Over-The-Counter Treatments for Psoriasis

Although your local drug store or your favorite department store does not offer an over-the-counter cure for psoriasis, they can offer several treatments to reduce the symptoms of the disease. These are generally products that can be applied topically to control the redness, scaling, and itching that accompany this skin disease.

One of the most important over-the-counter treatments available to control the symptoms of this skin disorder is a moisture product. By using a moisturizer or lotion to decrease dryness, the itching brought on by the disease is noticeably less. The chosen moisturizer or lotion should be perfume free and applied while the skin is still damp from the shower. The treatment should be frequently reapplied throughout the day to get the most benefit.

Besides the over-the-counter lotions, sufferers can find products with coal tar useful as a treatment. These tars come in a variety of forms, including creams, shampoos, gels, and soaps. Over-the-counter tar products work to enhance the effect of ultra violet light to heal the skin lesions. These products do seem to be somewhat effective in treating the disease, but they have an unpleasant smell and may stain anything they touch.

Another useful over-the-counter treatment is salicylic acid. Products containing salicylic acid seem to help the skin shed the scales on psoriasis patches. They also may lessen the thickening of the white scales that form on top of the inflamed areas. Salicylic acid may be used in conjunction with other over-the-counter treatments for psoriasis.

A final helpful over-the-counter treatment that may be used is hydrocortisone cream. This preparation can certainly reduce itching. Because of this, it may also lessen some of the redness associated with psoriasis on the face or in the folds of the skin. On other parts of the body, however, a person with this skin disorder probably needs to resort to a stronger steroid that is prescribed by a doctor.

If these over-the-counter treatments do not bring relief, some patients resort to simpler methods. Some find that taking a bath in cool water calms the inflammation. These patients usually add oil, Epson salts, or oatmeal to the water to help control their itching. Other sufferers find that sunlight helps to heal the inflamed patches.

Aloe vera psoriasis remedies may be helpful as well as skin zinc psoriasis ointments. For psoriasis skin conditions you may also find a natural psoriasis remedy to relieve suffering.

Those with psoriasis may wish to try these solutions individually or in various combinations as they seek relief.

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