Whilst working on this site I came across hundreds of articles extolling the virtues of this cream or that cream which were in the end just plain confusing. I realised that I was in a good position to conduct my own ‘clinical trial’ of some of the most popular products available ‘over the counter’ with the help of my own extended family and some friends who also suffer to a greater or lesser degree with Psoriasis.

Whilst completely unscientific or ‘controlled’ in a way that official medical or drug company trials are, I thought that it would help others out there who suffer from this condition to at least have access to real life experiences with Psoriasis creams, after all you cannot really have too much information, the worse thing that could happen was that we found out which creams or product worked best for us without having to work through the whole lot ourselves.

Our main criteria in judging the effectiveness of the creams was that they should:

1. Remove scales.

2. Relieve itching and irritation whilst at the same time not leaving the skin too dry.

3. Reduce as far as possible the redness to the skin of the affected area.

Here is a very brief summary of our experiences with some of the most popular Psoriasis treatments out there, in no order of effectiveness or preference:

MG 217 Medicated Tar Ointment    

Priced at around $13 this is one of the more traditional preparations which uses coal tar as an ingredient. In some circles seen as a bit ‘old fashioned’ or unscientific we found that the product worked very well for us. Being quite a thick cream it is best not to use it near the hairline or on the scalp, but this definitely reduced the above target symptoms after being used for a short time without the tell tale coal tar smell left by the more regular soap bars. With long term regular use we were confident that the product would be effective in significantly reducing our Psoriasis.

Natureplex Hydrocortisone Cream

Widely available for around $6 for a small tube this is NOT suitable for long term use, or is it any good for larger areas of the body. Being a form of steroid, Hydrocortisone is ideal for short term, concentrated, use on a small, stubborn patch of Psoriasis. We found it o.k for this but not really needed as some of the more regular treatments were more than adequate in reducing our symptoms. If you do have a really stubborn patch of Psoriasis this could be worth keeping in the bathroom drawer for occasional ‘firefighting’ duties!

NZ Fusion – Manuka Honey and Harakeke Cream

Priced at around $27 for a smallish tube we included this one as a representative of our ‘natures remedies’ section. The cream contains ingredients such as Aloe, Lavender, Palm Acid and Olive Oil in addition to Manuka Honey and claims to reduce the effects of Eczema and Psoriasis on the jar so we gave it go. Well we have to say that it didn’t work for us, in fact our Psoriasis actually worsened whilst we were leaving off our normal products. Our verdict is, if you want a high class moisturizer full of natural ingredients that smells wonderful this would fit the bill perfectly. You certainly feel pampered using the product but there are better products out there for the treatment of Psoriasis. This is just our opinion, Amazon reviews have some positive user experience.

Revitol Dermasis Psoriasis Cream

This cream is one of the most expensive we found at $40 plus. Therefore we expected a lot from it. This particular cream smells quite pleasant and contains salicyclic acid at 2% as the active ingredient.   None of our testers thought this was worth paying so much more than the other creams we tested although the skin is left very soft, probably due to the high level of moisturisers and oils included. It is non greasy and if you want to splash out on a high end cream with a big brand name then go ahead. We cannot say it does not work well as it does, but there are cheaper options.

Psoriaflora Psoriasis Cream

One of the more ‘mainstream’ treatments and widely available for around $10, we found Psoriaflora to be moderately successful in controlling our Psoriasis. Although visible flaking was reduced and the redness dulled somewhat we have to say that we achieved better results with some other products. However one of our team of 4 was surprised by this result as they swear by the product and use it regularly. This is an important point which I will deal with below.

Psoriasin Psoriasis Relief

Costing around $25 this is another product which uses coal tar as an active ingredient. We found it to be very effective in reducing our target symptoms and with longer term usage we feel confident that the product would be extremely effective. It was non drying and odour free whilst not leaving the skin too dry. The larger tub would last some time too.

Psoriatrax 5% Coal Tar Shampoo

Whilst not strictly a Psoriasis ‘cream’ this product caught our eye due to the level of coal tar used. Whilst most creams use 2 to 3% coal tar, this uses 5%, and scalp Psoriasis can be a big problem as it is difficult to treat with cream. This is the maximum concentration of coal tar allowed in the U.S, in fact it we don’t believe that it can be sold in California, so what did we think? One of us had quite bad scalp Psoriasis and volunteered to be the tester. The verdict was, if you follow the instructions to the letter and think that a faint odor of coal tar is a good trade off for a complete solution to your problem then this is the product for you! Even after a couple of applications quite dramatic improvements were noticed and although quite expensive at around $20 per bottle it really does live up to it’s claims. As you really only need to use a little, the bottle should last a long time.

In summary:

We tried to test a range of products at different price-points for our strictly unscientific test, but one thing is worth a mention. Psoriasis is a condition which although common, is in fact a genetic auto-immune disorder. Therefore where one person may find a great improvement in their condition with one product sometimes another may find it has little or no effect at all. However in the vast majority of cases our symptoms are common enough to benefit from the same treatments so we feel that our little test has been worthwhile. The psoriasis creams we are testing is ongoing so further products will be reviewed on this site in the near future.

Similar to Psoriasis Vulgaris or common skin Psoriasis, the symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis can increase and decrease in frequency and severity Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population and of these around 5 percent will develop Psoriatic Arthritis, rising to 40 percent of those suffering from severe Psoriasis. Although Psoriatic Arthritis can occur at any age most cases develop between the ages of 30 and 50 and men and women are equally affected. In around three quarters of cases patients will develop Psoriasis before the onset of Psoriatic Arthritis with the remainder about evenly split between those who develop Psoriatic Arthritis followed by common skin Psoriasis and vice versa.

There are five types of Psoriatic Arthritis with some areas of overlap being common amongst them.

They are:

Symmetric Arthritis

This affects the same joints on each side of the body. Several different joints are commonly affected.

Asymmetric Arthritis

Here different joints are affected on each side of the body, for example the left hand and right elbow.

Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) Arthritis

The joints closest to the tips of the fingers and/or toes are affected.

Spondylitis

The arthritis develops in the vertebrae of the neck and back.

Arthritis Mutilans

This also develops in the fingers and toes and leads to serious deformity. This can also affect the spine.

In the early stages of diagnosis your doctor may need to take a blood test in order to differentiate between Psoriatic Arthritis symptoms and those of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The doctor will also take into account any family history of the disease, the presence or otherwise of Psoriasis Vulgaris and any clues such as any pitting of the nails, a classic sign of DIP.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic Arthritis treatment will be offered to you in the form of medications and drugs. One of the most common of these are non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). There are over 40 of these and they are found in both pill and cream forms. You may need to try several before you find the one which is best for you with the least side effects. They work by reducing any inflammation but they will not arrest the development of the Arthritis. For joint pain, regular, over the counter painkillers will be a great help.

Psoriatic Arthritis is, in common with other types of Psoriasis, thought to be a disorder of the body’s auto-immune system. Normally the body will produce certain cells, called TNF or T cells, which are used to attack infections. In an auto-immune system disorder something, either a genetically inherited condition or something in the external environment, causes this system to malfunction and the cells begin to attack their own body tissue. In the case of Psoriatic Arthritis these cells cause damage by attacking the joints and tendons leading to painful swelling in the area.

Etanercept is a type of drug known as anti-TNF. These work by blocking the action of the T cells thereby reducing Inflammation. They will only be prescribed whilst the condition is active and must be used under strict medical supervision. The drug is administered by injection once or twice a week and will not be suitable for all due to its possible side effects. Your doctor will advise you if you are suitable for treatment using Etanercept and monitor your usage.

Exercise is an important addition to the range of treatments available for the treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis. Regularly exercise, flex and massage the affected areas. Warm water can soothe the pain and relieve joint stiffness. Cold treatments or ice packs can help to reduce swelling. There is some evidence that a diet rich in Omega 3 found in oily fish is beneficial to the joints. Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. This will help your overall health and have great benefits in helping to reduce the affects of any Psoriasis as well as helping you to lose any excess weight, reducing stress levels on your joints.

In severe cases your doctor may recommend surgery to reduce any pain or discomfort, most commonly hip or knee replacement, the fusing of smaller joints such as the fingers, the removal or repair of any severely damaged tendons and by a procedure known as Synovectomy whereby the lining of the inflamed joint is removed. By working with your doctor or other health professional the correct course of Psoriatic Arthritis treatment will be found, enabling most people to keep the effects of the condition to a minimum.

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Psoriasis Vulgaris or common Psoriasis is a skin disease which is thought to affect around five million Americans. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is thought to be triggered by a problem in the immune system. Psoriasis cannot be passed on to or caught from others. Of the factors which increase the risk of developing Psoriasis family history is the most important. If there is a history of Psoriasis in your family there is a good chance that you will develop some form of the disease at some stage in your life. Other factors which seem to be important are if you have been unwell or generally ‘run down’ and in poor health, are suffering with the effects of stress and are of European descent.

In a normal healthy body skin cells replace themselves every 3 or 4 weeks. Due to effects of the disease on the immune system this process is greatly speeded up with new cells being produced in a time span of every 3 to 6 days. These cells quickly begin to build up as the skin struggles to shed it’s dead cells from it’s surface. Raised red lesions begin to develop on the skin as blood vessels struggle to support the increase in skin cell production, capped with dry, white, flaky scales called plaques. This gives Psoriasis Vulgaris it’s other common name of Plaque Psoriasis. Patches of Psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the head, arms, upper torso and lower legs.

Types of Psoriasis Vulgaris:

Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common form of Psoriasis accounting for around 80% of sufferers. It is characterized by raised, red, lesions which are capped by dry, white, plaques. It can be found anywhere on the body but is most common on the elbows, knees, face and torso.

Pustular Psoriasis

In Pustular Psoriasis the raised red lesions are filled with white pus. There are several distinctive types which affect different parts of the body. Uncommon in children it can develop in patients with more severe Plaque Psoriasis.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate Psoriasis is easily distinguished from other forms of Psoriasis. It exhibits as a number of small, tear shaped, lesions which may or may not be scaly. It can develop as a result of a streptococcal throat infection, especially in the young, and may clear up in time or develop into Plaque Psoriasis.

Inverse Psoriasis

Found in the folds of the skin such as the armpits, backs of knee joints and groin, Inverse Psoriasis shows as a series of smooth, inflammed lesions. They can be very painful and tend to be aggravated in hot weather.

Scalp Psoriasis

A form of Plaque Psoriasis found on the scalp, sometimes confused with cradle cap in babies.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This is a form of Psoriasis in which the usual symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis are found in association with Athritic joint pain.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is a serious condition which can affect any part or all of the body. It is characterized by an intense itching and burning sensation.

Psoriasis Vulgaris Treatments

Owing to the wide number of types of Psoriasis a visit to the doctor is perhaps the best place to start any course of Psoriasis treatment. As Psoriasis is at present an incurable condition any treatment plan embarked apon will be aiming to reduce the effects of the disease. The most common treatment available to Psoriasis patients is the use of Emollients. These are safe and easy to use creams which will soften, moisturize and re hydrate the skin. For more severe forms of Psoriasis, treatment using steroids of the appropriate strength for the severity of the condition will be used.

Light therapy is also commonly used and can be of great benefit in managing the condition. A healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables will help to keep the symptoms of common Psoriasis vulgaris to manageable levels and this together with working with their doctor will enable the vast majority of Psoriasis sufferers manage to keep the effects of the condition under control.

A system of treatment which claims to have fast and long lasting benefit called Psoriasis Free For Life, as below, has gained popularity and good reviews so far.  We strongly recommend trying the system as you have nothing to lose as it offers a  no quibble money back guarantee if you decide it is not for you.

Identification of Guttate Psoriasis

The main symptoms are an outbreak of very small, 1cm or less, teardrop shaped, scale covered, lesions or spots on the skin, which can concentrate on specific areas of the body, or they can affect all body areas, although they are most commonly found on the trunk, arms, legs and scalp.

Although a widespread skin condition, if treatment by means of antibiotics is started quickly the majority of patients can make a full recovery. In a large minority of patients however the condition can recur if triggered by a subsequent streptococcal infection, making it important that you see a doctor as soon as possible as you will be at a higher risk of redeveloping Guttate psoriasis. Left untreated there is a high risk of guttate psoriasis developing into one of the other types of psoriasis such as Plaque psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis or scalp psoriasis. In addition to antibiotics Guttate psoriasis is treated in the same way as most other forms of psoriasis.

Treatment of Guttate Psoriasis

The most common form of psoriasis treatment is by the use of emollients. These are moisturizing and soothing creams applied to the affected areas, often used in conjunction with a vitamin D supplement (see our psoriasis cream study here). Other common prescription medicines given to treat the these skin conditions are mild, and often more powerful, steroids depending on the severity of the case. These should only be used under strict medical supervision owing to their potentially harmful side effects.

If these treatments have limited effect you may be referred for phototherapy treatment. Here ultra violet light is used, strictly under the control of a dermatologist to avoid any risk of over exposure for your skin type and to avoid any risk of sunburn symptoms. You will attend 2 to 3 days a week for a course lasting 6 to 8 weeks at a time. The amount of light will be carefully calculated and administered by the dermatologist and will be of a different wavelength to that found in commercial sunbeds to give you the maximum benefit with the minimum exposure.

Even without medical intervention a large percentage of Guttate psoriasis patients can make a full recovery, but with early diagnosis and treatment Guttate psoriasis is one of the more controllable forms of this skin disease.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis vulgaris or common skin psoriasis symptoms can be found in around 3% of the population of the United States. Most cases of psoriasis occur in cycles. At times there can be virtually no signs and symptoms visible whereas at others an event such as an illness or wound can trigger an attack.

Psoriasis is simply the visible result on the skin when the normal process of skin cell production is greatly speeded up. Normally the body takes between 21 and 28 days to renew skin cells. Research suggests that if a person is suffering from illness or stress the immune system can react by overproducing new skin cells, or t-cells, in the same way that it would if it were dealing with the repair of lesions to the skin.

These skin cells then collect at the surface of the skin where they form well defined, raised red patches, usually with a fine covering of silvery scales. These silvery scales are actually the dead skin cells waiting to flake off. One of the most noticeable symptoms of the disease is the redness of the affected area. This is result of the increased number of blood vessels required by the body to support the increased skin cell production.

There are several different types of psoriasis.

Normally people only suffer from one type of psoriasis at a time but sometimes two different forms can be present.

The Most Common Psoriasis Symptoms

The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis which accounts for about 80% of cases. It’s symptoms are dry, red areas of raised skin, known as plaques, covered in silvery scales. Although they can appear on any part of the body they are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. The plaques are usually itchy, sore or sometimes both. In more severe cases they can crack and bleed.

Guttate psoriasis can occur as a result of a streptococcal throat infection and is most commonly found in the young. It’s symptoms appear as small droplet shaped sores on the patients chest, arms, legs and scalp. Although it can disappear completely there is a chance that it will develop into plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis can also develop on your nails. Nail psoriasis causes your nails to become discolored and develop tiny pits. Often your nails can become lose and fall off or even crumble.

Scalp psoriasis can occur over part or all of your scalp and is similar in appearance to plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis of the scalp can be itchy or not at all and in severe cases can result in temporary hair loss.

Inverse psoriasis affects the folds of the skin such as armpits, the backs of the legs and the groin area. It causes large red, smooth patches and is made worse by friction or sweating, often aggravated by hot weather.

Pustular Psoriasis Symptoms

Pustular psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis which causes pus filled blisters or pustules to appear. Different types of pustular psoriasis affect different parts of the body. Generalized pustular psoriasis can affect any part or all of the body. The pustules appear in cycles every few days or weeks. At the beginning of these cycles the sufferer can experience fever, chills and fatigue. The pustules dry and peel off in a few days leaving a shiny smooth red mark on the skin.

Acropustulosis causes pustules to appear on the fingers and toes which then burst and leave red areas which may become scaly or ooze. Palmolplantar pustular psoriasis again develops in cycles of a few days or weeks and affects the palms and soles of your feet. The pustules develop into brown, circular scaly spots which peel off when dry.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is one of the most serious skin conditions which can affect the skin over the whole of your body and is characterized by intense itching and burning which is very distressng.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis where the usual painful swelling of the joints is associated with the usual symptoms of plaque psoriaisis.

Owing to the wide range of psoriasis symptoms the first stage in obtaining the correct psoriasis treatment should be a diagnosis by your doctor.

The most common medications prescribed for sufferers are in the form of emollient creams which moisturize and re-hydrate the skin. Steroids in both cream and oral form in the appropriate strength are also commonly used.  Light therapy as well as dietary and other lifestyle changes can all be beneficial in the control of psoriasis symptoms, enabling the majority of sufferers to reduce the worst effects of their condition.

A system of treatment which claims to have fast and long lasting benefit called Psoriasis Free For Life, as below, has gained popularity and good reviews so far.  We strongly recommend trying the system as you have nothing to lose as it offers a guaranteed money back program if you decide it is not for you.

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