Learn more about what creams can help with psoriasis, skin care tips, and other treatment options.
Choose a cream free of irritants, including fragrances and ingredients you are allergic to.
Ask your healthcare provider or amedical professionalspecializing in psoriasis treatment for recommendations.
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Topical creams are typically used to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis and to manage symptoms.
For more severe cases, systemic prescription or combination therapies may be necessary.
Anti-Itch Psoriasis Cream
Itchinessis one of the most common complaints of people with psoriasis.
Common ingredients in anti-itch creams are:
A combination of these tends to work best against itching.
Hydrating the skin while also applying anti-itch creams is also recommended.
Moisturizers and Emollients
Skin hydrationis especially important in maintaining healthy skin and treating psoriasis.
Moisturizing creams are typically used daily and can be applied to damp skin for maximum hydration.
Because they can be messy, consider limiting their use until bedtime.
Salicylic Acid Creams
Salicylic acid is used to softenskin scalesand reduce their thickness.
It is important to use products containing this ingredient as directed.
Too much can irritate the skin, causing dry, red, and itchy skin.
Try applying salicylic acid creams 15 minutes after a warm bath.
Corticosteroid Creams
Corticosteroids help reduceinflammationand treat troublesome psoriasis patches.They are not meant to be used daily.
You may find them in OTC creams or foams.
They can also be found in shampoos used to treat scalp psoriasis.
Lower-potency corticosteroids like hydrocortisone may be added to other ingredients in lotions and creams.
Psoriasis Cream Prescription Options
You may need stronger medications to treat psoriasis flares.
Stronger Corticosteroid Creams
Stronger topical corticosteroids should be used as directed by a healthcare provider.
For example, clobetasol 0.05% is stronger than hydrocortisone 2.5%.
Tazarotene
Retinoids are precursors to vitamin A and can be used to treat psoriasis.
They come in oral and topical forms.
Retinoids are very effective in treating psoriasis.
However, they can have side effects and should not be used by certain people.
These side effects include:
Pregnant people should not use retinoids as they can affect fetal development.
It is not meant to treat severe psoriasis.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these medications to treat eczema but not psoriasis.
However, exactly how it works for psoriasis is unknown.
What Should You Not Put on Psoriasis?
Certain substances can trigger psoriasis or contribute to a flare-up.
Before applying lotions, creams, soap, or sunscreens, consult a healthcare provider for recommendations.
If you have been trying topicals with no success, discuss adjusting your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
Your provider may recommend a new topical, oral medications, biologics, or other options.
Your provider will consider these factors when creating a treatment plan.
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