Managing Psoriasis: Top OTC Products That Work
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis affects approximately 3% of adults in the U.S., which is more than 7.5 million Americans.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply much faster than normal. In a healthy individual, skin cells grow and shed over about a month. However, in someone with psoriasis, this cycle speeds up to just a few days. As a result, new skin cells accumulate on the surface before the old ones shed, forming thick, scaly patches known as plaques.
These plaques are often red, inflamed, and covered with silvery-white scales. They can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly affect the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis can also cause itching, pain, and discomfort.
Types of Psoriasis
- Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, affecting about 80-90% of people with psoriasis. It includes raised, inflamed, red lesions covered with silvery white scales, commonly appearing on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Small, dot-like lesions often triggered by a bacterial infection.
- Inverse Psoriasis: Red, shiny lesions found in skin folds.
- Pustular Psoriasis: White pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare, severe form that covers large areas of the body and can be life-threatening.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products for Psoriasis
Managing psoriasis often involves a combination of prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products. OTC treatments can be particularly effective for mild cases or as an adjunct to prescription therapies. Here’s a look at some of the most common OTC products, how they work, and their effectiveness.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid, effective in treating mild flare-ups or sensitive areas of psoriasis. It helps reduce inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching.
How It Works: Hydrocortisone suppresses the local immune response, reducing inflammation. It is available in lower-strength OTC forms like Cortizone 10 Ointment or Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing. Ointments are generally more soothing for cracked or bleeding skin compared to creams.
Recommendation: Ideal for small patches of psoriasis, but larger or more severe areas may require prescription-strength corticosteroids for noticeable results.
Moisturizers (e.g., CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream)
Moisturizers are essential in managing psoriasis. Regular use can help reduce redness, flaking, and itching, and prevent the skin from becoming too dry, which can lead to flare-ups.
How It Works: Moisturizers like CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream contain urea, a keratolytic agent that helps to soften and loosen thick scales while locking in moisture. This promotes skin healing and alleviates discomfort.
Recommendation: Dermatologists suggest applying moisturizer at least once daily, with more frequent applications when skin is particularly dry.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is particularly effective for treating scalp psoriasis but can also be used on other body parts. It helps to reduce scaling and smooth the skin by promoting the shedding of the outer layer.
How It Works: As a keratolytic, salicylic acid softens and lifts scales, making them easier to remove. It is commonly found in products like Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream and Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner.
Recommendation: Effective for reducing the appearance of scales and easing discomfort, especially in scalp psoriasis.
Anti-Itch Products (e.g., Calamine, Menthol)
These products provide temporary relief of itching and discomfort. They are especially useful during flare-ups.
How It Works: Calamine reduces itching and irritation, while menthol provides a cooling effect that temporarily soothes the skin. Products like Sarna Calm & Cool Anti-Itch Lotion combine these ingredients for enhanced relief.
Recommendation: Use for quick relief during flare-ups, but they are not intended to treat the underlying causes of psoriasis.
Coal Tar
Coal tar has been used for decades in managing psoriasis. It is particularly effective for scalp psoriasis.
How It Works: Coal tar slows down the rapid growth of skin cells and alleviates symptoms like itching and redness. It is available in various forms, including shampoos, creams, and bath additives.
Safety Considerations: Although there have been concerns about the potential carcinogenicity of coal tar, the FDA has determined that OTC products containing 0.5% to 5% coal tar are safe and effective for treating psoriasis. Users should be aware of potential skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Recommendation: Coal tar is a versatile treatment, particularly effective for scalp psoriasis, but should be used under guidance to monitor for any adverse effects.
Speak with Your Doctor
Over-the-counter products for psoriasis offer a range of options to manage symptoms, from reducing scaling and itching to moisturizing and soothing your skin.
While these products can be very effective, it’s important to use them as part of a broader treatment plan, which may include prescription medications and lifestyle changes. Speaking with your doctor can help you determine the best combination of treatments for you.
Commonly Asked Questions about Psoriasis
Click the question below to expand on the answer
What is psoriasis and why does it cause plaques?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition where the immune system drives skin cells to multiply too quickly—over days instead of about a month—so new cells pile up before old ones shed. This creates red, inflamed, scaly plaques that can itch or hurt, often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Which over-the-counter (OTC) products can help with psoriasis?
Common OTC options include mild steroids like hydrocortisone, moisturizers (e.g., urea-containing creams), salicylic acid keratolytics, anti-itch aids such as calamine or menthol, and coal tar—especially for scalp psoriasis. They can reduce redness, scaling, itch, and discomfort, particularly in mild disease or as add-ons to prescriptions.
When should I use over-the-counter products vs. prescription treatments for psoriasis?
Over-the-counter (OTC) products work best for mild psoriasis. Mild psoriasis would be when you have small, dry, or mildly itchy patches. Moisturizers, hydrocortisone creams, and salicylic acid products can help soften scales, reduce redness, and calm irritation.
If your psoriasis is moderate to severe, covers larger areas, or isn’t improving after a few weeks of OTC treatment, it’s time to speak with your doctor.
Many people use a combination approach: daily OTC moisturizers to protect the skin and prescription medicines during flares for stronger control.
Can psoriasis go away on its own?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means it doesn’t completely go away—but it can go into remission. During remission, symptoms like redness, flaking, and itching may disappear for weeks, months, or even years.
Triggers such as stress, illness, dry skin, or cold weather can cause new flare-ups, so regular skincare and maintenance treatment are important. Keeping your skin moisturized and using prescribed or over-the-counter products as recommended can help prolong clear periods.
While there’s no permanent cure yet, consistent management can make psoriasis much easier to control and help you maintain healthy skin long term.
What can trigger psoriasis?
Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of factors that cause inflammation or stress to the body. Common triggers include:
- Stress: One of the most common triggers — emotional or physical stress can lead to new or worsening plaques.
- Cold, dry weather: Low humidity can dry out skin and make symptoms worse.
- Infections: Sore throats, strep throat, or other illnesses may trigger flare-ups, especially in children and young adults.
- Skin injury: Cuts, scrapes, or even sunburn can lead to new psoriasis patches (known as the Koebner phenomenon).
- Medications: Some drugs — such as beta-blockers, lithium, or certain anti-malarials — can worsen symptoms.
- Alcohol and smoking: Both can increase inflammation and make flare-ups more frequent or severe.
- Hormonal changes: Psoriasis sometimes flares during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Identifying your own triggers and managing them — through stress reduction, gentle skincare, and avoiding known irritants — can help keep psoriasis under control and reduce flare frequency.
How does hydrocortisone help with psoriasis—and when should I use prescription steroids instead?
OTC hydrocortisone (e.g., Cortizone 10) calms local immune activity to ease inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching. It works best for small patches or sensitive areas; larger or more severe plaques often require prescription-strength corticosteroids for better results.
Why are moisturizers important for psoriasis treatment —and how often should I use them?
Consistent moisturizing reduces redness, flaking, and itch, and helps prevent dryness-triggered flare-ups. Products like CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream include urea to soften/thin scales and lock in moisture. Apply at least daily; use more often when your skin feels very dry.
What does salicylic acid do for psoriasis?
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic—it softens and lifts thick scales so they shed more easily, smoothing plaques and easing discomfort. It’s especially useful for scalp psoriasis and appears in products like psoriasis creams and specialized shampoos/conditioners.
Do anti-itch products help if my psoriasis is flaring up?
Yes—calamine and menthol can provide quick, temporary itch relief (some formulas combine both). They’re helpful during flare-ups but don’t treat the underlying immune-driven process, so use them alongside your core regimen.
Should I rely on over-the-counter (OTC) products alone to treat psoriasis?
OTC options can be very effective for mild disease and are useful adjuncts to prescription therapy. For moderate-to-severe plaques—or if your symptoms don’t improve—talk with your clinician to build a broader plan that may include prescriptions and lifestyle changes.
When should I see my doctor for my psoriasis?
If OTC products aren’t controlling symptoms, plaques are widespread or severe, or you’re unsure which options fit your situation, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can help tailor a plan and decide when prescription therapy is needed.
What is the best non-prescription product to treat psoriasis?
While no over-the-counter (OTC) product will “cure” psoriasis, some stand out for helping mild plaques and maintaining clearer skin between prescriptions. The best choices combine ingredients that calm inflammation, soften scales, and lock in moisture.
Key OTC options include:
- Daily moisturizers containing urea 10-15 % or ceramides—these help soften scaling and restore the skin barrier.
- Hydrocortisone 1 %
- Salicylic acid (2-6 %)coal tar (0.5-5 %)
Choose products that fit your skin type (e.g., gentle formulas for sensitive areas), use consistently (often twice daily or as recommended), and monitor how your skin responds. If you don’t see improvement in several weeks—or if you have widespread or severe plaques—speak with your healthcare provider about prescription options.
References:
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Psoriasis. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis