How to Care for Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Last Updated: June 16, 2022 Fact Checked

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects your skin and nails.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} It causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, resulting in thick, scaly, red patches. Psoriasis can cause inflammation, irritation, and skin cracking. Ask your doctor to help you come up with a plan, and to prescribe medication that will best manage your symptoms. You can supplement medical treatment at home, though, by using moisturizing creams, making healthy lifestyle adjustments, and trying alternative therapies.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating Flare-ups at Home

1
Avoid anything that can trigger flare-ups. Certain things are known to cause your psoriasis to flare-up or make symptoms worse. Try to avoid anything that you know aggravates your psoriasis. Common irritants include:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Injury or abrasions to your skin, cuticles, or nails.
- High levels of anxiety and stress.
- An infection anywhere on your body.
- Alcohol and smoking.
- Scratching.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
2
Protect your skin from sun and severe weather. While a little bit of sun can be good for flare-ups, excessive exposure can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Very cold, dry, and/or windy weather can also cause further irritation. Protect your skin by wearing a psoriasis-friendly SPF of at least 30 whenever you plan to spend time outside.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

Go to source}
- Wearing long sleeves and proper rain or snow gear can also help keep your skin from suffering in cold or windy weather.
3
Use moisturizing creams to reduce itching and scaling. Moisturizers won’t cure psoriasis, but they can help deal with the itching, scaling, and dryness. Use a moisturizing cream or ointment on areas where you have psoriasis flare-ups. Apply them immediately after a bath or shower to lock in moisture. Reapply throughout the day as you feel your symptoms returning.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- You can use any over-the-counter moisturizing treatment available at most pharmacies and drug stores. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription for most moisturizers.
- Try to stick to heavier formulas like ointments and creams whenever possible. May psoriasis patients find that thinner lotion formulas aren’t as effective.
4
Apply aloe vera gel to irritated or scaly areas. In addition to moisturizers, aloe vera gel is a common topical treatment for psoriasis flare-ups. Apply a thin layer of aloe gel directly on top of any irritated areas 1-3 times a day.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Aloe gel is readily available at most drug stores and health food stores. You can also use a cream that contains up to 0.5 percent aloe.
- While there are some aloe supplements on the market, there is no known benefit to taking aloe orally. Stick to topical treatments.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Working With a Doctor

1
See your doctor for a diagnosis if you have psoriasis symptoms. If you have not previously been diagnosed with psoriasis, see your doctor as soon as you start noticing symptoms. Psoriasis can share some symptoms with other skin conditions like eczema. Your doctor will be able to help you determine if you have psoriasis, as well as your best treatment options. Common psoriasis symptoms include:^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source}
- Red patches on the skin
- Irritated patches covered with thick, silvery scales
- Small scaling spots
- Dry, cracked skin
- Skin itching or burning
- Pitted or ridged nails
- Swollen or stiff joints
2
Develop a medical treatment plan with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a series of oral, topical, and/or injectable medications to help you manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about potential medications that can help you care for your psoriasis.
- Your doctor may prescribe topical creams you can apply to the affected areas. Commonly prescribed topical applications include steroids, vitamin D, vitamin A, and salicylic acid.^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  
  Go to source}
- In addition, they may prescribe oral medications, such as methotrexate, apremilast, and cyclosporine.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  DermNet NZ
  Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
  
  Go to source}
- For more severe or difficult to manage cases, doctor may administer injectable therapies, including Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Raptiva, and Remicade.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
3
Use phototherapy to manage scaling and inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe phototherapy either alone or in combination with other medications. Phototherapy uses different combinations of natural and artificial ultraviolet light. Your doctor will prescribe different forms of light therapy based on your symptoms and the severity of your psoriasis.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source

National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source}
- A simple form of phototherapy is sunlight. Your doctor may advise you to go out and get direct sun exposure for brief daily sessions to manage inflammation. However, since sunbathing can lead to skin cancer, it's important to only do this under your doctor's supervision.
- Other forms of phototherapy use controlled doses of artificial UVA and UVB light, administered by a healthcare professional. You’ll generally go for therapy 2-3 times a week until you can see improvement. After that, you’ll have weekly maintenance sessions.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Alternative Remedies

1
Take omega-3 supplements to help manage inflammation. A very small study suggests that taking omega-3 fatty acids alongside topical treatments can help manage inflammation. Try taking a daily omega-3 or fish oil supplement as a complementary treatment to your medications. You can find these supplements in most pharmacies and health food stores.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- Aim to take around 280 mg per day. You can also increase your omega-3 intake by adding foods like fish to your diet.
- Always talk to your doctor before you add a new supplement. Omega-3’s can interact with some medications, and your doctor can tell you if these are safe for you.
2
Eat foods high in curcumin. Curcumin is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. Try adding food like turmeric, which is a great source of curcumin, to your daily diet. You can also take turmeric as a supplement in tablet or capsule form.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- Turmeric is used widely in many Indian and southeast Asian dishes, including curries.
- You can buy fresh turmeric root from a specialty food store, or get ground turmeric as a spice from most grocery stores.
- You can also try drinking a cup of turmeric tea once a day to add curcumin to your diet.
3
Take an oat bath. Oats have natural soothing properties. While there isn’t any scientific evidence that supports treating psoriasis with oat baths, many patients say they feel better afterward. To make an oat bath, grind 1-2 cups raw, unflavored oats in a blender to make a powder. Then, sprinkle the powder directly in a warm bathtub.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes to get the full benefits of the oats.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Psoriasis is a partially genetic condition, and you can pass the predisposition to your children. However, a family member does not have to have psoriasis for you to get it.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Although the onset of psoriasis often occurs in childhood or young adulthood, it can occur at any age of life.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Warnings

Do not start any new supplements or topical treatments without consulting your doctor first.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
There is no cure for psoriasis. In most patients, it is a chronic, benign condition that will recur throughout life. By treating your skin with care and taking care of your body, however, you can help prevent psoriasis flare-ups.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
There is a link between psoriasis and geographic tongue. Try to take steps to manage your psoriasis to prevent geographic tongue.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0