Psoriasis is a common skin condition in which cells grow too quickly, forming dry, itchy red patches and silvery scales on the surface of the skin. These patches and scales, known as plaques, are also painful at times. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and the goal of treatment is to stop skin cells from growing so rapidly, according to Mayo Clinic. While prescription psoriasis medications are effective, they can irritate the skin whereas psoriasis home remedies may be gentler. Additionally, many prescription medications control psoriasis by suppressing the immune system, increasing your risk of infection. On the contrary, some home remedies for psoriasis may actually boost your immune system. Try these suggestions to find a psoriasis home remedy that is effective for you.
1. Fish Oil
According to Reader’s Digest, many studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may improve psoriasis and eczema when taken in high doses, between three and 10 grams each day. Ask your doctor before you begin taking a fish oil supplement. It is important to note that omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in sunflower, safflower, and corn oil have been shown to worsen psoriasis.
Instructions
- Eat three 3 to 4-ounce servings of canned fatty fish each week.
- Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: herring, sardines, mackerel, salmon, tuna, flaxseed, olive oil, and nuts.
- Alternatively, take a daily fish oil supplement. Ask your physician for dosing recommendations.
2. Aloe Vera
Some research indicates that aloe vera gel can help reduce the scaling and redness associated with psoriasis. No such benefit has been found from taking aloe vera in tablet form, and this can actually be dangerous.
Instructions
- Look for products containing 0.5% aloe.
- Apply the gel or cream to your skin up to three times each day for symptom relief.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile product and a great home remedy for psoriasis. Some individuals find that apple cider vinegar can relieve itching from scalp psoriasis. Don’t use apple cider vinegar on your scalp if it is cracked or bleeding. You will see results after a few weeks of regularly using apple cider vinegar.
Instructions
- Create a solution by mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp.
- Allow the mixture to dry.
- Rinse your scalp with lukewarm water to prevent irritation.
- You can use apple cider vinegar on your scalp three to four times each week.
4. Dead Sea Salt Bath
Soaking in a bath can help soften and remove psoriasis scales and relieve itching. It’s important to note that hot water can worsen psoriasis plaques, so you should keep your bath water warm or tepid. Many people also find that Dead Sea salts act as a great home remedy for psoriasis and help relieve itching and burning.
Instructions
- Add one-fourth cup of authentic Dead Sea salts to a warm or tepid bath.
- Soak in the tub for 15 minutes.
- Apply a heavy emollient immediately after soaking to prevent your skin from drying out.
5. Garlic
As far as home remedies for psoriasis go, garlic is a great one to try because it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic inhibits lipoxygenase, which is an enzyme that causes the inflammation associated with psoriasis.
Instructions
- Combine equal parts garlic oil and aloe vera gel.
- Apply to the affected areas of your skin, and allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes.
- Rinse the solution off with warm water.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used to treat skin conditions and infections for centuries. The oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant found in Australia. Moreover, the oil is believed to contain antiseptic properties. When it is applied to the skin, tea tree oil can help remove dry, dead skin cells. Additionally, it can help relieve redness, itching, and burning. Some individuals also find tea tree oil helpful for relieving scalp psoriasis.
Instructions
- Put tea tree oil on a small patch of skin first to ensure that you are not allergic to it.
- Mix two to three drops of tea tree oil with water.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to affected areas of the skin before you go to bed.
- Leave the solution on overnight, and wash it off in the morning with warm water.
- Apply moisturizer to your skin after you rinse off the tea tree oil.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to Reader’s Digest, studies have linked turmeric to decreased inflammation in a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Additionally, according to Dr. Axe , a 2012 scientific review by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology noted turmeric’s ability to change TNF cytokine expression, which is known to play an important role in the start and continuation of psoriatic lesions. This is likely the reason some individuals find turmeric helpful for managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flare-ups.
Instructions
- Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric to soup, curry, and stew recipes.
- Make turmeric tea by adding one teaspoon of ground turmeric to four cups of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain. Add honey, lemon, and sweetener to taste.
- Apply turmeric topically for fast results. To make a turmeric paste to apply to your skin topically, add one part turmeric powder to two parts water in a saucepan. Simmer until a thick paste forms. Cover and then store the paste in the refrigerator. Apply to affected areas of your skin.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is among the safest home remedies for psoriasis. This oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E, which make it a great moisturizer for dry skin. The oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory and can calm your skin.
Instructions
- Dab a little olive oil onto the affected areas of your skin.
- You can also dab olive oil onto your scalp to get relief from scalp psoriasis.
- Add two teaspoons of olive oil to warm or tepid bath water for a soothing soak.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing effects, making it one of the most effective home remedies for psoriasis. It is also an effective home remedy for canker sores. Not only does coconut oil moisturize dry skin and hair, it also holds moisture in.
Instructions
- Dab a little coconut oil onto the affected areas of your skin.
- Alternatively, dab coconut oil onto your scalp for relief from scalp psoriasis.
10. Oats
Oatmeal has long been known to relieve irritated skin and is one of the best home remedies for psoriasis. Soaking in an oatmeal bath will help reduce the redness and itching associated with psoriasis. Using colloidal oatmeal in your bath water helps ensure the oats won’t clog your drain.
Instructions
- Add one-half to one and one-half cups of colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal to a warm or tepid bath.
- If you don’t like the idea of oatmeal floating around in your bath water, add one-half cup of oatmeal to the leg of pantyhose. Tie a knot in the top, and then place it into your bath water.
- Soak in the tub for 15 minutes.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after getting out of the tub to prevent your skin from drying out.
11. Baking soda
Not only is baking soda great for cooking and cleaning, it’s also useful for whitening your teeth and calming irritated skin, making it one of the most versatile home remedies for psoriasis. When applied directly onto your skin, it can alleviate the itchiness that accompanies psoriasis.
Instructions
- Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water in a small bowl to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas of your skin.
12. Chamomile
Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit lipoxygenase and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) formation. There is evidence that supports a link between increased LTB4 formation and psoriatic lesions. Inhibition of LTB4 results in condition improvement.
Instructions
- Add one heaping teaspoon of chamomile flowers to one cup of boiled water. You can purchase chamomile flowers in health food stores.
- Allow the chamomile to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the chamomile out of the water.
- Soak a clean cloth in the water.
- Apply the cloth to your psoriatic lesions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many effective home remedies for psoriasis. Most psoriasis home remedies will relieve the redness, itching, and inflammation associated with the condition. If you do not get relief from these home remedies, please talk with your dermatologist about other options available for treating psoriasis. What psoriasis home remedy do you find most effective? Please share your experience with us below!
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