The goal of all treatments is to slow the rate of skin cell production and remove the white/silver scales. There are many options ranging from simply applying moisturizing to receiving light therapy for the affected areas.


Topical Therapy:

• When diagnosed, you may be prescribed corticosteroids. This is a drug for mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. It can usually be found as ointments, creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, or sprays. For the face and skin folds, milder corticosteroid ointments are recommended. Ensure not to overuse topical corticosteroids as they are less effective after overuse and can also thin the skin.
• Synthetic forms of vitamin D slow the skin cell growth rate. Examples include calcipotriene and calcitriol. These are generally more expensive than the corticosteroid treatment creams, but they cause less irritation in sensitive areas.
• Retinoids like Tazarotene are available as a gel or cream and are to be applied 1-2 times a day. Side effects include increased sensitivity to light and skin irritation. Additionally, it is recommended not to use these products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

• Coal Tar is another product you may be interested in as it reduces scaling, itching, and irritation. Best part of this product is that it is available over-the-counter in various forms like shampoos and creams. This treatment option is not recommended for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Light Therapy:

• This is the method used for moderate to severe psoriasis and may be combined with other medications to ensure the best results. This method involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of light, natural or artificial. Speak to your doctor whether home phototherapy is an option you can use.
  • Brief exposure to sunlight everyday may improve psoriasis, but it is important that you talk to a qualified specialist about the safest ways to do so.
  • Another option includes UVB broadband in controlled doses which can treat single patches or psoriasis that was not treated with corticosteroids. There are side effects including redness, itching, and dry skin. Moisturizing regularly will ease the discomfort.
  • UVB narrowband is another light therapy option which may be more effective than broadband treatment. At first, it is administered 2-3 times per week and then less frequently for maintenance.

Oral or injected medications:

• For moderate to severe cases, your doctor may prescribe systemic drugs, which can be taken orally or also injected. However, there are higher chances for more severe side effects, so it is often only prescribed for short periods and may be alternated with other treatments.

Alternative medicine options:

• Although none of these methods have been proven to be effective, they are deemed safe and may reduce itchiness and scaling for mild to moderate psoriasis. Please reach out to a healthcare professional for the safest treatment plan; these options are generally to be used in addition to medical treatment.
  • Managing stress is a very helpful point to improve psoriasis outbreaks.
  • Aloe extract cream may reduce redness, scaling, itching and inflammation. Use the cream several times a day for a month to see improvement.
  • Fish oil supplements in combination with UVB therapy might reduce the area of the affected skin region. Applying fish oil on affected areas and covering it for 6 hours a day for a month might improve scaling.
  • Oregon grape (aka barberry) when applied to the skin can reduce severity of psoriasis.
  • Essential oils used for aromatherapy have shown that they are capable of reducing stress and anxiety.