Lotions, creams, and ointments can help reduce scaling, as well as soften and smooth skin. You can apply a variety of emollients on a daily basis. However, not all lotions are good for psoriasis, and some may exacerbate your symptoms.
We recommend CeraVe's SA Lotion as our top pick because it's formulated with ceramides, which are waxy lipids that play a role in protecting the skin's barrier. Ceramides work to retain moisture, and hydrate the skin.
For example, use a mild soap (such as Dove, Basis, or Neutrogena) instead of deodorant soaps or other harsh soaps (such as Camay, Lava, or Zest). Avoid lotions that contain alcohol, which can dry the skin and make psoriasis worse.
Keeping your skin clean and moist and avoiding your specific psoriasis triggers may help reduce the number of flare-ups. Sunlight may help your symptoms go away. Be careful not to get sunburned. Relaxation and anti-stress techniques -- The link between stress and flares of psoriasis is not well understood.
There's no cure for psoriasis, but a range of treatments can improve symptoms and the appearance of skin patches. Your doctor will ask you about how much the condition is affecting your everyday life.
Psoriasis patients are increasingly turning to the use of alternative and complementary medicine to manage their psoriasis. Patients often inquire about what dietary supplements may be beneficial, including the use of oral vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils.
Is Vaseline good for psoriasis? Thick and oily emollients like Vaseline are good for skin with psoriasis. In fact, research from 2021 shows they can help protect the skin's barrier function.
Psoriasis tends to worsen with weight gain. Flare-ups also can be triggered by certain common medications, like beta blockers used to control high blood pressure or heart rate, or lithium used to treat bipolar disorder. Other triggers include strep throat, injury to the skin, and respiratory infection.
Symptoms get worse when your skin is dry, so keep it moist with creams and ointments. Thick and oily ones, like petroleum jelly, are usually best. They're better at trapping moisture beneath the skin.
Vitamin D treatment is effective when applied topically to the skin for plaque-type psoriasis. Oral vitamin D supplementation might be effective as an adjuvant treatment option in psoriasis.
Hydrocortisone creams and ointments. You can buy a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone without a prescription. For a few small patches of psoriasis, a mild hydrocortisone works well. If you have more than a few small patches, you'll likely need a prescription corticosteroid to see results.
Psoriasis triggers
Knowing your triggers may help you avoid a flare-up. Common psoriasis triggers include: an injury to your skin, such as a cut, scrape, insect bite or sunburn – this is called the Koebner response. drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Showering or bathing too often can increase the amount of moisture you lose through your skin, making it dry and irritated. “It can make already inflamed skin feel even worse,” says Dr. Unwala. She suggests bathing once a day and limiting baths to no more than 15 minutes and showers to 5 minutes.
Myth #3: Itching your skin will cause psoriasis to spread. Psoriasis isn't a skin infection and can't be spread through touching or itching. However, a person can develop the Koebner phenomenon. This is the appearance of new skin lesions on areas of trauma, such as scratches or cuts.
Dove DermaSeries Fragrance Free Body Lotion for Dry Skin, Good for Psoriasis and Eczema Prone Skin, 15.8 Ounce (Pack of 2)
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
The formula is technically targeted toward those with eczema, but it was designed to treat similar symptoms, including redness, itching, and dry skin patches, making it an ideal option for psoriasis too.
When it comes to hydration and psoriasis, you don't need to do anything special, says Feldman. “Just make sure you're drinking enough water to support your overall health while limiting sweetened drinks or alcohol,” he says.