Treating Your Psoriasis

Around 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. If you are one of them, you are well aware that how you treat your skin makes a huge difference to your symptoms. Dr. Amarpaul Sidhu is a dermatologist at the Foothill Dermatology Medical Center in Rancho Cucamonga and Glendora CA. He can advise you on how to treat your psoriasis.

Tips for Treating Your Psoriasis

Cool it on The Hot Showers

Long hot showers or baths can irritate psoriasis and increase the dryness of your skin. To avoid this, you should take only one shower or bath each day. Aim to keep your bath ten minutes and your shower under five. Use warm but not hot water. Make sure your soap or cleanser is rich in moisturizer and gentle on your skin. You should also avoid soap or cleansers that are fragranced as this can irritate your skin. Don’t use a scrubber or loofa, wash your body gently with your hands. Make sure you rinse thoroughly and then dry by patting your skin with a soft towel.

Don’t Wait to Moisturize

Moisturizing is a must when you suffer from psoriasis, and one of the most important times to apply skin cream is immediately after a bath or shower. You should also moisturize in the morning and before bed, focusing on the areas of your body that are prone to psoriasis outbreaks. The best types of creams and lotions for psoriasis are ones which contain the following ingredients:

• Vitamin D
• Steroids
• Salicylic acid
• Coal tar

Don’t Scratch that Itch

Psoriasis can be very itchy. The itch is often accompanied by a biting or burning sensation. But you should try to avoid scratching or rubbing your itchy skin as this can make it even more uncomfortable. Using an anti-itch cream or lotion such as calamine, camphor, or hydrocortisone can help. A cold shower or an ice pack can also help relieve psoriatic itch. Talk to your Rancho Cucamonga CA and Glendora CA specialist to learn more.

Make the Most of Healing Sunlight

Because the UV rays in sunlight can slow down the growth of skin cells, you can benefit from small doses of the sun to improve and help heal psoriasis lesions. Getting some sun two or three times a week can make a significant difference. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your healthy skin. If you prefer to get your healing light treatment indoors, you can also benefit from phototherapy with a UVB light.

Use Your Medications as Directed

Unfortunately, psoriasis has no cure, so sticking to your treatment regimen is the best way to manage it. You can still use a topical moisturizer as well as the cream that your doctor prescribes.

If you would like to find out more about treating your psoriasis, you can reach Dr. Amarpaul Sidhu of Foothill Dermatology Medical Center in his Cucamonga CA office at (626) 852-3376 or his Glendora CA office at (909) 483-0008.