How do I manage plaque psoriasis on a daily basis?
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There are a number of things you can do on a daily basis to manage plaque psoriasis. Taking baths every day will help keep the skin clean and moist. Adding bath oils, salts, and oatmeal to bath water can help relieve inflammation. Using a moisturizer immediately after bathing also helps the skin retain moisture and relieve itching. In dry weather, it may help to moisturize several times a day. For short periods of time, exposing yourself to sunlight can improve lesions. You must be careful with sun exposure; too much time in the sun can worsen symptoms. Use over-the-counter topical creams that contain salicylic acid or hydrocortisone to help with itchy and scaly skin. As you sleep, cover lesions with ointment and plastic wrap. This helps loosen scales, which can be washed away the next morning. Avoid stresses that may trigger flare ups in your symptoms. Don't drink alcohol, as it may impair some psoriasis treatments.
There are a number of things you can do on a daily basis to manage plaque psoriasis. Taking baths every day will help keep the skin clean and moist. Adding bath oils, salts, and oatmeal to bath water can help relieve inflammation. Using a... More -
Dr. Mark Morocco answered:Because there is no cure for psoriasis, it will be necessary to manage plaque psoriasis on a daily basis.
Control itching:
One of the simplest ways for people with psoriasis to control itching is by keeping the skin moisturized. Dry skin can induce and aggravate itch. Many people also rely on simple, inexpensive measures, such as pressing a wet towel against the itchy spot. Others find cold showers and cold packs offer relief. Other treatments for itch include antihistamines, steroids, capsaicin, topical anesthetics, topical immunomodulators, antidepressants, and aspirin.Wearing a layer of silk or soft cotton underneath problem garments can also help.
Treat symptoms:
Topical treatments -- medications applied to the skin -- are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis.Corticosteroids, or just "steroids," are the most frequently used treatment for psoriasis. They are referred to as anti-inflammatory agents, because they reduce the swelling and redness of lesions. Anthralin, synthetic vitamin D3, and vitamin A are also used in prescription topical treatments to control psoriasis lesions.
Over-the-counter topicals come in many different forms. Two active ingredients, salicylic acid and coal tar, are approved by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis. There are other products that contain substances like aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione and capsaicin, that are used to moisturize, soothe, remove scales or relieve itching.
Because there is no cure for psoriasis, it will be necessary to manage plaque psoriasis on a daily basis. Control itching:One of the simplest ways for people with psoriasis to control itching is by keeping the skin moisturized. Dry skin can induce... More
