Ask your doctor to recommend an emollient that will work well with your skin type. You may be able to buy an effective emollient over the counter, or your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe one for you.
Don’t use corticosteroids on your psoriasis without your doctor’s recommendation. Topical steroids can cause a variety of side effects, including irritation or rashes (contact dermatitis), thinning of the skin, acne breakouts, excessive hair growth, or changes in skin color. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the steroids and talk to your doctor.
In many cases, vitamin D will be combined in a cream with corticosteroids. If your skin is sensitive to vitamin D ointments, Calcitriol (Vectical) is a relatively gentle option. However, Calcitriol can be expensive.
Calcineurin inhibitors should be used with caution, and only with your doctor’s recommendation. Long-term use can increase your risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Coal tar can be applied before bed and left on overnight, or applied in the morning and washed off after 10-15 minutes. If you choose to leave coal tar on your skin overnight, let it dry for 10-15 minutes before getting into bed in order to minimize stains on your bedding. Your doctor may recommend using coal tar in combination with topical steroid treatments.
This medication should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinoids may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Always use sunscreen before going outside while you are using retinoid creams.
Types of UVB therapy include broadband UVB therapy, narrow band UVB therapy, or limited daily exposure to natural sunlight (following your doctor’s recommendations). Any type of UVB therapy may result in skin irritation or burns. Your doctor may recommend moisturizer or other topical treatments to reduce the severity of these side effects.
Psoralen may be administered as an oral medication (in pill or tablet form) or as a topical treatment. PUVA treatment may result in more severe side effects than UVB therapy, including nausea, headaches, and skin irritation. PUVA therapy may also increase your risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts.
Do not use methotrexate if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Methotrexate can seriously harm a developing fetus, and can also damage sperm cells. Long-term use of methotrexate can damage your liver. Do not use methotrexate if you have liver disease, and never use it in combination with alcohol.
Your blood pressure and kidney function should be monitored while you are on this medication.
If you are planning to become pregnant, you must wait at least three years after taking an oral retinoid before trying to conceive. Oral retinoids have not been shown to cause mutations in sperm cells, so it is safe to try to father a child while taking retinoids. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Infliximab (Remicade) Etanercept (Enbrel) Adalimumab (Humira) Ustekinumab (Stelara) Secukinumab (Cosentxy)
Stress Smoking Excessive sun exposure Anything that might injure or irritate your skin
Psoriasis may also respond to some dietary supplements, like fish oil and vitamin D.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about what kind of exercise or physical activity is appropriate for you.
