Whether you suffer from psoriasis yourself or have heard about it from a famous Kardashian who has been very transparent about her symptoms, you know that the skin condition is far from glamorous and often results in red scaly plaques that can occur anywhere on the body.
Dr. Carolyn Stull, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology in New York City, described psoriasis as a chronic inflammatory condition that affects about 2% of the world’s population.
“[It] commonly arises on the scalp, ears, elbows, knees and nails,” she said. “In addition to the skin, psoriasis can also affect joints resulting in psoriatic arthritis.”
Stull said that a number of prescription treatments exist for topical psoriasis, such as steroids and injectable therapies, but there are also over-the-counter products that can help manage flare-ups in addition to lifestyle changes, like not smoking tobacco.
Before your next plaque surfaces and that unbearable tingle of an itch arises, you may find relief in the upcoming list of products and ingredients recommended by dermatologists like Stull and Dr. Brendan Camp.
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"The salicylic acid in this thick moisturizer helps to remove excess skin flakes, leaving skin softer, smoother, and less scaly," Camp said. Other exfoliants include lactic acid, a milder acid that might be better tolerated by sensitive skin.
And like all of CeraVe's unscented and nourishing skin products, this thick cream is formulated with three essential ceramides that are fundamental for not just hydration but for helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Based on this information, in addition to its many positive reviews, we found 3% salicylic acid formula cream that claims to loosen scales and prevent flare-up reoccurrence. The medicated treatment is packed with hydrators like shea butter and avocado oil, as well as a bevy of soothers like aloe, allantoin and bisabolol, an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Plus, there's also the inclusion of panthenol, a humectant that can draw moisture into the skin and promote wound healing.
"This shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, which helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce flakes in the hair and on your clothing," he said.
The two-in-one shampoo and conditioner also contains tea tree oil, which can help relieve itch, along with several antioxidant ingredients that can potentially reduce inflammation. And unlike many other medicated shampoos, Nizoral remains gentle even on gray, color-treated or chemically processed hair and reviewers agree it's left their tresses feeling soft.
"In a thick, ointment-based formula, this hydrocortisone-containing anti-inflammatory product helps reduce itch and other symptoms associated with psoriasis," Camp said.
The brand explains that prebiotic thermal water is a unique ingredient that's rich in a natural antioxidant while the three essential ceramides can help restore the skin barrier, something that is compromised in skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and severe dryness.
As someone who personally struggles with eczema — a different skin condition that's often managed similarly to psoriasis —I have firsthand experience using the MG217 medicated ointment. This extra-strength formulation features 2% coal tar, one of the oldest remedies for treating inflammatory skin conditions due to its ability to reduce scaling, flaking, redness and irritation of the skin, while also imparting some antibacterial benefits.
After applying a liberal layer at night before bed, I suggest popping on a pair of reusable cotton gloves since this product does stain sheets and clothing.