3 Major Signs Your OTC Psoriasis Treatments Aren’t Cutting It Anymore

You can also seek out hydrating emollients such as shea butter, petroleum jelly, or jojoba oil when looking for OTC psoriasis treatments since these can help reduce scaling, ease itching, and improve the health of your skin barrier (which is often damaged from psoriasis). “Retinoids, which are now available over the counter, have also shown efficacy in treating psoriatic plaques,” adds Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

So, while there are OTC options available that experts say may be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis, they’re best for mild cases. And if you’ve just started noticing flakiness, it can’t hurt to try some available OTC picks — just be sure to keep an eye on how your skin reacts to them during use.

When is it best to see a dermatologist for more intensive psoriasis treatment?

Unfortunately, OTC options don’t always cut it when it comes to treating this skin condition. Sometimes, a prescription is needed to provide relief — here’s how to know when you’ve reached that point:

First sign: If your psoriasis spots are becoming more uncomfortable — even with a dedicated at-home routine.

Dr. Murphy-Rose says the number one indicator that it’s time to ditch your at-home treatment and opt for something stronger is that your psoriasis spots are no longer improving or are worsening when using your OTC treatments.

“A very important sign is that you are uncomfortable,” she says. “Signs include worsening itch, redness, flaking, spreading lesions, and new areas of involvement.”

Second sign: If your psoriasis spots are spreading to new areas of your body.

While psoriasis is typically found along the knees, elbow, and back, it can also develop elsewhere on the body — which is often a sign you need to have a talk with your doctor. “[Look for] involvement of new areas that are impacting quality of life, such as scalp, nails, or genitals,” confirms Dr. Nazarian.

Third sign: If you’re experiencing other non-skin-related symptoms.

“Psoriasis may be associated with other autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, psoriatic arthritis, or with metabolic syndrome,” explains Dr. Mehr. So, if you begin to experience any joint involvement, eye involvement (uveitis), or gastrointestinal system issues along with a skin flare up, you should see your dermatologist to determine if something else is going on.

The bottom line

Ultimately, Dr. Nazarian says it best: “If you’re noticing worsening of your psoriasis, plateauing of improvement, or complete lack of response, it’s best to discuss with your board-certified dermatologist.” Not only will your doctor help to determine that you actually are suffering from psoriasis (there are other skin conditions that can look similar!), they can also guide you to treatment options that may include both OTC therapies and prescription-strength topicals, or they may even recommend oral and injectable options, too — all of which are proven to work and improve your quality of life.