Q: An emollient is a rich moisturizing ointment that softens the skin. Emollients not only reduce the dry skin buildup associated with psoriasis, but they may also make your skin more receptive to other topical treatments. Ask your doctor to recommend an emollient that will work well with your skin type. You may be able to buy an effective emollient over the counter, or your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe one for you. Your doctor may recommend using a steroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis. Topical steroid treatments can also reduce itching and slow down the production of new skin cells. Don't use corticosteroids on your psoriasis without your doctor's recommendation. Topical steroids can cause a variety of side effects, including irritation or rashes (contact dermatitis), thinning of the skin, acne breakouts, excessive hair growth, or changes in skin color. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the steroids and talk to your doctor. This vitamin slows the growth of skin cells and is usually applied in topical form. However, vitamin D analogues can irritate the skin, so they should be used sparingly and with caution. In many cases, vitamin D will be combined in a cream with corticosteroids. If your skin is sensitive to vitamin D ointments, Calcitriol (Vectical) is a relatively gentle option. However, Calcitriol can be expensive. Calcineurin inhibitors, like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, work by inhibiting excessive immune system activity that can lead to inflammation and plaque buildup. They are especially good for treating sensitive areas, like the face and scalp. Calcineurin inhibitors should be used with caution, and only with your doctor's recommendation. Long-term use can increase your risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. Coal tar is a very old remedy for psoriasis. It reduces inflammation and slows the buildup of plaque and dead skin cells. It is often used in combination with ultraviolet (UVB) therapy. However, coal tar smells unpleasant, can stain your clothes and bedding, and may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people. Coal tar can be applied before bed and left on overnight, or applied in the morning and washed off after 10-15 minutes. If you choose to leave coal tar on your skin overnight, let it dry for 10-15 minutes before getting into bed in order to minimize stains on your bedding. Your doctor may recommend using coal tar in combination with topical steroid treatments. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used for a variety of skin conditions. They are applied directly to the skin in order to remove scales and ease inflammation. One common type of retinoid that is used for facial psoriasis is acitretin. This medication should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinoids may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Always use sunscreen before going outside while you are using retinoid creams.
A: Use emollients and moisturizers. Ask your doctor about using corticosteroids. Use synthetic vitamin D. Ask your doctor about using calcineurin inhibitors. Treat your psoriasis with coal tar. Apply retinoid creams.

Q: The best cider has a balance between sweetness and tartness. Often times, apple producers (who will often make their own brand of cider) will blend different apples together to get the right combination. Finding "your" blend is just a matter of experimentation, and experimenting will be a delicious endeavor! Here are some basic characteristics of common apple varieties: Red Delicious: Large, firm red apple with a sweet flavor. Yellow Delicious: Large, firm yellow apple with a sweet flavor. Jonathon: Medium, crisp semi-tart apple, with red near the top, descending to green lower down the fruit. Granny Smith: Medium/small, crisp, tart apple with green color. Gala: Medium, crisp semi-tart apple with yellow skin blushed with orange to red tinge.
A:
Obtain the right apples.