OTC Psoriasis Treatment Options

Looking for Psoriasis treatments over-the-counter at a pharmacy is the best place to start if you need help with this skin condition. The FDA has recognized several active ingredients that are proven to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. Using these ingredients companies have developed many products that have been successfully used for years to treat psoriasis. From creams and lotions to shampoos and body washes there are many to choose from. You may also see some add-on’s like scalp oils and bath soaking products. For some people a simple topical cream is all they need. For others a combination of products may be necessary. In this article you will learn how to pick the right psoriasis treatment over-the-counter to treat your condition.

What are the Active Ingredients in Psoriasis Treatments Over-The-Counter

The two main active ingredients found in psoriasis treatments over-the-counter are salicylic acid and coal tar. Both of these are designed to help accelerate the exfoliating process of your skin. This helps your body to naturally remove the excessive amount of skin cells that are produced by psoriasis. Unfortunately the same properties that allow salicylic acid and coal tar to work may also have a side effect of drying your skin.  It is very common to find these two ingredients loaded into products that have rich moisturizing properties. Some of the moisturizing ingredients may include aloe, vitamin E or glycerin. In addition, some of the better products will include nourishing ingredients that will come in the form of herbal extracts, essential oils and even food based ingredients like eggs. Eggs are a wonderful form of nutrition because they contain every nutrient necessary for life. In fact, there are over 70 vitamins, minerals and proteins found naturally in an egg. Egg protein is also a fantastic moisturizing ingredient.

You may find some other products that include cortisone or even steroids. Any product that contains one or both of these ingredients should never be used for a long period of time or you will damage your skin. People will often choose a cortisone based product if they are suffering with severe itching. Once the itching subsides you should move on to a product with either salicylic acid or coal tar. Both of these ingredients can be used safely for the rest of your life.

Which Products Should You Choose For Your Psoriasis Treatment Over-The-Counter?

This is really a tricky question. What works for one person will definitely not work for everyone. Some of this comes down to trial and error but here is some advice on how to start.

For body psoriasis a topical cream is usually your best bet. Always look for a cream that has as many additional moisturizing ingredients as possible. Once the dead skin cells are exfoliated what remains may be a red patch. The nourishing ingredients will help your skin to repair itself so it can reduce the redness and look normal again.  If you need a little more help in addition to the cream look for a body wash you can use.  This could be helpful for people who have a heavier build up of dead skin cells.

For scalp psoriasis a quality shampoo and conditioner product is the best place to start. As mentioned, the active ingredients can dry your skin. You don’t want to dry out your hair as well. A combo shampoo and conditioner solves this problem easily for you. If you have psoriasis around the hairline or behind the ears using a topical cream could be very helpful. For severe scalp buildup some people may need to use a scalp oil to help loosen the scales so they can easily be removed. The faster they come off the faster you scalp can heal and look normal again.

What to Look Out for With a Psoriasis Treatment Over-The-Counter

Any product that does not contain one of the active ingredients recognized by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis should not even mention psoriasis on its label. Any psoriasis treatment that is over-the-counter is considered a drug by the FDA and has very specific requirements to meet the specifications as a treatment for psoriasis.

Unfortunately, you will still find a number of products that say they will help your psoriasis. Most of these are only basic moisturizers and will not do much of anything to help treat your psoriasis. If you buy one of these products you may as well be throwing your money away.  Always look for the active ingredients listed in this article when you buy your psoriasis treatment over-the-counter and you will be off to a great start to healthy looking skin.