Psoriasis - Managing Psoriasis

Highlights	Diagnosis	Managing Psoriasis
Introduction	Treatment	Resources
Causes	Topical Medications	References
Risk Factors	Other Medications
Prognosis	Phototherapy

Managing Psoriasis

Although sunburn carries a risk for skin cancer andcan make psoriasis worse, regular exposure to the sun helps clear psoriasis in people with mild to moderate conditions. Experts advise covering non-affected areas with clothing or sunscreen and sun bathing only until the skin starts to tan.

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Vacations in sunny areas, such as Hawaii or the Caribbean, can offer relief. For those who can afford it, a prolonged stay of several weeks at the Dead Sea in Israel has proven to significantly improve or clear 88% of those with psoriasis. The region offers a unique combination of intense but naturally filtered UVA radiation combined with minerals and salts from the sea.

Emotional Support

Because of the association between negative emotions and psoriatic flare-ups, relaxation and anti-stress techniques may be helpful. Many are available. The following are some studies suggesting that emotional support may have an impact on psoriasis:

One study investigated patients with psoriasis who discussed with a psychiatrist any traumatic or other intense event that occurred when the skin condition appeared. In the study, 68% of patients recalled such an event and 62% experienced significant improvement after the talk session.
Another study reported that patients treated with antidepressants along with topical corticosteroids for psoriasis experienced greater skin improvement than those who took the steroid alone.
Hypnosis aimed at reducing stress may allay symptoms, according to a small 1999 study.

Treating Dry Skin

If skin becomes dry and itchy, the patient may try the following:

Soak in a warm bath for about 15 minutes.
Afterward, apply salicylic acid first, which removes scaly skin and may promote the penetration of both moisturizers and topical prescription medications.
Then, apply a thick moisturizer or emollient, such as Vaseline, Cetaphil cream, or Eucerin cream. (Lotions are not adequate moisturizers.)
Special gloves made of Gore-Tex (DermaPore) may be worn at night over a thick moisturizer cream. These gloves are protective but also allow moisture to escape.

Some experts suggest that many common moisturizers may actually increase water loss in psoriasis, but studies are needed to confirm this. In the meantime, if moisturizers help relieve the condition, then patients should use them.

Alleviating Itching and Irritation

Capsaicin (Zostrix) is an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chili peppers. It is used to relieve arthritic pain and may help relieve psoriatic itching. Capsaicin should be handled using a glove and applied to affected areas three or four times daily. The patient will usually experience a burning sensation when the drug is first applied, but this sensation diminishes with use.