Summarize the following:
An emollient is a skin-softening preparation that you can purchase over-the-counter at your local drugstore or pharmacy. Examples include petroleum jelly (Vasoline), or other thick creams that your doctor or dermatologist may recommend. It is best to apply an emollient to your psoriasis lesions right after a shower or bath.  You can also make your own emollients at home, using ingredients such as cocoa butter, almond butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax among other things. One example is to mix 4 ounces of cocoa butter, 4 ounces of almond butter, and 2 ounces of shaved beeswax. Use heat to mix the ingredients together, then place them in a heat-proof container and let them cool before use. Another example is to mix 4 ounces of extra virgin olive oil with 2 ounces of coconut oil, 1 ounce of vitamin E oil, and 1 ounce of shaved beeswax. Again, mix the ingredients with heat so that they meld together, then put them in a heat-proof container and let the mixture cool before use. Other thick moisturizers that you can use to treat psoriasis include Eucerin cream and Cetaphil cream. Products labeled as "lotions" are not good enough emollients — look for creams. A corticosteroid cream or ointment functions by suppressing the immune response at the area of the psoriatic lesions. When you apply it over the affected areas, it brings down the inflammation. It can help resolve (or at least improve) psoriasis flares in the shortest amount of time possible.  There are various strengths (potencies) of corticosteroids that you can get. A simple hydrocortisone cream of 0.5% or 1% can be purchased over-the-counter at your local drugstore or pharmacy. Your doctor will need to prescribe stronger corticosteroid creams. You can also get shampoos containing corticosteroids if you have psoriasis lesions on your scalp. When applying steroids, apply to the affected area only.  Do not use a topical steroid for more than three weeks at a time without consulting a physician.  Do not use steroid cream around the eyes. Refrain from abrupt discontinuation of the medication. Potential side effects of steroids include skin thinning, changes in pigmentation, easy bruising, and stretch marks. Calcipotriene or calcitriol are both related to vitamin D and have been proven to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. These topical preparations can work well with corticosteroids, and you usually need to apply them twice per day. Speak to your doctor to obtain a prescription, and for specific dosing instructions depending upon the severity of your psoriasis. Other topical treatments that you can use to treat psoriasis flare ups include tar, tazarotene, calcineurin inhibitors, and anthralin. These are not typically first-line treatments, but are reserved for cases that are unresponsive to other treatments. Consult your physician if you are interested in receiving a prescription for one of these other topical treatments for psoriasis.
Use an emollient. Try a topical corticosteroid. Opt for vitamin D derivatives. Consider other topical treatments.