How to Treat Psoriasis Over the Counter

Over-the-counter (OTC) psoriasis treatments are often a first step in the treatment process. When patients notice the itchy, silver-scaly lesions of the skin disease, they often choose to self-medicate. But they need a physician or dermatologist to diagnose psoriasis, which affects 1 to 2 percent of the population to some degree. Only then can they opt for a course of prescription medication--ointment, pill or injection--or the range of OTC treatments outlined by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

Instructions

Treatments

1

Accept that OTC medication is likely to only treat the symptoms of psoriasis. The NPF says these ointments are just for mild psoriasis, usually plaque psoriasis on the knees or elbows.

2

Examine the options. Most OTC treatments contain one of two active ingredients: salicylic acid or coal tar. Salycylic acid acts as a peeling agent, or scale-lifter. Dermarest, for example, is 3 percent salicylic acid and makes the claim it "removes scales so healthy skin can grow." Psoriasis is actually skin that is growing too fast, the result of an over-active immune system. Salycylic acid works as a skin-softener, but there are side effects. Not only salycyclic acid but also lactic acid, urea and phenol are scale-lifters, says the NPF. Some scale-lifting products are designed for the scalp only.

3

Choose the stronger coal tar brands for best results. Control scalp psoriasis with coal tar shampoo preparations which are available over the counter. Psoriasin, which comes in a gel or ointment form, is 2 percent coal tar and readily available in the U.S. It works in two ways: by slowing the growth of skin cells and by reducing the inflammation, scaling and itching, says the NPF. Coal tar was the first treatment for psoriasis more than 100 years ago, says dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley.

4

Ask your pharmacist for a mild topical steroid, such as hydrocortisone 0.5 percent, which Dr. Langley says is available without prescription in a cream or ointment. This is largely an anti-itch remedy. The stronger topical steroids are prescription only.

5

Moisturize regularly with OTC products, such as aloe vera. Dermatologists recommend heavy creams and ointments to lock water into the skin and reduce redness and itching. Consider cooking oils, says the NPF.

6

Treat inverse psoriasis, which appears in folds of the skin, with Castederm, a liquid painted on the affected skin. Some powders may dry moist lesions associated with inverse psoriasis, says the NPF.

7

Consider homeopathic remedies. These fall into the OTC category. Bathe with epsom salts or Dead Sea salts to control psoriasis.