Topical Retinoids: Vitamin A Derivatives
Tazarotene is a vitamin A derivative that affects epidermal cell growth in psoriasis and exhibits some anti-inflammatory action. It is also available as a generic option.
- Tazarotene comes in a cream or gel and is used primarily for mild to moderate psoriasis. Tazorac is also approved for acne treatment.
- Other brands of tazarotene, approved for other uses, include Arazlo , Fabior and Avage
- In 2019, a combination of halobetasol, a topical corticosteroid, and tazarotene from Bausch Health was FDA-approved for plaque psoriasis.
Acitretin is an oral retinoid, also a form of vitamin A, that comes as a capsule .
- It is used for severe forms of psoriasis that do not respond to other treatments. Acitretin is not a cure for psoriasis, and your psoriasis may come back after you stop taking this medication.
- It is also available as a generic option.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
Important: View the patient counseling information for Tazorac or Soriatane to learn more about the Contraindications and Warnings for Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding and discuss this information with your doctor.
In addition, you must NOT become pregnant while taking acitretin and for at least 3 YEARS after stopping acitretin, so that the drug can be eliminated to below a blood concentration that would be associated with an increased incidence of birth defects.
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.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- How can you tell that I have plaque psoriasis?
- If I dont have plaque psoriasis, what other skin condition might I have?
- How can I prevent flare-ups and control my symptoms?
- What medicines do you recommend?
- Do the medicines have any side effects?
- What at-home treatments do you recommend?
- Do the at-home treatments have any side effects?
- What else should I do to improve my symptoms?
- Is there a cream or ointment that you can prescribe?
- Should I see a dermatologist or another specialist?
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Anus And Surrounding Area
Psoriasis on or near the anus is red or purple, non-scaly, and likely to itch. Symptoms might be similar to those of yeast infections, hemorrhoidal itching, and pinworm infestations.
Genital psoriasis of the anus can also cause rectal bleeding, pain while passing stools, and dryness. Heavy scaling and red or purple discoloration might develop in the creases of the buttocks, although the skin is less sensitive and difficult to treat.
Do I Need To Use A Special Sunscreen If I Have Psoriasis
You dont necessarily need to use special sunscreen but wearing sun protection is important. Long sleeves and clothing with a UPF protection rating can come in handy.
If you have a flare-up or actively inflamed skin, sunscreen may irritate your skin further. In these instances, it may be best to avoid sun exposure or to wear clothing that protects your skin from the suns rays.
When flare-ups are managed, a sun blocker that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be your safest bet. Always use a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30.
If you take a medication for psoriasis, such as methotrexate or acitretin, you may have heightened sensitivity to the sun, increasing your need for protection.
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Which Shampoo For Psoriasis On Scalps Work Best
The items that are dealt with by your business are probably different sizes, weights, heights, etc. Because of this, a device that can accommodate these variables is a must. Despite its size and cost, it is a quality product despite being small and cheap.
Today, there are multiple ways to accomplish common office tasks using shampoo for psoriasis on scalps.
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Does Sun Help Psoriasis
How often should you wash your hair if you have folliculitis?Folliculitis Treatments Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. Be sure to use a fresh cloth and towel each time. Use salt: Put warm saltwater 1 teaspoon table salt mixed with 2 cups of water on a washcloth and place it on your skin. You can also try white vinegar.
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Potential Risks Of Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D supplementation is generally safe when taking 400-800 international units per day, depending on age. However, it has been shown to be harmful in large doses, causing nausea, constipation, and other ailments, such as harm to the kidneys.
Taking vitamin D supplements can also interfere with some medications. Vitamin D supplements may lead to risky health effects when taken in combination with:
- Certain steroid medications
- Heart medications
- Psoriasis treatments like Dovonex
If youre thinking of adding vitamin D supplements to your diet, remember to consult with your dermatologist and discuss any medications you may be taking.
Read more about vitamin D for psoriasis.
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
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Is Henna Good For Scalp Psoriasis
What does psoriasis look like?What Does Psoriasis Look Like? Psoriasis usually appears as red or pink plaques of raised, thick, scaly skin. However, it can also appear as small, flat bumps or large, thick plaques. It most commonly affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, though it can appear anywhere on the body.
Is Selsun Blue Shampoo Good For Psoriasis
Do Epsom salts help psoriasis?Epsom salt uses for body psoriasis According to the NPF, baths with Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, oil, or oatmeal may help remove psoriasis scales and soothe itchy skin. Remember to take warm, short baths rinse and pat your skin dry and follow up with moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
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How Do You Pick The Best Treatment Option
Once you are diagnosed with psoriasis, your healthcare provider will help you decide the best treatment for you. Your primary care provider can usually treat mild psoriasis. In some cases, you might need to see a specialist called a dermatologist.
Psoriasis is different for everyone, but treatment generally proceeds as follows:
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If you have mild psoriasis involving a small area of your body, you can try a topical treatment or targeted phototherapy first. If that doesnt work, systemic treatment with an oral medication or biologic is the next step.
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If you have moderate or severe psoriasis involving a larger area of the body or a sensitive area like the palms or soles a systemic treatment with or without phototherapy is recommended as first-line treatment.
-
Systemic treatment is also needed if you have both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Finding the right treatment isnt always easy. Its not easy to predict how someone will respond to treatment, and sometimes you have to try a few medications before you find one that works for you. You may even need more than one medication, too. This process can be frustrating, but your healthcare provider can guide you through the process.
If you have already been diagnosed with psoriasis and need prescription refills, it may help to know that there are several services that can provide a consultation and prescription online.
How Can I Treat Psoriasis Naturally
If youre looking for organic remedies to use in addition to medications, there are many different natural treatments out there for psoriasis.
There are a few different things that may be triggering your psoriasis, which is a great place to start with natural treatment. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help prevent a flare-up from occurring in the first place and increase quality of life. Triggers for psoriasis can include illness, stress, smoking, and injuries to the skin.
Aside from avoiding triggers, there are many other natural methods for the management of psoriasis. Below are a few different home remedies for psoriasis. Make sure to consult a doctor before trying any of the following remedies.
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Potential Risks Of Fish Oil
Fish oil has been shown to interact with certain blood pressure medications and contraceptives, and high doses may increase the risk of stroke. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential risks associated with fish oil supplementation for psoriasis. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about fish oil or any other supplements you are thinking of taking.
Read more about omega-3 fatty acids for psoriasis.
Vitamins And Supplements For Psoriasis
There is growing interest in using over-the-counter dietary supplements to achieve better health outcomes, including for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, long-lasting disorder, and continual use of certain medications or therapies may lead to an increased risk of side effects. Many people, therefore, seek alternatives or complements for managing their psoriasis symptoms. Common supplements among people with psoriasis include turmeric, vitamin D, probiotics, and fish oil.
Although scientific research has not consistently found a clear connection between certain supplements and psoriasis symptom relief, understanding what options are available and their potential health benefits is worthwhile.
Remember, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves supplements to be safe for general consumption, but it does not approve them as treatments for medical conditions. Always seek professional medical advice before adding supplements to your diet.
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Why Does Psoriasis Flare Up
How do I wash my hair with scalp psoriasis?Follow the 5-Minute Rule for Shampooing Before you rinse, let the lather sit for five. If you carefully lather your hair without touching your scalp, it wont end up smelling like medicine, Klapow says. As far as topical treatments, these are meant to stay on longer for 12 hours or more before shampooing.
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How Does Light Therapy Work For Psoriasis
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment that focuses specific types of light onto the skin.
Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following phototherapy or combination therapy approaches:
Ultraviolet B This is an effective choice and can be delivered as either broadband UVB or narrowband UVB . UVB phototherapy is a good course of treatment for people with moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, patients with plaque psoriasis, those with thin plaques, and people who are generally responsive to natural sunlight.
PUVA For advanced cases of psoriasis, a physician might suggest combining exposure to ultraviolet A light with prescribing psoralen, a light-sensitizing medication that is most commonly administered orally. Taken shortly before light treatment, psoralen seems to boost the therapeutic effect of light on the immune system. People with moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and psoriasis of the palms and soles are good candidates for PUVA.
The therapy is done in a doctors office, psoriasis clinic, or at home with a phototherapy unit. The FDA regulates medical devices used in the application of phototherapy. Laser treatments, using a device known as an excimer laser, can administer highly targeted beams of ultraviolet light to treat select areas of affected skin.
How A Dermatologist Can Help
With so many products, it can be difficult to know what to use. If you dont see the results you like with OTC treatment for psoriasis, you may want to see dermatologist. Dermatologists are the skin disease experts. They know how to tailor psoriasis treatment to the type of psoriasis you have. Sometimes, this requires combining treatments. You may also need one treatment plan to gain control over your psoriasis and another to maintain the results.
ImagesGetty Images
ReferencesMenter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:64359.
Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Coal tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .
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How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed
Since psoriasis is caused by an immune system response, it is easiest to diagnose when the rash is occurring. While the specific symptoms will vary by the type of psoriasis you have, the most commonly occurring symptoms are red, inflamed skin covered in patches of scaly, silver-colored skin. These patches will be itchy or painful and the scaly skin may even crack and bleed. The scales can occur anywhere. Sometimes they are even found on or near the scalp. Fingernail or toenail issues can also happen as a result of psoriasis, causing discoloration, crumbling, or complete detachment from the nail bed itself.
A primary care physician or dermatological specialist can perform an examination to diagnose psoriasis. Although there are not any blood tests or other tool-based tests for diagnosing psoriasis, a biopsy on the skin may be performed. Some cases of psoriasis can resemble other skin conditions like eczema, which can cause the doctor to biopsy the skin for further examination under a microscope.
Before the appointment with your dermatologist, you may want to look into your familys history as one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member with the disease.
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Ingredients To Look For
The following ingredients can help reduce itchiness and flakes, as well as gently soften and remove thick scale.
- Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that can decrease itching and inflammation.
- Coal tar decreases skin cell growth and helps the scalp shed dead skin cells.
- Salicylic acid is a âkeratolytic,â or peeling agent, that helps soften and remove thick scale. Once scale is removed, other medications will be able to penetrate the skin more easily, potentially increasing effectiveness.
What Is The Difference Between Guttate Psoriasis And Plaque Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis and plaque psoriasis look different. Guttate psoriasis looks like small, discolored, drop-shaped scaly spots and usually appears in children and young adults. It typically appears after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It often goes away after several weeks, even if you dont seek treatment.
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