes skin to build up and form scaly patches called plaques.
Mild cases have fine scales, while moderate cases will have thicker scales and more irritation. Severe cases result in large, thick plaques with overlying thick scales.
How Do You Stop Scalp Psoriasis From Spreading
Does drinking water help scalp psoriasis?When patients are fighting conditions such as psoriasis, hydration can be used to keep the skin moisturized and decrease flare-ups for those who experience psoriasis and other skin conditions.Does drinking water help psoriasis? Dermatology Consultants of Short
You May Like: Best Cortisone Cream For Psoriasis
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
Psoriasis Drugs: Biologic Medication
Biologic drugs are protein-based medicines that are derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory.
These medicines are administered through an injection or IV and target parts of the immune system.
Biologics work by blocking the action of a specific type of immune cell and proteins in the immune system that play a major role in the development of psoriasis.
The following medicines are examples of biologics:
Also Check: What Is Psoriasis Of The Skin