Page 41 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS 39

Psoriasis

In psoriasis, patches of red, thickened skin with silvery scales develop,
usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. These areas can be
itchy and painful. Your nails may become rough and pitted, and, less
commonly, a form of arthritis develops. Psoriasis can be a persistent
problem, and tends to run in families. Stress, infections such as a sore
throat, and skin injuries may trigger an attack or make it worse.
See also Disfigured or brittle nails, p.53. Psoriasis on an elbow

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor
if you think that you have psoriasis. Coal tar preparations (see p.180) help
control psoriasis but have a strong smell. Add a
coal tar solution to a daily bath; apply a cream
1–3 times a day; and use a coal tar shampoo. If you
What you can do yourself
have thick scales on your scalp, use coal tar combined
The following measures may be all you need to with salicylic acid to soften and remove them. If
treat a mild case of psoriasis. Check with your your skin becomes irritated, discontinue use. Coal
doctor before using them with prescribed treatment. tar makes skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light,
so avoid exposing skin to sunlight after use.
● Take a daily bath in warm water to soak off the
Moisturizers (see p.187), such as water-based
scales. Try using a coal tar preparation (see DRUG cream, should be rubbed gently into the skin as often
REMEDIES, right) to soften the scales. as possible to relieve itching and loosen scales.
● Apply a moisturizer to lubricate and soften scaly
patches of skin (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Don’t scratch or rub patches of thickened skin. NATURAL REMEDIES
Using an oatmeal bath oil, or applying an aloe vera
cream or gel, may help reduce itchiness (see Oatmeal bath oils (see p.187) help
NATURAL REMEDIES, right). soften scaly plaques and relieve itching.
● Sunshine can help improve psoriasis but be Aloe vera creams and gels (see p.177) may
careful not to burn. Sunburn can make it worse. help reduce dryness and itching in psoriasis. There
is some evidence for their effectiveness and they
● If stress is making your psoriasis worse, try are harmless.
some deep breathing and muscle relaxation
Using aloe vera
exercises (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.20–21).
Apply aloe vera gel or cream
thinly to irritated and
itchy patches of skin
Seek further medical advice and rub in lightly.
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
● Your psoriasis is not controlled by treatment
● Large areas of skin become red and
inflamed, and you have a fever and feel unwell
● You develop joint pains