Psoriasis
Ointments and creams
Your doctor may recommend topical treatments that contain one or more active ingredients,
such as calcipotriene, calcitriol, tazarotene, anthralin, salicylic acid, or coal tar. Some of them also include corticosteroids.
Your doctor can help you learn which topical treatments may work best for you and how to use them safely.
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Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves for
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Must-Haves for Psoriasis
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If you have psoriasis that affects your scalp, your doctor may recommend an OTC shampoo that contains salicylic acid, coal tar, or wood tar.
Or, they may prescribe a medicated shampoo or scalp treatment that contains corticosteroids, calcipotriene, or other active ingredients.
Your doctor can help you learn how to use it safely.
Medicated shampoo
or scalp treatment
If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, your dermatologist may prescribe oral or injectable medication to help treat it. Most of these medications target your immune system.
Others help reduce the growth of excess skin cells.
The recommended frequency and length of treatment vary, depending on the specific medication. Your doctor may adjust the dose over time and order regular tests to check for side effects.
Oral or injectable medication
Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation, which can help relieve discoloration, swelling, scaling, and itch. They’re available in low doses without a prescription or higher doses with a prescription. Your doctor can help you learn how often to apply this treatment, where to apply it, and how long to use it.
Using a high dose corticosteroid for more than 4 weeks or applying it to areas with thin skin, such as your face, raises the risk of side effects.
Topical corticosteroids
Non-medicated moisturizers can help keep your skin hydrated and reduce itching, flaking, and peeling. In general, you can safely apply moisturizer multiple times a day.
Consider choosing a moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin and free of common irritants, such as fragrances and dyes. Aloe vera creams and gels are another hydrating and soothing choice for psoriasis.
Non-medicated moisturizers
Psoriasis can cause your skin to crack, raising your infection risk. Gently cleaning cracked skin with soap and warm water and covering it with a clean, sterile dressing can help prevent infections.
If the cracked skin bleeds, apply steady pressure for several minutes with a clean, sterile piece of gauze or another dressing. Then gently press the edges of the crack together and seal it with a
liquid bandage, watertight medical tape, or
another dressing.
Clean, sterile dressings
