ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for psoriasis?

A variety of over-the-counter medicines are available. Hydrocortisone (Cortizone 10) ointments applied two to four times a day can help relieve dryness, redness, and itching. There is a chance that symptoms may return once you stop the medicine. Salicylic acid, coal tar, or light therapy can worsen a rash that is dry, red, and very itchy. Kerotolytic agents that contain urea such as >AmLactin 12% will loosen dead skin and help to get rid of plaques. These agents work best if you soak the area in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes before applying them.

Coal tar products, including >Exorex, are also used to treat psoriasis. Although it’s not clear how coal tar products work, many people benefit by applying products with concentrations of 0.5 to 10 percent daily until symptoms improve. It’s important to know that coal tar is photosensitizing, which means it causes the skin to sunburn more easily than usual, even up to 24 hours after removing it. Coal tar products may stain hair, skin, clothing, and jewelry. If your condition does not improve in one to two weeks, you should see your doctor.

Sources:
The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Diseases and Conditions, “Psoriasis.” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/10/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.
Exorex product information. Meyer Zall Laboratories, 2007.

This answer prepared 6/12/2000.
This information updated 1/10/2007.