Psoriasis Guide: Types, Treatment and Steroid-Free Options
Psoriasis is a long-term immune condition that makes skin cells build up too fast, causing thick, red or darker patches with silvery scale that can itch, crack and bleed. It is not contagious. This guide brings together every article we have written on psoriasis, from recognising the type to comparing treatments and caring for your skin.
By Ava Huang Jia Yi, Herbal Science Researcher · Updated
Quick facts
- Plaque psoriasis is the most common type; inverse psoriasis affects skin folds and looks smooth and raw rather than scaly.
- Psoriasis often affects elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, while eczema prefers the inner elbows, backs of knees and hands.
- Treatment depends on severity: creams for limited patches, light therapy or tablets and injections for widespread disease.
- Psoriasis is linked with joint pain (psoriatic arthritis) and heart health, so regular check-ups matter.
- Steroid-free creams can help itch and scale on mild patches, but they do not replace medical treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis.
Start here
- Step 1Psoriasis: the complete guideCauses, types, symptoms and treatment options, including Chinese herbal care.
- Step 2Eczema vs psoriasisSide-by-side signs, typical locations and why the treatments differ.
- Step 3Best steroid-free psoriasis creams (2026)Prescription and natural options compared side by side.
Types and where it appears
How psoriasis looks on different parts of the body.
- Inverse psoriasisRaw, red skin in folds: symptoms and gentle treatment.
- Scalp itch and seborrheic dermatitisFlaky, itchy scalp and face: causes, shampoos and gentle care.
- Neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus)Thick, leathery itchy patches and how to break the itch-scratch cycle.
Treatment and creams
Prescription, over-the-counter and natural options compared honestly.
- Best creams for itchy skin (2026)How to pick an anti-itch cream by cause and active ingredient.
- QICAOGANGMU vs hydrocortisone, Eucerin and AquaphorWhat each cream does and which one fits your skin.
- Natural alternatives to steroid creamSteroid-free options for eczema and psoriasis, from moisturisers to prescription non-steroids.
- Best natural cream for eczemaHow to choose a steroid-free cream and which ingredients have evidence.
- Chinese psoriasis creamWhat to look for, what works and how to avoid hidden steroids.
- Hidden steroids, fakes and qualityHow to check any Chinese herbal cream before you buy it.
Steroid creams: using them and coming off them
How to step down from strong steroid creams safely.
- How to stop using steroid creamA step-by-step plan to taper safely and switch to steroid-free care.
- Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)Symptoms, how long it lasts and how to cope.
Chinese medicine and herbs for psoriasis
How TCM views psoriasis and the research on its herbs.
- Herbal remedies for psoriasis8 Chinese herbs, how TCM uses them and what research shows.
- Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens)The bitter root used for red, inflamed skin: research and safety.
- She Chuang Zi (Cnidium fruit)The anti-itch herb in QICAOGANGMU: benefits, research and safety.
- Best herbs for itchy skinThe herbs TCM uses for itch and rashes, with the research behind them.
Tools and evidence
Free resources and the facts behind our cream.
- Free 7-Day Itch Relief PlanA one-step-a-day PDF plan with an itch diary.
- QICAOGANGMU reviews 2026An honest analysis of about 300 Amazon reviews, including the negatives.
- Steroid test reportsIndependent TÜV SÜD PSB laboratory reports.
- Is QICAOGANGMU steroid-free?The lab test, the method and why it matters.
Looking for a steroid-free cream? QICAOGANGMU combines She Chuang Zi 3%, Bing Pian (borneol) 2%, Ku Shen 1.5%, Bai Bu 0.5% and menthol 0.5%, and an independent lab (TÜV SÜD PSB) found none of 8 tested corticosteroids. Reviewers with psoriasis mostly use it on itchy, scaly patches, applied consistently 2 to 3 times a day. See the 5-tube pack or read the honest review analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cream for psoriasis?
It depends on the area and severity. Doctors often start with steroid or vitamin D creams; newer non-steroid prescription creams are also available. For mild, itchy patches some people prefer a steroid-free cream. Our comparison of steroid-free psoriasis creams lays out the options.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is an immune condition and cannot be caught from or passed to anyone else.
How do I tell psoriasis from eczema?
Psoriasis patches are usually thicker, sharply edged and covered in silvery scale, often on elbows, knees and scalp. Eczema is usually less well defined, more intensely itchy and found in skin creases. See eczema vs psoriasis.
Can a natural cream clear psoriasis?
A natural cream can soften scale and calm itch on mild patches, and some people find it keeps their skin comfortable. Widespread or severe psoriasis needs a doctor, because effective medical treatments are available.
More guides
Eczema guideItchy skin guidePerioral and face rash guideSkin conditions A to ZQICAOGANGMU at a glance
These guides are educational and do not replace medical advice. See a doctor for a rash that is severe, spreading, painful, infected or not improving after 2 weeks.
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