Are There Over-The-Counter Treatments for Psoriasis?

Most of your favorite local department and drug stores will unfortunately have anything over the counter that can help you with your psoriasis. Any treatments they do have available to them will only be enough to reduce your symptoms and generally come in a form that can be put on the skin directly where symptoms such as itching, redness and scaling occur.

One of the most important over-the-counter treatments available to control the symptoms of psoriasis 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.

One particular ingredient available in soaps, shampoo's and creams that will help you tremendously with itching is called Coal Tar. Over the counter products containing coal tar help to heal the skin and skin lesions by enhancing the effect of ultra violet light. While most of these products can give you a fair amount of relief, they are notorious for a very strong odor and generally stain any clothing that comes into contact with it.

Another useful over-the-counter treatment for psoriasis 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.

Hydro cortisone cream is a very popular and readily available topical cream that helps reduce the itching. While not always strong enough to get rid of the itch completely in all effected areas most times the product will not only reduce itching, but also swelling and redness.

If these over-the-counter treatments for psoriasis 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, Epsom salts, or oatmeal to the water to help control their itching. Other psoriasis sufferers find that sunlight helps to heal the inflamed patches.Those with psoriasis may wish to try these solutions individually or in various combinations as they seek relief.psoriasissymptomtreatment