Psoriasis causes scaling on the skin – but its symptoms and woes go much deeper. Inflammation, redness, and itching can plague psoriasis sufferers every time there’s a flare up. However, living with psoriasis doesn’t mean you have to live with constant itchiness. If you search online, you’ll find simple remedies and treatment options that may be able to help alleviate itching almost immediately. There are many different ways to treat psoriasis. Although it’s a lifelong condition, there are ways you can soothe symptoms and fight flare ups. You can try the many popular treatment options to relieve that annoying, frustrating itch right online.
Check out these easy ways you may be able to alleviate itchiness and other psoriasis symptoms.
Topical Psoriasis Treatments
Topical psoriasis treatments are a common treatment choice for many. They’re easy to apply, and they can provide quick relief to specific areas of the body or skin with few side effects. You rub topical treatments directly onto any skin that’s red, inflamed, or itchy.
The following are a few different types of topical psoriasis treatment options you can try.
Salicylic Acid
Available as salicylic acid ointment, this topical treatment smooths skin plaques and helps your body shed psoriasis-related scales. You can apply it over large areas of skin, and it typically delivers moderate relief.
Steroid-Based Cream
There are many different steroid-based creams you can try for relief from psoriasis itching. Steroid-based creams are one of the most common treatment choices – when applied, they can decrease inflammation, alleviate itching, and block the overproduction of cells that cause plaques. They’re available in different strengths, so your doctor can help determine what kind will work best for you.
Coal Tar Ointments and Shampoos
These specialty products made with coal tar have been found to slow cells’ rapid growth and help soothe psoriasis symptoms like itching. Coal tar is derived from coal and woods like juniper and pine, and it comes in different levels of concentration. You can find it in psoriasis shampoos, bath solutions, ointments, and other topical forms.
Prescription Retinoids
Prescription retinoids are topical creams or ointments that contain synthetic vitamin A. This particular vitamin can help improve psoriasis symptoms, and while it can take time to work, it can soothe itching.
Phototherapy for Psoriasis
Sunlight can be very beneficial for psoriasis sufferers. In fact, some dermatologists and doctors might even prescribe UV rays via phototherapy treatment to alleviate symptoms and flare ups. Regular doses of sunlight can help with lesions, and when light is used for treatment it’s called phototherapy.
Phototherapy is typically used for persistent or difficult to treat psoriasis, so it can be a great option for those who are struggling to find relief. However, the key to phototherapy treatments is regular, consistent treatments, so this can be a longer-term treatment option.
The following are a few types of phototherapy treatment for psoriasis.
PUVA
PUVA is a form of phototherapy that uses a combination of a drug and ultraviolet (UV) light – specifically, UVA rays. It’s very effective, and it can slow down excessive skin cell growth and clear up related symptoms.
UVB Phototherapy
UVB phototherapy treatment uses UVB rays to treat psoriasis. These UV rays can penetrate the skin and slow cells’ growth, all by simply exposing the skin to a UVB light source. It’s typically a treatment administered in a doctor’s office or with a prescribed at-home phototherapy device.
Excimer Laser
The FDA approves the excimer laser for treating chronic, localized psoriasis. This laser emits high-intensity beams of UVB light, and it can specifically target areas of the skin. It’s a great treatment choice for mild or moderate psoriasis, and it can also help scalp psoriasis.
Oral and Injectable Medications for Psoriasis
Prescription medications are an option for psoriasis treatment if you aren’t getting relief from other treatment options. These medications can be taken orally or injected by a doctor, and they can deliver more powerful results.
The following are a few different types of medications that are used for psoriasis.
Methotrexate
Often used as a chemotherapy drug for those suffering from cancer, methotrexate can help those with autoimmune conditions like arthritis and psoriasis. It can clear up psoriasis lesions and resolve the itchiness that accompanies those plaques.
Biologics
Biologics are medications that control the response of your immune system. When taken, these medications suppress the enzyme that helps create inflammation. They can be particularly beneficial for autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, and they can reduce joint pain along with symptoms like itchiness, redness, and inflammation.
Oral Retinoids
These medications use compounds that are similar to vitamin A. They’re often used for those with severe psoriasis, but oral retinoids can be a stronger alternative to prescription retinoid topical treatments.
Natural Psoriasis Treatments
Natural treatments are an alternative to creams, ointments, medications, and other treatment options. These remedies can be used in combination with other treatments, and some psoriasis sufferers find them helpful for soothing irritation, dealing with itchiness, or helping fight flare ups.
Just make sure you check with your doctor before trying any natural treatment options for your psoriasis. They can offer guidance and recommendations to ensure you’re trying these remedies safely.
Natural treatment options for psoriasis include the following.
Dead Sea Salts
You can add Dead Sea salts to your bath water and soak for about 15 minutes. This treatment option can help remove scales and ease itching, stopping you from scratching.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, when applied to the skin, may be able to help improve psoriasis symptoms. Research has found that aloe vera offers some benefits and is more effective than a placebo when applied to areas that itch, are inflamed, or have scaling.
You can also try taking aloe vera as a supplement. Aloe vera supplements have been reported to help with mild psoriasis symptoms.
Stick to a Healthy Diet
Watching what you eat may help you manage your psoriasis overall. You can try eliminating foods that are linked to inflammation and flare ups, like red meat, saturated fats, carbohydrates, and refined sugars. You can also increase your intake of foods known to fight inflammation, like seeds, nuts, cold-water fish, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Dietary Supplements
Taking certain dietary supplements may also help with the underlying causes and effects of psoriasis. Fish oil, vitamin D, milk thistle, Oregon grape, and evening primrose may be able to help fight mild symptoms of psoriasis. Just make sure the supplements you’re taking won’t interfere with other treatment options you’re trying.
Find a Psoriasis Remedy That Works for Your Symptoms
Getting rid of the most frustrating symptoms of psoriasis isn’t always easy. When you’re experiencing a flare up, it’s difficult to live with inflammation, itchiness, and the changes happening to your skin. Fortunately, there are many different types of treatments you can try to help soothe your psoriasis symptoms.
Staying informed and knowledgeable about different types of psoriasis treatments is the best way to handle itchiness. If you search for the latest information on psoriasis treatments and symptom relief, you can find remedies that may combat itching and other woes. Just make sure to consult your doctor before starting or adding any new treatments into your routine.
