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Must-Have Lotions for Treating Psoriasis

6 min read

By Katherine George

People with psoriasis know it is a frustrating and painful condition to deal with. This is because psoriasis causes rapid growth of cells on the skin’s surface creating red, itchy, and scaly patches. This occurs during flare-ups which can become sore if they crack and bleed. Unfortunately, there is no cure-all treatment for this condition.

However, there are topical treatments that can help ease the symptoms and they are available over-the-counter, so no prescription needed! You can find these lotions at a local drug store or by shopping online. These lotions work to soothe and relieve any symptoms related to psoriasis by providing deep moisturization that will help calm and soothe any flare-ups.

It’s important to note that not all lotions are made equal. There are some products out there that will actually aggravate your psoriasis due to heavy fragrances, drying, or irritating chemicals. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. It may take some time to find a lotion that is budget friendly and works for you.

To help narrow down the search, we’ve compiled a list of lotions that work wonders for people living with psoriasis. What’s even better — these lotions are only $12 or less! You’ll not only get a great product that actually works, but also one that works for any budget.

Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion

Aveeno is a very well-recognized brand when it comes to skin products, particularly moisturizers. When it comes to treating psoriasis, their best product is the Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion which is formulated with anti-itch agents, such as calamine and triple oat complex. As a result, this lotion can be used to provide fast-acting relief from a wide variety of skin irritants including poison ivy, oak, sumac, chicken pox, insect bites, and of course, psoriasis. It can even be used to relieve the pain of minor burns and any itches.

This lotion works as a soothing remedy, all you have to do is apply the lotion to the affected area and wait for it’s fast-acting results. You can purchase this product at Walgreens for only $8.99.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Yet another very basic moisturizer that provides major benefits is Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, also known as “no frills” moisturizer. It is a dermatologist tested product that is safe for even the most sensitive skin because it’s oil-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Unlike other moisturizers, Cetaphil absorbs quickly into the skin, won’t clog any pores, doesn’t leave you feeling greasy, and doesn’t leave a lingering scent.

This moisturizer can be used everyday by someone with psoriasis to encourage moisturization and hydration in the skin. It’s also lightweight and promises up to 24-hours of moisture. When it comes to psoriasis, this product specifically targets those dry and flaky patches on the skin. You can find this product at Target for only $10.99.

Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

This shea butter-based lotion is amazing for psoriasis because it works to repair the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s able to do this thanks to its mix of ceramides and the fact that it’s greaseless and fragrance-free. The product is activated by water, so be sure to use it right after getting out of the shower in order to get healthy, hydrated skin. This product can be purchased for under $11 at Walmart.

Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Lotion

Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Lotion is referred to by the National Psoriasis Foundation as being one of the most “hardcore” Lubriderm lotions because it’s considered to be a heavy-duty product. This lotion contains patented Hydrareliese technology that allows fast absorption while also keeping moisture locked in for up to 24-hours, so it’s perfect for dry skin. It’s also great for itchiness because it was created with a thicker formula that soothes itchiness. Lubriderm Intense Skin Repairs sells for only $6.28 at Walmart.

Psoriasin Deep Moisturizing Ointment

As you can tell by the name, this lotion was created specifically for people with psoriasis to target all of the root causes of psoriasis symptoms. It infuses coal tar into a soothing ointment that works to slow down the excessive growth of skin cells and create a barrier against any scaly plaques that can build up on the skin. It also provides relief to any itchiness, scaling, and redness while deeply moisturizing the skin.

Despite it being a coal tar product, Psoriasin Deep Moisturizing Ointment leaves no lingering odor and has the stamp of approval from dermatologists. You can purchase this product for just under $10 at Rite Aid and will begin seeing results within only a few days of use!

Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion

Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion is best for, you guessed it, any dry, itchy skin! It was also specifically made for people who have sensitive skin as it was made free of any steroids. In addition to relieving any itching or dryness, when applied Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion feels nice and cool on the skin to relieve any redness or pain.

A dermatologist recommended product, it contains 1-percent pramoxine hydrochloride which is a topical anesthetic that hinders any nerve signals from sending pain signals. It sells for only $9.98 at Walmart.

Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream

Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream is a fragrance-free moisturizer that was designed specifically by Gold Bond to alleviate the symptoms associated with psoriasis. It’s formula is to mix seven different moisturisers with ceramides and salicylic acid, and works by targeting and relieving any intense itching, irritation, redness, flaking or scaling. It’s free of steroids, safe for people with sensitive skin, and can be used anywhere where irritation occurs on the body.  You can purchase this lotion for $9.48 at Walmart.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This moisturizing cream is a great place to start for someone who doesn’t quite know what topical treatment will work best for them. It’s a very basic moisturizing lotion that can be applied anywhere on the body, including the face. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, Cerave Moisturizing Cream contains waxy lipid molecules called ceramides. These are found in the membranes of our cells. Since dry skin, a common symptom of psoriasis, is linked to depleted ceramide levels, scientists believe this product will be able to restore the skin’s protective function skin.

“To moisturize the body, it’s important to pick richer creams that have ceramides because they help repair and protect your skin barrier,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, a board-certified dermatologist to Health.com. “The balance of oils and ceramides in these moisturizers have been proven to help heal and repair.” This product is available for purchase at the price of $10.99 at CVS.

Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Relief Treatment

Eucerin Skin Calming Relief Treatment is often recommended by doctors because it’s known for containing cooling menthol, being fragrance-free, and it’s soothing gentleness. It also provides a very clean and fresh feeling. Even though it wasn’t created with psoriasis in mind, don’t underestimate its effects! It’s recommended by the manufacturer for relieving any night-time itching, which definitely appeals to anyone with psoriasis.

“These cleansers are not harsh, and will not strip the skin of the natural oils that it actually needs,” says Dr. Papantoniou when speaking to Health.com. “Oil based cleansers are a great choice for the body, leaving the skin very soft and hydrated.” Interested in purchasing this product? You can purchase it for only $8.79 at Walgreens.

Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Treatment Gel

Similar to many of the other products on this list, Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Treatment Gel is fragrance-free making it a good choice for people with psoriasis. This product works to eliminate any scaly patches that develop as a result of psoriasis, while also relieving any itchiness, redness, as well as restore any moisture in the skin. Basically, it checks all the boxes for relieving the symptoms of psoriasis!

You can feel good about using this product because it includes natural extracts that are safe for psoriasis and sensitive skin. It even contains a Redness Reducing Zinc Complex that soothes any visible redness on the skin. You don’t have to worry about future flare-ups because Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Treatment Gel prevents recurring flare-ups and can be used up to four times a day (as long as it’s cleared by a doctor). Buy this product at Walgreens for only $8.99.

Senior Managing Editor

Katherine is the Senior Managing Editor of ActiveBeat and Childhood. She is constantly striving to live a more active and healthy life, from eating healthy, exercising, and just spending more time outdoors. She enjoys cooking (with wine), walking her dog, reading, and recently joined a yoga studio!

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