Ten Most Popular Psoriasis Skin Treatments

Ten Most Popular Psoriasis Skin Treatments

Have you been using lots of different kinds of creams, lotions, ointments or other preparations on your skin for many years as a psoriasis sufferer? Many of my psoriasis patients have tried just about every kind of skin product on the market to keep their itchy, red and scaly skin under control, some products giving little to no success, others with amazing results.

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Sometimes you will find that a particular skin treatment will work well for a while, but then it becomes less effective, or not effective any more. Some psoriasis medications or natural treatments can suddenly even turn therapeutically useless after having found benefit from them for years. Many psoriasis patients have expressed their concerns to me over the many years that I’ve been in practice about potential toxicity regarding the long-term use of their skin care products, and for this reason I only advocate the use of natural and chemical-free products.

Many psoriasis patients have their usual problem skin areas, and these areas can include the less sensitive and the more sensitive skin areas such as the genitals as well as the scalp, palms of the hands and the soles of feet. Long before a person will have developed psoriasis in these sensitive areas, they will have accumulated several prescription as well as over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.

Treating the skin only if you have psoriasis is very short-sighted, it is important to treat the surface of the skin because it will help to reduce the inflammation, heal the skin’s tissues thereby preventing infection and relieve that itching. Effective and regular skin treatments will also ensure that scales are removed regularly and prevent unnecessary

You must never forget however that the source or cause of the actual irritation needs to be tackled on a deeper level, and you will find plenty of information in The Psoriasis Program aimed at targeting the cleansing of the liver, kidneys and large intestine particularly. Follow my Psoriasis Diet information, adopt the Psoriasis Lifestyle, take the specialized foods and natural medicines to aid in your recovery from psoriasis and use the best natural medicines topically. This amounts to a truly holistic Psoriasis Program, and is what I believe (based on my 26 years of clinical experience) to be the best way to finally achieve a permanent psoriasis solution.

This page contains some of the best psoriasis skin care treatments, popular skin care treatments favoured by many people with moderate to chronic psoriasis. The treatments are in no particular order, and are based on how effective my psoriasis patients have found them to moisturize skin, reduce redness, fight the incessant itching and reduce or even eliminate the scaling.

1. Moisturizing Products: Moisturizing is one of the most important things you can do for your skin if you have psoriasis. You will find that creams and ointments are more hydrating than lotions. You don’t need to use those petrochemical based options such as Vaseline, Bio Oil or Eucerin either. Try either Jojoba or Emu oil, these are much more natural and are completely chemical-free. It makes sense to avoid dry skin when you have psoriasis, because dry skin can be “angry” skin. You will find a lot of benefit from moisturizing after a bath or shower particularly, and with regular application will learn that a well moisturized skin is much less vulnerable to developing new lesions. 2. Hydrocortisone Creams: Steroid creams are very popular with many psoriasis patients, and there is no doubt – they work at relieving the itch in particular. There are many different OTC brands available, like Lanacort and Cortaid. Doctors often recommend low-strength hydrocortisone cream for all manner of chronic skin conditions, because they are so versatile. Long-term and excessive use should be avoided, especially on the very sensitive areas like the face and neck because steroid creams have been known to create many unwanted side-effects, including thinning skin. I’m no fan of these creams and prefer my psoriasis patients to avoid their use in the first place. 3. Coal Tar: I have found that not that many people may want to smell like a coal tar pit, and by using natural skin care products you will be exuding a subtle natural or even exotic fragrance, making the whole experience that much more pleasurable. But in saying that, I don’t mind the smell of coal tar so much personally, and it’s hard to argue with the results that many of my psoriasis patients seem to get with coal tar based skin care products. There are many OTC coal tar products available, including Tegrin, Denorex and ointments such as MG 217. Sometimes it can be hard to get hold of coal tar skin care preparations, and you may find coal tar soap OK to use. Coal tar works by slowing the growth of skin cells commonly found in those with psoriasis, and in addition helps to reduce any inflammation and itching as well. 4. Oatmeal Baths and Soap: Oatmeal has a wonderful soothing action on inflamed and itching skin, and the oatmeal you use is not unlike the oats you use for breakfast. You can place a few cups of oatmeal in a muslin cloth and suspend it in a warm bath, a treatment that is especially helpful if you have many lesions covering larger areas of your body. You can get hold of a product like Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment or use Oatmeal Soap as well, both products will help to calm inflamed skin and make it easier to shed those scales that many psoriasis patients have. Oatmeal is not a “cure” product necessarily, but can certainly help to soothe. 5. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is not only an excellent herbal medicine for digestive problems, especially the large intestine, it is also a very good choice for healing the skin.If you have psoriasis then I’d encourage you to grow this simple plant. Just be careful in the winter, Aloe vera does not take too kindly to frost and will die in sub-zero temperatures. Once you start using the pulp of the fresh leaf on your skin, you will find many uses for this remarkable plant. All you need to do is cut off one of the leaves, peel the green skin back and rub the gel onto your lesions or skin areas affected. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that aloe has a very positive effect on psoriasis. I have found many different psoriasis patients over the years to give me positive feedback, not just in the soothing and healing effect the pulp has on the skin, but also in aloe’s ability to relieve itching. This is one skin treatment you most certainly will want to try with psoriasis because it is cheap, effective and drug-free. Why pay good money for a commercial aloe skin preparation, often full of chemicals, when you can grow your own? 6. Witch Hazel: Did you know that the distilled bark extract from a plant known as Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is used in Germany as a mainstay skin treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis? Witch hazel has a tonifying effect on the skin and is know to have a significant anti-inflammatory as well as soothing action. You can buy a bottle at a reasonable price at your chemist and give it a try. Witch Hazel products are traditionally made through a distillation resulting in a product with alcohol in different percentages for preservation. Be careful, the alcohol may be too drying on your skin, make therefore sure that the Witch Hazel you get is alcohol free. I’ve seen it available in a vegetable glycerine formula and also in aqueous formulations (water-based). 7. Salicylic acid: Are you looking for a skin peeling product? Then try a preparation with salicylic acid in it, because it works by helping the outer layer of the shed skin cells. Many psoriasis patients have shared with me their concerns about those skin plaques that just seem to keep on accumulating lots of cells until they form thick layers of crusts. Salicylic acid is kwon as a scale lifter because it helps to soften those plaques, thereby causing their easier removal. Caution is needed however, because it has been known to irritate the skin if it is applied in too high a concentration and left on the skin for too long. You may even find that it leads to temporary hair loss as well, especially when applied around the scalp. There is a product known as Head and Shoulders shampoo or Oxy Clean (soap) that both contain a 2 percent salicylic acid content. You can get salicylic acid products in higher concentrations on prescription, but caution is necessary! 8. Methol Spray: This is a great choice for irritated and especially skin that is hot and uncomfortable. Methol comes from various plant sources, like peppermint, and you may even find that peppermint tea bags when applied at certain sites of irritated skin may have a calming and sooting effect. Here is a menthol containing spray called Eucerin that has slight anesthetic properties to help relieve the itching. I’ve seen menthol creams and lotions as well, and these menthol products are all worthy of a try. The spray is the most convenient however, especially if you travel. 10.Portable UV Lamp: You can get these easily online, and once you get used to the healing power of UV light you will be wanting to use this therapy regularly, especially in winter when there isn’t much sun about. Be careful with a sunlamp that you don’t overexpose your skin to too much light, because you may be increasing your risk of skin cancer as well. Patients will find these small portable lamps useful especially for the smaller areas like the feet, hands or spot treatments on the arms, legs or torso. Less exposure is better than too much, and you will be surprised just how effective a UVB sunlamp can be with small amounts of regular use, especially when used in conjunction with my other recommendations in The Psoriasis Program. 10. Cosmetics: Did you know that you can get different kinds of specialized skin concealers like Dermablend or Covermark? These don’t cure your psoriasis, but there will be those times when you want to go out with family or friends without advertising the fact that you have psoriasis. You will find this a neat solution when used sparingly on the most obvious areas such as the face, hands and neck. You are best not to mask any lesions that are cracked, painful or open because this may increase your risk of a skin infection and potentially cause pain like stinging. Caution is advised with cosmetics when you have psoriasis, but when used carefully and applied intelligently you will be delighted with the result! It would pay to consul a professional make-up artist with lots of experience, because she will be familiar with all kinds of skin and skin problems and be able to guide you to the best products and how to apply them.

 

Bathing And Psoriasis

Water Can Be Painful If You Have Psoriasis

Bathing and psoriasis can be a painful experience. Have you been to see your doctor or dermatologist with regards to your psoriasis? If you have, then you will probably have been instructed how to properly care for your skin. I will cover two of the most important topics with regard to your skin and psoriasis, namely moisturizing and bathing. Bathing can be a great way to deal with the itching, pain and uncomfortable sensations that psoriasis can cause.

Your doctor may advise against taking long baths or showers and possibly instruct you to avoid hot water. When you have psoriasis, you don’t want your skin to be too soaked in hot water, and if possible all bathing should take place quickly in lukewarm water. My recommendations are for you not to bathe every day if possible, doing so can actually be more harmful to the skin by needlessly drying it out. Bathe every two or three days is best. Once you have finished with the shower or bath, pat yourself dry gently with a soft towel and ensure that you moisturise the skin thoroughly afterwards to lock in the moisture. This will prevent the premature drying out and cracking of the skin that may lead to infections.

Bathing with psoriasis can be very beneficial, especially if the water has been enhanced with beneficial natural additives. It’s not just about moisturizing your skin, by adding something as simple as a cup of organic apple cider vinegar you will be doing your skin a favour. You will be reducing the acidity of your skin, and this is a very important but often overlooked part of bathing. You will soon learn that sodium bicarbonate does the same thing.

Try Not To Bathe Every Single Day

I have found that some psoriasis patients can even want to bathe twice daily, thinking that they are healing the skin faster, when in fact they cause a problem with the skin. You see, your skin will want to dry out after it gets wet, and it can dry out too much if proper care is not taking right afterward. And dry skin can be a real nightmare for someone who suffers from psoriasis because dry skin can mean itchy and cracked skin. Having an itchy skin can lead to yet another flare-up, and so the cycle continues.

There is nothing wrong with taking a shorter shower or bath, and if the weather is not too hot it may pay to have your shower every second day. You could even hand wash some parts of your body, avoiding any areas which are currently flared up which will save them from getting too wet (and drying out afterward).

Moisturize After Your Bath Or Shower

For some psoriasis patients I know, taking a shower can help aid in alleviating their symptoms of psoriasis and can give their body much of the moisture it needs. However, it is very important to capture and lock in that moisture by applying skin creams and lotions soon after that shower or bath. Once you get into this habit, you will find that your skin will feel much more comfortable.

When drying off with your soft towel, avoid quick rubbing motions that you may be used to as they may damage affected areas of skin. Take your time and relax, gently pat yourself dry thereby removing the excess water from your body. Remember, you don’t have to be completely dry to moisturise, that little bit of water needs to be there in order to keep the skin hydrated. Straight after toweling off, apply your lotion so the access water doesn’t evaporate.

It may help to add some oils into the bath like an olive oil, almond, wheat germ or sunflower oil, or vegetable oil. All these oils will help soothe the skin and fight of inflammation. Adding in some bath salts or Epsom salts will help relieve some of the symptoms as well, and help keep those dry, patchy spots at bay. Try sea salt, it may be of assistance as well in the bath – all trial and error. Some patients swear by baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), others have told me that they like to soak a bag of rolled oats in the bath before they get in, because it alleviates the itch.I do hope that you have found some of these psoriasis bathing hints and tips successful. To summarise: Keep baths and showers short and infrequent and use lukewarm and not hot water. Moisturise soon after bathing and try a few different oils to see what is successful with your skin, and what is not. What will work for one may not be suitable for the other.

Four Reasons To Apply Oils And Creams

Four Reasons To Apply Oils And Creams

There are four reasons to apply oils and creams when you have psoriasis. It is important to heal the surface of the skin, even if you think there is little point because your skin cells are shedding too fast, because protecting and healing your skin are very important considerations. As I have mentioned a few times before, surface healing is important but not at the expense of neglecting your diet and lifestyle.

Have you decided you are going to beat this thing yet? A positive attitude and desire to win are important, but nevertheless, you will gain an immediate psychological boost by treating your psoriatic skin, and achieving great results.

I’d like you to consider a regular skin-care routine, an important consideration if you want to conquer psoriasis, and it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience either. Some psoriasis patients I’ve seen over the years hate using creams and ointments and get turned off by applying them because they are greasy. This unpleasant experience can turn a person right off, but don’t be discouraged, you don’t need to use synthetic or chemical concoctions on your skin because there are many natural solutions when it comes to skin care and psoriasis.

There are many different reasons why you will benefit from skin care when you have psoriasis, here are four of the best reasons why should regularly apply natural oils and creams.

Why You Should Apply Oils And Creams If You Have Psoriasis

1. To Self-Care. By caring for yourself you will be participating in getting yourself well. You self esteem will improve as you take control of your skin’s destiny. Nobody wants to smell like a sulphur furnace or a coal tar pit, proclaiming disease all around themselves, by using natural skin care products you will be exuding a subtle natural or even exotic fragrance, making the whole experience much more pleasurable. 2. To Cleanse. By applying natural oils and creams you will be removing the decayed skin cells and eliminate toxins, making it a lot easier and far less painful to peel away those plaques. 3. To Soothe. When you care for your skin you will be reducing the discomfort many people with psoriasis have. Applying the right products topically helps to lubricate dry skin, keeps it supple and restores elasticity. This in turn will eliminate that itchiness and soreness that can drive you literally crazy, and it will also help to reduce the chance of your skin cracking, leaving it open to possible infections. 4. To Heal. To counteract the degeneration of your skin, it is important to apply natural skin care products that accelerate the body’s innate healing response. Skin that is moisturized and clean will heal faster, reducing chances of those infections I’ve seen occur in those with moderate to chronic psoriasis. These infections only increase your chances of being prescribed an antibiotic by your doctor, and when this happens yoru chances of a yeast infection increase.
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