Over The Counter Remedies For Psoriasis

Aloe Oatmeal And Capsaicin

Natural ingredients in psoriasis treatment OTC medications have shown to be effective in relieving some of the symptoms of psoriasis. Aloe, colloidal oatmeal and capsaicin each have compounds to help reduce the discomfort with outbreaks of psoriasis.

• Creams containing aloe will reduce the itching, redness, scaling, and inflammation.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths in lukewarm water helps reduce inflamed skin and remove scales.
• Capsaicin is a natural ingredient found in hot peppers and it is available in creams and ointments. Capsaicin solutions at 0.025% concentration will help reduce itching, redness and scaling related with your psoriasis.

Psoriasis treatment OTC medications are generally topical treatments you apply to the affected area on your skin. They provide temporary relief from the itch, dry skin and inflammation associated with psoriasis and like prescription medication, but you have to take precautions with some of the side effects. Consulting your physician before beginning any treatment play is always prudent.

What Is The Best Cream For Psoriasis

Just like with any medication, the best cream for your psoriasis may be vastly different from the best cream for someone else. There are many different topical therapies on the market for treating psoriasis. You may need to try a few different ones before finding your perfect cream. Always consult your dermatologist or healthcare professional on what the best treatment for your psoriasis may be.

What Is Coal Tar

Coal tar is an OTC topical treatment that is made from coal. It has been used for treating psoriasis for more than 100 years, although it is currently less commonly used in the United States than it is in other countries. Coal tar works by helping to reduce some of the production of new skin cells that cause plaques to form1. It can also help to reduce itching, inflammation, and the thickness of plaques.

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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.

Psoriasis On A Budget

Heres what else you can do to manage your psoriasis and stay within your budget:

Use generics. Generic drugs are essentially the same as their brand-name counterparts, Evans said. Generic drugs can save you a great deal of money. Some newer medications for psoriasis may not exist as generics, but some treatments that are available in generic form can be just as effective. Some stores, such as Target and Wal-Mart, offer a 30-day supply of generic medications for $4. You also may save money if you get your drugs through mail order.

Check for coupons. Many manufacturers offer coupons that you can use to buy their brand-name medications for less. Ask your doctors office whether it has one or visit the drug manufacturers website to see whether one is available there. Some coupons can be used more than once. Sometimes, Evans said, he has samples he can give patients. But I usually dont have enough that I can give you infinite treatments.

Apply for clinical trials. Manufacturers are constantly testing their drugs even those that have already won approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There are some risks, such as being one of the test subjects who receives a placebo. But trials are conducted under close medical supervision and the drugs are provided for free.

These household remedies are all fine things if they make you feel better, said Evans.

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Treating Psoriasis On A Budget

The cost of managing a chronic condition like psoriasis can soar. But by using generic drugs, coupons, and even household products, you may find physical and financial relief.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and treating it can get expensive. A survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation found that more than 90 percent of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients have health insurance public or private and yet nearly half said they go without treatment at some point for financial reasons. So, are there ways of saving money while finding relief by treating psoriasis on a budget?

Many people with severe psoriasis have found relief from a relatively new class of drugs known as biologics. Given by injection or intravenous infusions, biologics can cost $18,000 to $28,000 a year per patient, and no generic alternatives are available.

Even those who are treated with creams, ointments, and lotions find that those can get pricey. A single tube of some prescription psoriasis medications can cost $500 to $600.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money on psoriasis treatment without sacrificing success.

Saving Money On Psoriasis Treatment

Check out the Financial Assistance Resource Center at the National Psoriasis Foundation website. The page lists where to find financial aid programs and health insurance support services.

Dont skip psoriasis treatment because it will cost you lots of money. If cost is an issue for you, talk with your doctor about how you can get the treatment you need for less.

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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.

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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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.

Steroid Creams Or Ointments

Steroid creams or ointments are commonly used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body. The treatment works by reducing inflammation. This slows the production of skin cells and reduces itching.

Topical corticosteroids range in strength from mild to very strong. Only use them when recommended by your doctor.

Stronger topical corticosteroids can be prescribed by your doctor and should only be used on small areas of skin or on particularly thick patches. Overusing topical corticosteroids can lead to skin thinning.

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What Is The Best Medication For Psoriasis

Because psoriasis can vary in symptoms and triggers, finding the best medication can be hard to do. Many patients will have to try a few different medications before finding the one that works best. Your psoriasis treatment may be completely different than the one that works for another person. Consult a healthcare professional when selecting a medication for your psoriasis.

Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.

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.

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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

Is There More Than One Type Of Psoriasis Yes

There are many different types of psoriasis, and some may occur at the same time. Examples of different types of psoriasis include:

• Plaque Psoriasis: Most common form that causes raised, red skins areas that may be itchy or flaky.
• Guttate Psoriasis: May be a past history of streptococcal infection may occur in children or younger adults. Small plaques form on the midsection of the body.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Painful and severe form of psoriasis, with pus-filled sacs in the psoriasis plaques that can break. Fever may occur.

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The First Line Of Therapy

Mild to moderate psoriasis is initially treated with a low to mid-potency corticosteroid cream, lotion, spray or ointment – such as:

• hydrocortisone

Lower potency products, such as fluocinolone can be use on the face or other sensitive areas.

Lotions or foams are best for the scalp, creams are best for oozing lesions, and ointments can treat dry, raised, or scaly lesions.

Higher potency topicals are reserved for thicker, tough-to-treat areas like elbows or knees. Topical treatments work best on mild and smaller areas of psoriasis.

• betamethasone topical is a higher potency spray used in mild to moderate psoriasis.
• halobetasol propionate lotion 0.01% from Ortho Dermatologics is also a high-potency topical corticosteroid formulation.

Newer Biologic Drugs Offer Hope To Chronic Sufferers

• How to Regain Your Quality of Life if You Have Psoriasis

While there is no cure for chronic plaque psoriasis, there are a variety of treatments that can help remove scales and prevent skin cells from growing so quickly. Options include topical ointments, light therapy, and prescription drugs taken either orally or by injection.

Proper skincare and lifestyle choices can also help you gain control of a disorder that continues to affect as many as 7.5 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

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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.

Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A

For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.

Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.

This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.

Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.

Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

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Treatments For Psoriasis: Where Do I Begin

There are many different treatments for psoriasis, and what you use may differ depending upon severity, previous treatments, psoriasis type and what your preferences are, including costs.

Treatment can lessen the formation of the excessive skin cells and help to return your skin to a smoother appearance.

Treatments may include:

• prescription drugs that may be taken by mouth
• injectable medications can be used by the patient at home or given in the doctor’s office.

What Are Psoriasis Types

The exact cause remains unknown. A combination of elements, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors are involved. It is common for psoriasis to be found in members of the same family. Defects in immune regulation are thought to play a major role. Despite research over the past 30 years, the “master switch” that turns on psoriasis is still a mystery.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and about 80% of people with psoriasis have this type. Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include red, raised and inflamed skin lesions, covered in thick silver-white scales. The areas of the body typically affected by plaque psoriasis include the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The plaque may also appear on the ears, around the belly button, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, or on the fingernails and toenails.

Guttate psoriasis usually occurs in children or younger adults and is the second-most common type of psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is called guttate beacause of the spontaneous appearance of small, individual, pink, scaly spots. These spots are usually not as thick as the plaque lesions seen in plaque psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis general affects the skin on the trunk, and the arms and legs. Strep throat is a common trigger for this type of psoriasis.

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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.