Best For Scalp: Neutrogena T/gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Courtesy of Neutrogena
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.
The First Line Of Therapy
Topical treatments work best on mild and smaller areas of psoriasis. Lotions or foams are best for the scalp, creams are best for oozing lesions, and ointments can treat dry, raised, or scaly lesions.
Mild to moderate psoriasis is initially treated with a low to mid-potency corticosteroid cream, lotion, spray or ointment – such as:
- lower potency products, such as fluocinolone can be use on the face or other sensitive areas.
Higher potency topicals are reserved for thicker, tough-to-treat areas like elbows or knees.
- 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.
What Are The Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriatic disease has a typical appearance that is easily diagnosed by a Psoriasis pharmacist or dermatologist. Psoriasis symptoms come in many forms, but the most common Plaque Psoriasis will show as raised silvery or red patches that may feel like skin irritation and, in some cases, lead to a painful skin condition.
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How Do I Take Care Of Myself
If you have inverse psoriasis, the best way to take care of yourself is to:
- Take medications as instructed.
- Thoroughly dry your skin folds or affected areas after bathing, and keep them dry.
Other steps to stay as healthy as possible include:
- Talking to your healthcare provider about lowering your risk for related conditions, including heart disease, depression and diabetes.
- Lowering your stress through meditation or exercise or seeing a mental health professional.
What Is Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is a disease that causes your skin cells to reproduce very quickly. Its a type of psoriasis that appears in areas where your skin rubs against itself , including:
- Armpits .
- Below your breasts.
- Groin.
It looks like a shiny, smooth, discolored rash, and it may feel damp.
Inverse psoriasis is commonly referred to as an autoimmune disease. But the antibody that causes the condition hasnt been identified. So, its technically categorized as an immune-mediated disease. This means the exact cause is unknown, but experts believe it has something to do with your immune system response.
Healthcare providers sometimes call it intertriginous psoriasis.
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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.
Ingredients In Otc Products
Some OTC medications may include active ingredients such as coal tar and mild corticosteroids. We explore more details about these products and their main ingredients below.
Coal tar
Manufacturers include coal tar in OTC and prescription products for psoriasis, including creams, shampoos, ointments, and bath solutions. Doctors and dermatologists have recommended it as a beneficial treatment for psoriasis for years, which can help:
- reduce swelling, scaling, and redness
- reduce itching and flaking
- slow overproduction of skin cells
Mild corticosteroids
Corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation and itching. A person can buy solutions, ointments, and creams containing mild corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, without a prescription. Hydrocortisone is effective in treating a few small patches of psoriasis, although individuals with more severe symptoms will probably need a prescription corticosteroid.
Moisturizers
These products may help with skin healing and relieve skin dryness. Some moisturizers may partially seal water onto the skin, helping people with mild or severe psoriasis. Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer once a day, or more often in cases of very dry skin. People should choose a heavy, fragrance-free ointment or cream instead of lotion.
Scale softeners
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Psoriasis Groin Treatment Personal Experiences
Shelby Seals Daniels : Heyyyy. I have groin psoriasis too. Along with HS. Hibiclens helps keep it clean and I use silver antimicrobial cream and it helps a lot
Kandee Lynn Ann Sumner : Personally, Id go to the urgent care and ask for a burst pack of prednisone. I use baby aquaphor in that area. Like plaster it on. It protects the skin and softens. Powder if its leaking fluid. Nystatin if theres a yeast infection. Dermaplast for pain.
Amanda Michelle : I have it pretty bad in my groin. I air dry. I lay on my bed and just spread out. lol TMI I know. Then I apply steroid and triple paste. Summer is the worst. Plus I dont wear underwear in the house. I just wear dresses around the house so no extra irritation.
Blanche Duff Treece : Clean well, pat dry and then apply Vaseline. It will moisturize and prevent sweat or urine from irritating the area.
Cheri Hamlin : Mine down there got so bad with lesions. I Bath in Aveeno oatmeal. I thought keeping it moist down there it would get better. But NO big mistake its the opposite for me. Pray you get relief soon
Kay Den Anderson : Emuaidmax ointment and the pink monkey butt powder I know I hate the name but it has calimine in it and it stays in place better than the other powders. It smells nice to. This hasnt gotten rid of mine but I get through the day and night now. I also keep my cotton underwear dry and free of sweat. If the itch gets bad I will take a benedryl.
Cerave’s Sa Lotion Is Formulated With Three Types Of Hydrating Ceramides
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Psoriasis is a skin condition that most commonly causes red, scaly patches in areas along the body like the knees, scalp, and elbows. While this long-term chronic condition has no cure, lotions can relieve dryness, itchiness, irritation, and discomfort.
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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 Bristol Myers Squibb.
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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What Is The Difference Between Psoriasis And Inverse Psoriasis
Psoriasis and inverse psoriasis are both diseases that affect your skin.
Psoriasis features thick, discolored patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales. The thick, scaly patches are plaques.
Inverse psoriasis doesnt feature the thick, scaly plaques like other types of psoriasis, most likely because its present in moist areas of your body. An inverse psoriasis rash also looks shinier than a psoriasis rash.
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.
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Best Natural: Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream
Courtesy of Wild Naturals
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.
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.
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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.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- How can you tell that I have inverse psoriasis?
- If I dont have inverse 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?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Inverse psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes a rash in areas of your body where your skin rubs against itself. It can make you feel self-conscious, and it can be unpleasant if it itches. However, it isnt contagious, and treatments can help your symptoms improve.
Its important to pay attention to your skin. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice a rash.
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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.
Things To Know About Using Coal Tar For Psoriasis
Coal tar products are available in various strengths and forms, including lotions, shampoos, and creams. These products are approved by the US FDA at strengths of between 0.5% and 5% coal tar. Some patients have a better response in their symptoms with lower strengths of the product2. Brand names for coal tar products include Neutrogena T/Gel and Psoriasin.
Using coal tar can cause side effects on the skin such as irritation, reddening, and dryness. Applying it on top of a layer of moisturizer can help to reduce those effects.
Coal tar can also make your skin more likely to sunburn, so it is important to use sunscreen and avoid the sun if possible unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Some patients dislike coal tar products because they have a strong smell and they can stain clothing, towels, sheets, and even light-colored hair3.
There are also combination topical treatments available that combine coal tar with salicylic acid, such as X-Seb T Plus, Pazol XS, and SLT.
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Where To Buy Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid comes in lotions, gels, soaps, and shampoos strong salicylic acid preparations are also available over the counter. Also, salicylic acid may be present in shampoos made to treat dandruff due to its effect on dead skin cells.
The good news is salicylic acid is widely available at local pharmacy stores and only the stronger preparations require a doctors prescription. Salicylic acid is an effective and readily available over-the-counter treatment for psoriasis but always remembers to use this treatment as directed to avoid any side effects.
Psoriasis Treatment In East Greenwich Ri
Psoriasis is a skin condition that creates red patches of skin with white, flaky scales. It most commonly occurs on the elbows, knees and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body. The first episode usually strikes between the ages of 15 and 35. It is a chronic condition that will then cycle through flare-ups and remissions throughout the rest of the patient’s life. Psoriasis affects as many as 7.5 million people in the United States. About 20,000 children under age 10 have been diagnosed with psoriasis.
In normal skin, skin cells live for about 28 days and then are shed from the outermost layer of the skin. With psoriasis, the immune system sends a faulty signal which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. Skin cells mature in a matter of 3 to 6 days. The pace is so rapid that the body is unable to shed the dead cells, and patches of raised red skin covered by scaly, white flakes form on the skin.
Psoriasis is a genetic disease , but is not contagious. There is no known cure or method of prevention. Treatment aims to minimize the symptoms and speed healing.
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