text: does anyone know how to treat psoriasis? i am suffering from psoriasis on the scalp and a little on hands, and feet. also, two of my nails have become disfigured and pitted due to psoriasis. psoriasis is a common skin disease, affecting approximately 2 percent to 4 percent of the u.s. population. skin cells grow too quickly, causing lesions of red, raised patches that are covered with silvery scales. complete recovery is rare.          steps:   1.   reduce stress. psoriasis is significantly aggravated by stress.      2.   apply topical ointments, twice each day, to slow down the overactive growth of skin cells. ointments that contain tar preparations, anthralin and salicylic acid work well. try corticosteroid creams. these are most effective when covered with a piece of saran wrap. it enhances the drug's penetration into the skin. use it twice a day, wipe it off at bedtime, and then apply the tar preparation or anthralin at night.      3.   avoid injuring the skin. this aggravates psoriasis.      4.   avoid exposure to cold. this also aggravates psoriasis.      5.   keep your skin from drying out. dry skin causes psoriasis to worsen.      6.   avoid washing your skin excessively. this makes skin feel sore and scaly. use lukewarm water when washing.      7.   reduce itching by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a tar solution or epsom salts.      8.   remove thick scalp plaques by applying a 10 percent salicylic acid in mineral oil with a toothbrush before going to bed. wear a shower cap when you sleep. wash out the 10 percent acid with a tar-based shampoo the next morning.      9.   consider a more aggressive treatment if your condition is severe. exposure to ultraviolet light or a course of drug therapy are options.  exposure to the sun must be absolutely avoided when you are receiving treatment with ultraviolet light         tips:   mineral oil and baking soda paste  mix a small amount of baking soda and mineral oil into a paste; about a 3:1 ratio. apply the paste to the area and cover with cling wrap or waterproof tape if the area is small. leave on overnight. remove wrap and wash paste residue off in the morning, then apply some cocoa butter or perfume free moisturizer.