Over the Counter Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can be managed by prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter drugs that can be available in drugstores. Here are some of the over the counter products for psoriasis. These non-prescription remedies may help manage the itchiness, provide moisture to the irritated skin and eliminate skin scales. Even though these do not need prescription, it is advisable to consult with a physician before using these psoriasis treatments.

The first over the counter psoriasis treatment is hydrocortisone. A wide variety of brands are available for this medication which is a steroid. The hydrocortisone cream can be applied once to four times a day just after washing the skin. Aside from psoriasis, hydrocortisone has been known for its effectiveness in treating many types of skin condition. Caution is advised, as long term use can lead to skin thinning.

Another known management for psoriasis, which acts on the skin by soothing and healing it, is aloe. The study of aloe treatment for psoriasis may be limited, but effects like clearing the skin from lesions and plaques are proven. This is done by rubbing the aloe leaf to the affected area. There are a number of over the counter skin preparations with aloe extracts.

The next is salicylic acid, a recommended treatment for removing flakes on the scalp which is common among psoriasis patients. Salicylic acid can be an ingredient in shampoos or soaps, and can serve as preparation before applying psoriasis treatment.

Another is coal tar, used for reducing the excessive regeneration of cells. While itchiness and inflammation is reduced, coal tar may have an undesirable smell. Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the smell if this remedy works for you.

Oatmeal bath flakes such as Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment is also advisable as an over the counter psoriasis treatment. Presented much like the oatmeal we have for breakfast, this product can be poured in the bath tub. Soaking in this oatmeal bath can promote the skin to peel off extensive plaques and lesions. While an oatmeal bath does not particularly clear out psoriasis, but is beneficial through the soothing effect it has on the skin.

Also, moisturizers in various forms like lotion, creams or ointments are effective measures for psoriasis. Psoriatic skin is known to be dehydrated due to its unnecessary proliferation. Emollients can be slathered on after bathing, thus allowing moisture to seep through skin and leaving it less vulnerable to new formations of lesions.

Cosmetic cover ups like concealers are also good to use, especially for visible body parts affected by psoriasis. However, skin lesions that are open or cracked are not advised to be applied with concealers, as further complication is likely to happen.

Indian earth, a mix of various minerals like iron, silicon, calcium and aluminum, can also be mixed in unscented lotion. Its basic effect is to moisturize psoriatic skin. Again, it does not clear up psoriasis per se, but instead prevents further occurrence of symptoms. Indian earth is available in drug and health stores.

Another of the newer psoriasis treatments is the use of UVB home lamps, which has been proven to clear psoriasis plaques and help prevent new outbreaks. This method requires consultation from a doctor as UVB is highly associated with skin cancer and may result to burns if not properly executed.

Lastly, the tingle you get from menthol sprays can cause a soothing effect to irritated and itchy psoriatic skin. Aside from that, menthol is also known as a natural anesthesia and thus can help relieve discomfort brought about by psoriasis.