Best products from r/Psoriasis

Hi there - I've changed so many things this past year and my psoriasis is feeling so much better. Probably better than it's felt in over 10 years.

Now it still shows up on my skin and I have large portions of my skin affected, but it's not really painful. It does itch from time to time and flakes but overall, it's SO much better than it was a year ago.

First - my doc was VERY clear to NEVER use clobetasol on my face. It's meant for scalp and other parts but it's also a a topical steroid and I'm pretty sure that one of it's side effects is hair loss. I'm the only one in my family with psoriasis and used a lot of clobetasol over the years and my hair, compared to my older brothers and sister is really different. I've almost got the donut while they have full, thick heads of hair and they're all older than me.

Here are some things I've done that have all helped:

• Quit drinking alcohol. Some say that a few drinks or glasses of wine is fine but not for me. I didn't declare to anyone that I was quitting I just stopped because it was no longer appealing to me. The side benefit, it REALLY has helped my health and psoriasis improve.
  
• Increased my daily meditation 2+ times a day for at least 15 mins each
  
• Started using Herb Pharm Tumeric liquid between 2 and 4 times a day. I just squeeze a dropper full into a small amount of water and chug it. Easy and fast.
  
• Started drinking alkaline water that has a Ph above 8.0
  
  TOPICALS
  
  
• Started using RealAloe Lotion which I love the viscosity of and it smells nice.
  
• Sometimes instead of RealAloe I use Cold Pressed, unrefined, organic coconut oil. Something like this but that's not a brand I've used yet.
  
• Sometimes instead of those, I'll use a 100% aloe gel or a nice smelling, organic, vanilla and coco butter lotion that I found at my local health food store.
  
• Quit using EVERYTHING that has salicylic acid in it. It's acid so how it works is to slowly dissolve the upper layers of skin. I would NEVER use that stuff on my hair. It's basically a "gentle" chemical peel.
  
  Now of all of this, meditation seems to have had the most benefit. When I regularly meditate (2x a day at least 15 mins each) then I feel much better, I'm happier, better able to address life and I've even lost a TON of weight (just shy of 50 pounds). I've been doing all of this for like 9 months now and it's really helped.
  
  Now when I tell people how I lost all this weight and that meditation was the main thing, they very often dismiss it. Now they'll be nice but they'll keep asking questions about "what else"? I'll tell them about eating less but that's honestly a side effect of the meditation. I'm also eating healthier food not to lose weight but because I like how it makes me feel. Most people say that's why I lost the weight, not the meditation. What they don't understand is without the meditation, I usually don't enjoy eating healthy food.
  
  I also REALLY work on making myself happy by doing all sorts of things that either relax me, make me laugh or just whatever things I enjoy - like playing games, building jigsaw puzzles, hanging out with friends/family, and so much more.
  
  Hope that helps.

I'm gonna apologize now - I'm on mobile and formatting an slinks are hard.

So personally, I use three things - a daily shampoo, a weekly shampoo, and a scalp scrubber thingy.

Daily shampoo - a gentle nice shampoo that o use as often as I wash my hair (usually daily, but every other day in the winter). I've been using the L'Oreal Paris line with the parables and sulfate free formula is awesome. It does not HELP but scalp, but it also does NOT HURT it, which is a major deal. No tightness, no itch, I'm good! I've used almost all the different kinds in the line, but I'm going back to this green one since it's the best for me. You're not me, so your needs are probably different! :) L'Oreal Paris Hair Care Ever Strong Thickening Shampoo, 8.5 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZXSUWN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HcX5yb44HC9T3

Weekly shampoo - I used to use the tar shampoo, and the salyclic (?!) acid shampoo as my weekly. As my scalp has realized I mean business, I've switched to a (again) paraben and sulfate free dandruff shampoo. I get a big glob and add a little of the daily shampoo, since none of these weekly shampoos like to lather like I like. JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo, Rosemary, Olive and Jojoba, 12 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGDIAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rfX5yb6GVEQSN

Scalp scrubber thingy - mine is purple! I use it always with the weekly shampoo, and any time during the week that I feel like I need it. It's great for getting flakes moving so you can wash them or brush them out later. I don't really like the finger hole thing for it, but I don't complain since it just feels sooooo gooooood. Scalpmaster Shampoo Brush, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJG82W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rhX5ybZPM2YNP

You can use hydrocortisone (which is OTC, non-prescription) on the face. It is the weakest steroid you can get, a couple of orders of magnitude weaker than prescription steroids, but it can work well because the skin is thin.

Desonide is a weak prescription steroid cream that is also safe on the face.

As I understand it, steroids should be avoided in skin folds such as found around the eyelids, groin, armpits, etc. because folds act to amplify the effect of the steroid, what's called occlusion (covering). You can amplify the effect of any steroid by covering it with a dressing (plastic wrap or even a band aid will do it), but this must be done with care.

For that reason, tacrolimus (brand names include Protopic) is a non-steroid immunosuppressant that is great for skin folds (eyelids, groin, armpits etc.). It's also safe on the face.

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Regarding steroids, it's important to understand how they should be used. As a rule, it's recommended that you start with the most potent types of steroids to get the condition under control, then switch to something milder to maintain the asymptomatic stage (i.e. smooth skin).

For example, my recommendation is always to use a superpotent such as clobetasol to get the inflammation down and the plaques gone, then step down to a milder steroid such as betamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, mometasone (Elocon), desoximethasone (Topicort), etc. Here is a potency chart.

A lot of doctors (especially MDs who are not dermatologists) are terrible at prescribing the right stuff. If your doctor only suggests superpotent steroids, get a better doctor. Also, if you're not happy about a steroid, switch to another one. Everyone is different. Steroids are also known to become less effective over time as the skin acclimatizes to it, and a lot of doctors recommend rotating different kinds.

One problem with topicals is that they're icky — oily, sticky, getting on bedsheets, clothes and furniture. My recommendation is to ignore what a doctor recommends and always insist on a cream, not an ointment. (Unless it's the scalp or large areas, in which case a spray, foam or a solution works better.)

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A few other important things I would mention:

Calcipotriene (aka calcipotriol), and to a lesser extent, calcitriol: This is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D3. Unlike steroids, it's harmless, and its effect is like a mild steroid. It takes 4-8 weeks for its effect to build up. Comes as creams and solutions. There are drugs that combine calcipotriene with a steroid, such as Taclonex (betamethasone). (Don't use on the face, though. Calcitriol, which is similar, is safe on the face.)

Coal tar. Some people don't respond to this at all, but most people find it very effective. Comes as an OTC shampoo (Neutrogena T/Gel, MG217), and there are also much stronger prescription-strength products such as Cocois. I've had excellent results for scalp plaques, but the topical gel does nothing.

Urea. Urea (aka carbamide) is a keratolytic (tissue softener) which can help immensely with softening plaques and causing them to slough off on their own. It's also an excellent moisturizer, mimicking the same mechanism already used by the skin to hydrate itself. Products include Excipial 20% urea. Don't use strong urea on the face.

Salicylic acid. Similar effect as urea. I prefer urea.

African black soap. Some people report that this has a significant effect (and some people also call it a miracle cure for acne). Black soap has not been studied deeply, but there are some African studies that show it to have antimicrobial properties, which may be related to its effect on psoriasis. At worst, black soap products have skin-softening effects, which helps reduces plaques, similar to things like urea and salicylic acid.

Sunlight. Sunlight does wonders, in very small amounts. You can also get UVB light treatment at a lot of dermatology clinics. A lot of people get good results, but as a treatment its use must be limited to avoid the skin damage that comes with UV exposure. (Some people take vitamin D supplements. There's zero evidence that this has any effect. The effect you get from UV, as I understand is, is completely to whatever path that oral vitamin D supplements takes through your system.)

Unfortunately, my process isn't intended to just treat the scalp issues, and so may be too involved/impractical for your purposes: sorry if I'm giving any false hope. I'm using it to downregulate my immune system's behavior throughout my body. I have noticed, without a doubt, that localized heat is playing a part in my skin improvements - but I don't know how much, or how effective it would be effective on it's own.

My sessions last an hour, and involve increasing my oral temperature to around 101.5 degrees, via the use of 8 IR lamps and two 500 watt space heaters in an sealed off-space. Grueling, but, it's taken the place of biologics and steroids. My rheumatologist is pleased with my progress and 100% on board.

However, as I mentioned before, at least part of the benefit is coming from the direct heat on my skin. It's clear that my skin and scalp are being improved by the localized heat, since my skin issues clear up faster and longer than my joints, and the fact that I have to make sure that my scalp gets heated specifically, since the hair protects it so much from the light. But, unfortunately, it's hard for me to tell how much is due to the systemic fever, and how much is due to the localized heat.

I should also mention that I clip my hair ~13mm.

I'm using these bulbs from amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/TheraBulb-NIR-Near-Infrared-Bulb/dp/B01855YCXM

With a clamp lamp, they are ~$20-30 each. So, IMHO, worth buying one, and trying it for a while on one side of your head, and see if there's an improvement. You want to get your scalp as warm as possible without burning. Once I start to sweat, I run my fingers through my hair and try to get it out of the way of the light. It will get uncomfortable, and the petechiae specifically can start tingling a bit, but do avoid any actual pain. Fortunately, unlike UV light, you can't 'overdo' it and then only feel the injury later.

Try half an hour every day for a few days? This is more close-up heating than I give my scalp, though I'm also heating my whole body. I would err on the side of too much time, rather than too little, at least until you can determine whether it is helping you or not.

Another alternative is sauna, if you have one nearby. I'd encourage you (everyone, really) to do both.

Good luck, and AMA anything else I can help you with.

Fuck man, Ya that looks like psoriasis. But if you don't have it on the shaft/head that's a good thing. I've had good luck with this coal tar ointment

Now, the directions say not to use it on your genitals, but the stuff is so basic, inert, and non-reactive that I'd be willing to give it a shot. It has cleared up my shit immensely. I had a few spots on my shaft and it took care of them. It's kinda greasy, and it smells slightly like bicycle grease, but it alleviates the itching and stinging pretty much immediately, if not in a couple days. It honestly works as well or better than the $600 taclonex suspension liquid the dermatologist prescribed. And for 11 bucks, I'd give it a shot. I was so pissed (and extremely happy at the same time) that I had spent $200 for the co-pay for the prescription stuff, when this "homeopathic" remedy worked fucking fantastic.

Best of luck brother.

I too suffer from palmar psoriasis (plantar also)

I really, really hope yours stays at this level forever, and it might. There are a bunch of treatment options to keep it under control when it's at this level. But also understand that it may get worse.

Mine looked like yours for many years. At age 50 it went nuts with no lifestyle changes. I'm now on Cosentyx along with Clobetasol ointment to keep things in check. The good news is I have it beat back to where I can function normally and am nearly clear.

When I was at your level of severity, UVB was actually fairly effective for me. First with office visits and then my insurer bought a light box after it was shown to be effective so I could do it at home. UVB doesn't work for everyone, but could be worth a try.

I also used Clobetasol ointment. It's another steroid topical. The ointment seemed to penetrate that scale on the palm better then the cream, so I preferred that.

Here's a comment I did on my care regimen when it got worse.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Psoriasis/comments/9q1m41/help_ive_had_psoriasis_my_whole_life_want_to/e86xz29

If you live in a climate where the air dries out at all, especially in the winter, I recommend a humidifier. It makes a big difference for me. I use this Honeywell model. Fair price, evaporative, big tanks, cheap replacement batting. Use a no-heat evaporative humidifier. It's the best for pumping a lot of moisture into the air.

https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Cool-Moisture-Console-Humidifier/dp/B000G0LDRI

Lastly, even though I have the psoriasis fairly controlled, I still live in nitrile gloves. I buy them by the case (1,300 Curad exam gloves for about $153 at Walgreens.com) and they'll last me about 8 months. The Curad gloves are a good price/performance point. Cooking, cleaning, working on the car, I always wear them. It continues to make a big difference for me. I will sometimes get a fissure still on a knuckle and the gloves help keep the air off of it and keeps it from stinging so much. I also wear them under work gloves for outdoor work. It helps. They seem yucky and clumsy at first when you wear them, but at this point they're completely natural for me. I keep boxes of gloves in several locations in the house and garage and put them on without thinking if I'm going to do anything with my hands.

Oh, you asked about continuing the steroid cream. I was told by my derm that the palms are a place where you can use the steroid topical forever as long as I take short breaks periodically because the skin is thick there. Your dermatologist is the one that should advise on this, but if possible I would continue with the steroid topical if it helps at all.

Best wishes.

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I agree with acronymopolis. Shorter hair helps with the flaking. I use tea tree shampoo and it helps a bit.

I also have several other shampoos that are prescription and OTC. I used the T-gel stuff with coal tar, but that didn't work for me. A shampoo with salicyclic acid is pretty easy to find in the grocery or drug store. This is the one I use. I use that in rotation with this shampoo as well. Then I also have clobex, but that is a prescription.

I've heard that some people rub oils and whatever into their scalps. You could research that. Join up and get some heathcare and make an appt with a dermatologist. Better to catch it early.

I've been stuck in a flare cycle for several years - I cycle up every couple weeks or so the worst part for me is before the drops show up. I'm wracked with intense all over skin inflamation & itching, literally all over, regardless of where the guttate eventually appears and it feels like pin pricks and wiggles all over my body - it drives me batty.

I take an NSAID, like Aleve or Ibuprofen for the inflammation and an anti-histamine like bennedryl (though I prefer a prescribed hydroxyzine, but benedryl is available OTC if you need it now) to help with the itching. I take hot baths with deadsea salts (the heat helps stifle the itch, salts feel good, but don't know if they actually do anything) and then I cover my entire body in Cereva anti-itch cream. This is how I manage.

I'm on Humira which has been miraculous in treating my PsA, but it hasn't had any affect on my Guttate - my rheumetologist is considering adding methotrexate to the mix to see if it will help with the guttate, but waiting for some tests to come back first.

Try to check your pH level. In recent years, many harmful components have appeared in food: dyes, flavors, etc. If you have a lot of food in your diet, some of these components, and if you often eat such harmful foods as crisps, popcorn, sweet fizzy drinks, sausages, canned goods, margarine and other trans fats, your body gradually becomes contaminated.
I recomend you to try that strips and to read free book, which you will get as a free bonus there:
https://www.amazon.com/pH-Test-Strips-Balance-Accurate/dp/B06XG6Z2XC/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1496663079&sr=1-3&keywords=ph+test+strips+bonus

They also make a coal tar ointment that has worked wonders for me previously.

I have a rather large patch on my leg that the ointment all but got rid of. Once it was gone, I stopped using it and it stayed away for a long time. Eventually it came back, and I tried it again but didn't have as good of luck, it partially went away but not completely. I do feel like I'm in the middle of a break out though, so that might be part of the problem.

If you do decide to give it a try, I feel it works best when there is minimal to no scales. My application process was something like this: I found that the scales would rub off with some scrubbing in the shower (after spending some time in there) with a scrubby shower brush. After getting out of the shower I would apply the coal tar ointment. I tried to leave it on as long as possible. Thankfully being on my leg I was able to have it stay on most of the day as my leg doesn't come into contact with much. Other parts of my body are more difficult to keep the ointment from rubbing off - but in those cases can be reapplied a few times a day.

Basically just keep this up - after a few days of useage the scales should be all but gone and hopefully the red patches will also start fading.

Of course! I didn't realize there were multiple kinds. :)

Revitaderm I use :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I7XJ9GI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_F7ncAbF5J343N

And here's the soap:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QU12NIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_U8ncAb4A82B25

I would shop around for better prices. I just grabbed the first result on Amazon. I buy them at CVS. I think Amazon had it for like two dollars cheaper than I've found it in store.

This Eucerin or This Aquaphor.

It looks like they sell it in tubes too, but I just buy the tubs. I don't notice a difference between the two brands, to be honest. I use it almost every day and a tub lasts me like 6 months.

Very few things I have found work. This is what I used as a daily regiment.

Apply:

https://www.amazon.com/MG217-Psoriasis-Symptom-Medicated-Ointment/dp/B07RL7BBJ7/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=tar&qid=1574651038&s=hpc&sr=1-3

and/or

https://www.amazon.com/Dynarex-Oxide-Protectant-Ointment-Count/dp/B017M8HY5Q/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=zinc+oxide&qid=1574651177&s=hpc&sr=1-8

Then glove up.

https://www.amazon.com/MedPride-Powder-Free-Nitrile-Gloves-Medium/dp/B00GS8W3T4/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=nitrile+gloves&qid=1574650846&s=hpc&sr=1-4

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Wear it all day always.

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Good luck it sucks hope this helps.

If her feet start up I use this.

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https://www.amazon.com/VISCOPASTE-PB7-Zinc-Paste-Bandage/dp/B007AZ5GPC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=zinc+wrap&qid=1574652732&s=hpc&sr=1-1

and these on top of the wrap.

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Cozie-100-ct-Bodycare-BeautyCare/dp/B00EJDA7WK/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=parafin+wax+booties&qid=1574652775&s=hpc&sr=1-16

Hi! thanks for your response, I am not the original poster but have the same issue, when I search amazon for mg217 I get three different things... what do you recommend for scalp? Do I need all three of the following?

https://smile.amazon.com/Psoriasis-Medicated-Conditioning-Multi-Symptom-Ointment/dp/B007D6C156?sa-no-redirect=1

https://smile.amazon.com/Psoriasis-Medicated-Salicylic-Formula-Multi-Symptom/dp/B007D6C1WY/ref=pd_bxgy_121_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FNRC4B6SR8SJ3BX3YV7W

https://smile.amazon.com/Psoriasis-Medicated-Conditioning-Formula-Shampoo/dp/B009ZBMVHU/ref=pd_bxgy_121_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FNRC4B6SR8SJ3BX3YV7W

Try this. Most coal tar ointments / creams smell extremely strong and are too greasy for the face but this is more of a cream texture and doesn’t have that strong scent.

Dr. Blaine's RevitaDERM Psoriasis Treatment, 4 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I7XJ9GI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_j6uYAb5JJAD0B

Non-prescription this helped me. Disclaimer though I don’t have guttate so I’m not sure what works best for that type.

You can get Eucerin with 10% urea on Amazon . It helps with the scales and makes me feel a bit better, but it doesn’t stop flare-ups.

MG217 Medicated Tar Ointment... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O59PFHK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I find this helpful. Helps with itching softens the scales.