How to Treat Psoriasis

How to Treat Psoriasis. Though you can treat and control psoriasis, characterized by dry scaly patches of skin, the progress is often erratic and cyclical, so be patient and consistent in executing these steps. You will need A doctor Topical corticosteroids Salicylic acid Mineral oil Coal-tar soap or shampoo Bath oil Colloidal oatmeal Bath salts Ointment-based moisturizer Ultraviolet light Sunshine Laser therapy Oral or injected prescription drugs and plastic wrap. Step 1. See a doctor about prescription topical corticosteroids for mild to moderate psoriasis. Your doctor may advise limiting their use until the outbreak is under control. Over time your skin can become resistant to traditional treatments; consult a doctor before using more aggressive treatments. Step 2. Use over-the-counter and diluted salicylic acid with mineral oil, and then wash it off with a coal-tar soap or shampoo. Step 3. Avoid washing too much or otherwise drying out your skin. When you bathe, use bath oil or colloidal oatmeal and bath salts. Dry thoroughly, blotting carefully with a thick towel. Step 4. Apply an ointment-based moisturizer that can control the itch. Avoid cold weather, which can also irritate and worsen the condition. Dermatologists sometimes use rotational therapies, alternating months of psoriasis drugs and creams, to minimize damaging side effects. Step 5. Expose the area to brief ultraviolet light therapy, which can slow down the cell turnover and reduce scaling. Natural sunlight is good, but less controllable so it can worsen psoriasis. Step 6. Undergo laser therapy, which targets only the involved skin patch and eliminates plaques that cause the psoriasis inflammation. Calm your life down, refusing to allow yourself to be ruled by emotions that can exacerbate the psoriasis. Step 7. Take prescription oral or injected drugs, but advisedly, as there can be severe side effects such as life-threatening infections. Step 8. Moisturize at night and cover the psoriasis with plastic wrap. In the morning remove it and clean away scales, but always avoid cleaning with alcohol. Did you know Did you know? It's estimated that up to 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis.