What's in Your Bag?

When I'm looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) product for my psoriasis the first step is to elicit suggestions from friends living with psoriasis followed by my own research. Next, I choose a product that best fits my needs.

I begin to use the product and if it doesn't begin working in an adequate time frame, it's tossed in my bathroom drawer where all my ineffective products go to die. However, the products that work for me get tossed in a purse, workout bag, or backpack and kept close by for continuous use.

Through an email interview, I asked 5 people living with psoriasis which products they loved the most.

Oils you need in your life

"For my PsA, a pain relieving essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus."

- Lori-Ann H.

How it helps: Eucalyptus is known for possibly ease pain and inflammation, two symptoms associated with psoriatic disease.¹ Studies reveal peppermint may be helpful with alleviating itching and joint pain.²

There are lots of brands, but you can buy peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil at your local Walgreens or local pharmacy.

Moisturizers that work

"I use Ponds moisturizer or Gold Bond for psoriasis or eczema. Ponds is the best because it moisturizes and softens my skin without breaking me out. Both are good for dry skin."

- Tay'Challa

How it helps:Ponds is typically used for the face but is safe enough to go on other parts of the body. It's dermatology tested, great for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, and absorbs into the skin really well. Gold Bond is on the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition list and helps to minimize itching, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling.

Do you need an extra hand? 

"I have “The Claw” backscratcher. I keep one in my purse, in each car, beside my bed, and in every room of the house. It is sharp enough to ease the itch from scaling and flaking but doesn’t break the skin. It’s retractable, so I can use it from scalp to back to leg. I never, EVER leave home without one!! It costs around $5, so I always have spares!"

- Tami S

Beat the itch

"I use cortisone cream, it stops the itch. I also use a battery-powered heating pad. I don't leave home without it."

Jim S.

How it helps: Cortisone is a low dosage of steroid cream which helps to slow down skin growth. Rapid growth of skin cells is the main culprit of psoriasis plaques.

"I use MG217 Psoriasis.  In my experience, it stops itching and soothes redness almost immediately. I carry it in my purse. It helps get rid of the "embarrassment" factor asap. For example, like being out somewhere and you itch so bad you can barely stand it. It is the only thing that stops itching for me besides pine tar formulas,  but those arent always appropriate because they stink and stain your clothes. This does NOT."

- Tami F.

How it helps: There are several products for psoriasis under the umbrella of the MG217 brand. You can log your symptoms and pick the product most suitable for you. Their active ingredients are coal tar or salicylic acid, which help minimize itching, flaking, and dryness of the skin.

What's in your bag? What are you favorite psoriasis products?