If you have psoriasis, you might find various over-the-counter (OTC) products helpful for keeping your skin hydrated, limiting symptoms such as inflammation and itching, and treating cracked skin or wounds.
In some cases, your doctor might also prescribe topical or systemic medications to treat psoriasis:
- Topical treatments: These include ointments, creams, lotions, and other products that you can apply to your skin, scalp, or nails. Some topical treatments are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
- Systemic treatments: These include oral or injectable medications that your doctor may prescribe if you have moderate to severe psoriasis that you have difficulty managing with topical treatments alone.
Always speak with your doctor before you try a new psoriasis treatment. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks. They can also help you learn whether certain treatments or supplements you’re taking may interact with each other, making treatment less effective or raising the risk of side effects.
Click on the interactive hot spots in the medicine cabinet below to learn which products and treatments may help you manage psoriasis at home.
If you have mild psoriasis, topical treatments may be enough to manage it. Some topical treatments are available over the counter without a prescription. Others require a prescription.
To manage moderate to severe psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe topical and systemic treatments, including oral or injectable medication.
Keeping clean, sterile dressings on hand is also helpful for treating cracked skin or other wounds.
Let your doctor know if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment or if you develop new or worse symptoms. They may recommend changes to your treatment.