A rheumatologist can determine if you have psoriatic arthritis and prescribe treatments to control your symptoms. This type of doctor specializes in treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Psoriasis has been linked to other health conditions, such as lymphoma, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

A primary care doctor can help you find ways to reduce your risk of other conditions and improve your overall health. They can also screen you for early warning signs of psoriasis complications and refer you to a specialist, if necessary.

While psoriasis has no cure, it can be treated with a variety of prescription medications like immunosuppressive drugs and over-the-counter drugs such as topical ointments. A pharmacist can provide information and tips on following your treatment plan and can make sure your medications are safe to take together.

They can also answer questions or address concerns about your medications. Stress has been shown to be a trigger for psoriasis flares. A psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or clinical social worker can help you develop personalized ways to manage stress.

Self-care techniques — such as breathing exercises, journaling, meditation, yoga, and stretching — can also help you ease stress.

Cutting back on foods that trigger psoriasis flares can help reduce symptoms. A dietitian can help you develop a nutritious eating plan that may potentially reduce inflammation in the body. They can also help you maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity and reduce your risk of psoriasis-related complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Personal stories, and an expert conversation on psoriasis for those living with it. Having psoriasis and dealing with flare-ups at work can be stressful.

Here's how to remain professional and dress accordingly. Follow these tips to have a successful teledermatology visit for psoriasis. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — By Brian Krans — Updated on February 23, Dietary supplements Prevent dry skin Aloe vera Avoid fragrances Eat healthfully Warm baths Light therapy Reduce stress Avoid alcohol Turmeric Quitting smoking Maintain a healthy weight Takeaway.

Treating psoriasis. Take dietary supplements. Prevent dry skin. Try aloe. Avoid fragrances. Eat healthfully.

Soak your body. Get some rays. Reduce stress. T he NPF suggests applying it a few times a week. For a gentler treatment, a person can dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water. If it burns during or after application, it is vital that the person stop using it.

The authors note that while it is generally safe, inappropriate use can damage the skin. Studies suggest tea tree oil has natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Anecdotal evidence suggests it is a safe treatment for people with psoriasis.

However, there have been no clinical studies on the effectiveness or safety of tea tree oil in treating psoriasis. Some people have also reported allergic reactions to tea tree oil, including severe rashes, redness, irritation, swelling, and burning. Therefore, people should be aware of the side effects and speak with a doctor before using tea tree oil to treat psoriasis.

Learn more about how tea tree oil can help people with psoriasis. Itching and flaking can make psoriasis symptoms feel worse, so it is essential to keep skin moisturized. The AAD notes that moisturizing creams, or emollients, are a standard treatment to use alongside other therapies.

Applying a heavy ointment or thick cream at least once a day may help control symptoms and keep the skin feeling comfortable. Doctors may also recommend topical treatments and creams containing coal tar, salicylic acid, and other medicinal ingredients. Baths and showers can be relaxing, but those that are too long or too hot can strip the skin of its oils, and this can make psoriasis worse.

Some people find that a warm bath containing colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts is soothing and relieves symptoms. According to research , an oatmeal bath or a wet dressing can reduce itching, and a warm bath containing a suitable bath oil can help moisturize the skin. Wet wraps provide a simple option for treating psoriasis and may reduce symptoms quickly.

After bathing, applying an appropriate moisturizer while the skin is still damp can help prevent moisture loss. Some people with psoriasis may be more likely to be overweight and have a higher risk of some other conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Exercise can help lower this risk. Diet is also key to maintaining a moderate weight and avoiding cardiovascular issues and other types of illness. Learn more about how diet can affect psoriasis here.

Other home remedies that people have tried include :. However, acupuncture and massage can help relieve pain, and they may be beneficial for someone who has psoriatic arthritis. People should speak with a doctor before undergoing any treatment that might involve essential oils, such as a massage, as some of these products may make symptoms worse.

A doctor can offer advice on suitable products. Psoriasis tends to involve flares, when symptoms get worse, and times of remission, when a person may have no symptoms. Triggers vary between individuals. People who can identify their triggers should find it easier to avoid them.

Learn more about different triggers for psoriasis. Many different treatments are available for psoriasis, and medical advances are producing treatment options that may be more effective than those available in the past.

The main types of treatment available are:. Finding the right option requires guidance from a medical professional, who will also discuss any home remedies that may help.

The best treatment for psoriasis depends on the type and severity of the condition, and the area of skin affected. A doctor may recommend a combination of topical treatments, phototherapy, tablets, capsules, or injections to treat psoriasis.

Alternatively, a person may find that home remedies, such as curcumin, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil, help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association , any over the counter or prescription medication that contains corticosteroids works fast to:.

There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, there are many effective treatments that can help people with the condition manage it.

People can sometimes manage mild psoriasis with home remedies alone. However, if symptoms worsen, it is best to speak with a doctor about additional treatment options. Individuals should discuss any supplements, herbs, vitamins , or other home treatments with a doctor to ensure that the therapy will be suitable and safe.

Sometimes, natural treatments can interact with medicines and cause problems for people with certain health conditions. Many people with psoriasis can reduce or eliminate bothersome symptoms by trying different home remedies and medical treatments.

Read the article in Spanish. Allowed to progress, psoriatic arthritis can become disabling. Psoriasis can also affect other parts of your body. To find out how, go to: Can psoriasis affect more than my skin?

Do you have a greater risk of getting psoriasis? Some people are more likely to get psoriasis than others. You can find out if you have a higher risk at: Psoriasis: Who gets it and causes. Scalp psoriasis: 10 ways to reduce hair loss.

How can I treat psoriasis on my gentials? Images Plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis: Used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides. Guttate psoriasis: Photograph used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

J Am Acad Dermatol. Inverse psoriasis: Photograph used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Pustular psoriasis: Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides. Pustular psoriasis generalized : Photograph used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Erythrodermic psoriasis: Photograph used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Nail psoriasis: Photograph used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Psoriatic arthritis: Photograph used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. References Bergstrom KG and Kimball AB. Menter, A, Gottlieb A, et al. Overview of psoriasis and guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with biologics.

Habif TP, Campbell JL, Jr. In: Dermatology DDxDeck. Mosby Elsevier. Medical reviewers Meet the board-certified dermatologists who reviewed this content.

Each has conducted research that gives us a better understanding of psoriasis. What is psoriasis Overview What does psoriasis look like? Is psoriasis contagious? Triggers Flare-ups due to triggers Food: Is it a trigger?

How to reduce flareups Is stress a trigger?