Creams for Psoriasis
Managing psoriasis becomes easier when you have an idea of the best cream to use. I always recommend topical treatments like the use of creams, ointments and lotions to improve the skin.
Your skin may be prone to cracking due to dryness and sometimes result in bleeding. You may also experience itching. So, using a cream as part of your self-care routine will go a long way in helping to improve the condition.
Since psoriasis affects people differently, I will not recommend a particular product or make it seem like the best product for everyone. The best way to find out the best product for you is to seek your doctor or pharmacist’s counsel.
However, I will be sharing some tips on knowing the best product for you and what to look out for. With this, you can make an informed decision on the best cream to treat your psoriasis.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Creams For Psoriasis
Before choosing any cream for your psoriasis, you should ask the following questions:
- What is the severity of the condition?
- Which part of the body is affected by psoriasis?
- What type of psoriasis do I have
- How severe are the symptoms
- What ingredients are used in the cream
- How does my body respond to the product?
- What’s the strength of the
- ingredients in the cream?
Why use Cream for Psoriasis Treatment?
You should consider using a cream for treating your psoriasis because:
- They can help soften the affected area, thereby helping the medications penetrate the deep layers of the skin.
- They can help reduce dryness and cracking, reduce your risk of infection and minimize discomfort.
- Creams are often effective for mild psoriasis to help reduce itching, scaling and other discomforts that you may experience.
- Creams are less irritating, and they contain ingredients like tazarotene and topical calcineurin inhibitors.
Ingredients in Creams
Some ingredients to watch out for when buying a cream for psoriasis include:
Salicylic acid
Found in creams, shampoos, liquids, foams, ointments, gels and soaps. It works better when used with other skin treatments. It helps to get rid of scales and flakes of dead skin.
Coal tar
Creams that contain this ingredient helps to inhibit the growth of skin cells and help your skin look better. It can irritate and stain your clothes, and it doesn’t smell good.
It’s safer to use with your doctor’s advice because high doses have been shown to result in cancer.
Steroids
Creams with steroids help to reduce inflammation and prevent the build-up of skin cells by slowing their growth. You can use the weak forms of steroids for treating sensitive areas like the skin, face, armpit and groin.
On the other hand, the stronger forms are used for treating tough places like the knees and elbows.
Vitamin D analogues
Creams that contain vitamin D analogues come with artificial vitamin D. Vitamin D analogues include; Calcitriol (Vectical and Rocaltrol), Calcipotriene (Sorilux, Calcitrene and Dovonex) and Tacalcitol (Curatoderm and Bonalfa).
They reduce the growth of skin cells, but they may result in skin irritation after prolonged use.
Retinoids
Tazarotene (Tazorac) are examples of retinoids that helps to increase the shedding of skin cells. Creams that contain this ingredient are made with vitamin A. It’s usually not recommended for pregnant women.
Pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic)
These are called calcineurin inhibitors. They help ease inflammation and doctors recommend them when other medications don’t work.
However, ensure you read the label before use as calcineurin inhibitors are known to cause skin cancer.
Anthralin
Anthralin also helps to ease inflammation and reduce the growth of skin cells. Doctors recommend this with other medications, but it can cause irritation and stain your skin, sheets and skin.
Many creams and other topical treatments can hurt your skin. Nevertheless, your doctor’s help will help you choose the best treatment for your skin.