Salicylic Acid Products For Psoriasis

Dream Cream: Cerave Psoriasis Cream

Another favorite of Dr. Levins, this rich face and body cream cools inflamed skin and instantly soothes redness and irritation. Like CeraVes Psoriasis Cleanser, it also contains salicylic acid to help alleviate scaling, as well as mild-to-moderate itching. Whats more, the three essential ceramides it contains pack another punch by working to repair and restore the skin barrier. So yes, you could say its an all-around excellent product to have ready.

Clean Sweep: Cerave Psoriasis Cleanser

This ultra-gentle-yet-hard-working face wash from derm-favorite brand CeraVe babies dry, distressed skin with redness-relieving niacinamide and ceramides, which are lipids that help form the skins barrier. Melissa Levin, M.D., a clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, is also a fan because it contains both salicylic and lactic acid, which work to remove dead skin build-up and soften dry, flaky spots.

Is Coal Tar Or Salicylic Acid Better For Psoriasis

Coal tar and salicylic acid address different issues. Coal tar appears to reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling as well as slowing down skin cell regeneration, while salicylic acid helps to dissolve dead skin cells. Research suggests that salicylic acid can improve the effectiveness of coal tar.

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How To Administer Topical Salicylic Acid

It is only indicated for external use, not for ophthalmic, oral, or vaginal use.

Eyes and mucous membrane contact should be avoided.

In the case of excessive peeling or stinging, therapy should be withdrawn.

Hands should be washed thoroughly after application.

Keralyt gel:

• The scalp should be washed off with warm water or Keralyt shampoo.

Keralyt shampoo:

• It should be applied to the affected areas of dry scalp and rinsed off with water or non medicated shampoo after 5 minutes.
• Treatment time should be increased up to 1 hour.
• Alternatively, apply as a medicated shampoo on wet hair and work into a lather and rinse after several minutes.

Salvax foam:

• It should be vigorously shaken before use
• turn nozzle down to dispense foam.
• Rub in until completely absorbed.

Bensal HP:

• The area should be rinsed with water or saline and pat dry.
• Using a cotton-tipped applicator, apply a thin continuous layer directly to wound or to a dry gauze to place directly over the wound.
• Wet-to-dry dressings or wet-packs should not be used. Slight burning may occur for 3 to 5 minutes after application.
• Apply dressing to shield the area from clothes or exposure to water or dirt expose the treatment area to air when possible.

Acne products:

Corn and callus products:

Not All Salicylic Acid Psoriasis Creams Are Equal

Since the FDA has developed specific standards for the salicylic acid levels in a psoriasis cream most over the counter products start on an equal playing field. However, it is the other ingredients that can really take a psoriasis cream to the next level. After the active ingredients in your psoriasis cream removes the dry dead cells many people are left with red blotches on their skin. The body needs the right vitamins, minerals and proteins so that it can heal and look normal again. Many psoriasis creams will add soothing aloe or vitamin e to help keep the skin moist. In addition, vitamins such as B, C and D may be added for their beneficial antioxidant properties.

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Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer

Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer contains 2 percent salicylic acid and can help remove scales, soothe itchy skin, reduce redness, and restore moisture.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member said, For the itching, I use Dermarest. Another agreed that, Dermarest helps with the itching and isnt greasy. A third member wrote, Dermarest seems to help. I have it around my eyes and nostrils, along with Vaseline. I put it on at night.

Smooth Move: Amlactin 12% Moisturizing Lotion

AmLactin is an OTC lotion that many dermatologists recommend to their patients during flares when psoriasis plaques have multiplied, as it contains exfoliating lactic acid. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that interrupts connections between skin cells, so dead cells can easily be shed. Bonus: It also has some major skin-moisturizing benefits.

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Coaltar : Neutrogena T/gel Therapeutic Shampoo

This scale-fighting shampoo looks pretty hardcore in the bottle, but thats only because it contains coal-tar extract, an ingredient thats scientifically proven to work its anti-dandruff magic even hours after rinsing it off. Most dermatologists suggest using it two to three times a week, and to let it sit on the scalp for at least three minutes.

Get A D: Vitamin Now Solutions Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be beneficial for psoriasis as it helps strengthen the skin and can aid in slowing down the growth of new skin cells that lead to scaling. This rich, ultra-moisturizing cream contains high-potency vitamin D, in addition to other skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E.

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Tips For Treating Scalp Psoriasis

In addition to finding a specially formulated shampoo, here are a few other things you can do to keep scalp psoriasis symptoms in check:

• Shampoo your hair as often as you can. This will help alleviate buildup and itchiness of the scalp. However, keep in mind that shampooing every day isnt suitable for all hair types.
• Limit stress, alcohol, and smoking. Along with irritants in your hair products, scalp psoriasis flare-ups can also be triggered by stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Limiting stress and intake of these substances may help keep things under control.
• Try aloe vera.Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and may be soothing. You can try applying it to your scalp, or look for it as an ingredient in your shampoo.
• Use baking soda.Baking soda is great for an itchy scalp. One tablespoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of water should do the trick. Apply the mixture to your scalp to relieve itching and irritation.
• Apply natural oils. These will help keep your scalp moisturized and are filled with fats to keep the scalp healthy. Coconut oil is a great oil to start with.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Topical salicylic acid is used to help clear and prevent pimples and skin blemishes in people who have acne. Topical salicylic acid is also used to treat skin conditions that involve scaling or overgrowth of skin cells such as psoriasis , ichthyoses , dandruff, corns, calluses, and warts on the hands or feet. Topical salicylic acid should not be used to treat genital warts, warts on the face, warts with hair growing from them, warts in the nose or mouth, moles, or birthmarks. Salicylic acid is in a class of medications called keratolytic agents. Topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It treats other skin conditions by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily.

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Where Does Salicylic Acid Come From

Salicylic acid is a natural substance that can be derived from the bark of a willow tree. It was first discovered and named way back in 1763. However, there are earlier accounts dating back to ancient Greece, about Hippocrates using willow bark compounds to help relieve aches and pains. Salicylic acid is really quite common these days. In fact, we all likely have a form of it in our medicine cabinets right now. If you look at the back of an aspirin bottle you will notice that it is made from a derivative of salicylic acid called acetylsalicylic acid. Salicylic acid got its start in topical skincare products sometime in the early 20th century. It wasnt until later in the 20th century that the FDA began to recognize salicylic acid as an over-the-counter drug treatment for psoriasis.

How To Choose A Shampoo For Scalp Psoriasis

Still unsure how to pick the right shampoo for your hair and scalp? Heres what to consider:

• Severity of your symptoms. If youre experiencing a mild to medium case of scalp psoriasis, start with an OTC shampoo. If you have a severe case, or if OTC products dont seem to help, you may need to see your doctor for a prescription shampoo.
• Consider your hair type. Check the ingredients list before you make a purchase, especially if you have dry, curly, color treated, or fine hair. Some shampoos may contain drying ingredients, like sulfates, while others may be too heavy for fine hair.
• Do your research. If you didnt see a shampoo on this list you want to try, no worries! There are many shampoos out there that will work great for you. Just look for key ingredients, like salicylic acid or coal tar, and be sure to check reviews to see what others with scalp psoriasis have to say about it.

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Best Exfoliating Peel: M

A salicylic acid-based peel for reducing large pores, fine lines, and acne scars, this 10-pack of pre-soaked exfoliating sheets also include vitamin K, which can be used to minimize spider veins on your legs. Dr. Nazarian likes that this treatment contains gentle ingredients, including chamomile and lavender, along with glycolic and salicylic acid to balance out the potential irritation for people with sensitive skin. Plus, hundreds of Amazon reviewers raved that these exfoliators gave them a glowing complexion and effectively treated hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

Available at , $30 for 10 towelettes

Side Effects Of Salicylic Acid

As with any skincare ingredient, there are potential side effects to be wary of, too. If you already have eczema or broken skin in that area or if its already dry and cracked, salicylic acid can cause burning and irritation, Dr. Ibrahim says. Its not made for everybody. You have to consult with your dermatologist or physician before you use it.

Since it can dry out certain skin types, Dr. Nazarian cautions against using it every single day. People who are dry at baseline, or have sensitive skin conditions like rosacea and eczema should avoid it or proceed with caution and with the guidance of their dermatologist, she says.

Its also not recommended to use salicylic acid with other acne medicationslike benzoyl peroxide or retinolsbecause it can over-dry the skin, which can even lead to peeling, says Dr Ibrahim. And like with all topical medications, theres always the risk of allergy, though its extremely rare, he adds.

If youre just using it for general skin health, in the winter you might not need to use it every day, a few times a week is plenty, Dr. Ibrahim says. Of course pairing it with moisturization and sunscreen is paramount, because if the skin if senses its too dry, its going to increase oil production to moisturize itself and thats when you get wintertime breakouts and acne.

Below, the 10 best salicylic acid products for your skin, according to dermatologists.

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Best Salicylic Acid Products

Weve learned from our previous acne coverage that you need to be persistent with your skin care routine to see results and salicylic acid products are no different. You may notice some improvement in just a few days, but the most significant results will appear in about four weeks, noted Murphy-Rose.

To that end, salicylic acid skin care products are available at Shopping reader favorite retailers like Walmart, and . You can also find these anti-acne items at Target, Ulta and Dermstore. To help you sort through the seemingly infinite amount of face products infused with salicylic acid, we rounded up 10 expert-recommended items that range from cleansers and toners to spot treatments and serums.

Best Moisturizer: Cerave Sa Cream For Rough And Bumpy Skin

If you have dry skin, Dr. Nazarian recommends this salicylic acid-based cream because the base contains several ceramides that can help improve hydration and moisturize sensitive skin. Bonus points? While salicylic acid is removing dead skin cells, the vitamin D included in the cream boosts the skins tone and improves texture.

Available at , $18

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How We Chose The Best Shampoos For Scalp Psoriasis

To create this list, we looked mainly for products that contain salicylic acid and coal tar to target scalp psoriasis. These are two ingredients recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association .

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid thats often used as an exfoliant. It helps soften and break down plaques and scales for easier removal. Removing the plaques should help ease symptoms, like itching, burning, and irritation.

Coal tar is derived from black coal, and, according to the AAD, has been used to treat psoriasis for over 100 years. It helps pump the brakes to make sure the skin cells on your scalp arent growing too fast and building up. Still, coal tar can be drying and can stain.

We also included shampoos with other research-backed ingredients, like selenium sulfide.

Finally, we looked at reviews from customers with scalp psoriasis to determine the effectiveness of each one.

What Is Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid and is known as a keratolytic. In simple terms, keratolytics are basically exfoliating ingredients. They work by dissolving the substance that causes skin cells to stick together. This helps to remove dead skin cells more quickly from our body. Since psoriasis causes our immune system to over produce skin cells, the only way to fight the skin condition is to help our bodies accelerate the exfoliation process. By accelerating the exfoliation process the dead skin cells can be removed more quickly than the psoriasis can create them. This helps to reduce the plaque buildup that is often found with psoriasis.

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Best Salicylic Acid Strips: Compound W One Step Wart Remover Pads

Salicylic acid wart removers, like this trusted option from Compound W, work particularly well in conjunction with in-office freezing treatments, says Dr. Ibrahim. These maximum-strength strips offer a convenient way to treat warts because you can stick them right on the wart like a band-aid, leave them on overnight, and let the medication do the work while you sleep.

Available at walmart.com, $7

Consider A Scalp Mask

Want to take a break, feel a little bit luxurious, and give yourself an easier time with getting rid of those scales?

You can plop a plastic cap over your soapy locks and stand under the shower for 10 minutes.

Keeping the water warm rather than hot will lock in those active ingredients.

Its worth taking your time and following these steps gently but thoroughly:

Be meticulous. Be painstaking. Comb every inch of your hair, especially around the scales. Youll thank yourself for it later.

Then, rinse out the suds.

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Why You Should Use A Psoriasis Cream With Salicylic Acid

When you visit your local pharmacy you will notice there are a number of choices when it comes to a psoriasis cream. They will be available as creams, gels and lotions with various prices. You may see some priced at $6.99 and others priced as high as $29.99. When it comes to which product is right for you dont let price make your decision. Often you will only get an ounce or less of psoriasis cream for the $6.99 price but you might get four ounces of psoriasis cream for the $29.99 price. When you price compare the products by ounce they all pretty close. To determine which psoriasis cream is right for you we need to discuss the active ingredients. The FDA currently recognizes two popular ingredients for use in a psoriasis cream.

Uniquely Formulated For Psoriasis Symptom Relief Plus Symptom Recurrence Control

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Flake Out: Kamedis Anti

If you struggle with scalp psoriasis dandruff shampoos like this one can be incredibly beneficial. This one contains zinc pyrithione, which lowers the levels of yeast on the scalp, and soapberry, a bacteria-fighting botanical. Less of those buggers means less inflammation, scaling, and itching. While these shampoos do clean your hair, you should think of them more like a scalp treatment. Apply to the scalp and let it sit while you sing Happy Birthday, then rinse it off, Dr. Zeichner advises.

The Fda Recognizes Salicylic Acid For The Treatment Of Psoriasis

Any topical skincare product that is labeled for the treatment of psoriasis is considered an OTC drug product by the FDA. OTC drug products are formulated under specific guidelines presented by the FDA to meet the standards needed to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. The percentage of salicylic acid in a topical cream can vary slightly within a prescribed range. The percentage of salicylic acid found in a topical shampoo or body wash may be higher than found in a cream because these products are formulated to be on the scalp or skin for only a short period of time. Where creams are formulated to be applied and left on the skin. Although there are other substances recognized by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis in topical skincare products, salicylic acid is definitely the most popular. The main reason is because it is odor-free. The second most popular ingredient found in OTC products for psoriasis is Coal Tar. Coal tar can be very effective in treating psoriasis but it comes along with an intense and often offensive smell.

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