Psoriasis is one of the most common of all skin diseases, and is also very difficult to cure. Both men and women are equally affected by this condition. Psoriasis usually appears between 15 to 30 years of age and will remain for a lifetime. However this condition can be controlled by psoriasis natural treatment. The word psoriasis is derived from the Greek words called psora which means ‘to itch’.
This chronic disease is non-contagious and occurs when the immune system sends incorrect signals, which trigger the growth of skin cells. Both genetics and the immune system play a major role in the development of this disease. It advances due to skin injuries, certain medication (that trigger the disease) and stress.
It can occur on any part of the body, however the most commonly affected areas are the knees, scalp, elbows, knuckles, lower back and sacral areas. In very few cases, people are diagnosed with nail psoriasis. They may be breaking, pitting, thickening of the nail or thickening under the nail. Scalp psoriasis is also common among people these days and around 20 % of people with psoriasis suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which is painful.
What Is Psoriasis?
Usually in a normal persons body, skin cells grow in a month’s time. New cells are produced in the skin and after a period of 28 to 30 days they make their way to the top of the skin. By this time, the old cells of the skin die by regular toweling and showering. People diagnosed with psoriasis however, have a different skin life cycle. The entire process of the skin takes place with in 4 to 5 days, as the immune system sends out an incorrect message. Thus, the dead skin cells are pushed onto the surface of the skin. The affected areas are itchy and irritating.
There are five types of psoriasis, namely pustular, erythrodermic, inverse, guttate and plaque. The most common of all these types is plaque. In this type of psoriasis, there are red bumps covered will silver scaly skin. People with psoriasis also tend to suffer from other health problems like depression, diabetes and heart conditions. Psoriasis is not contagious. It can be a severe or mild condition. Depending on the severity of the disease you need to take a proper treatment.
What Are The Causes Of Psoriasis?
There are several factors that may trigger off psoriasis. If you are able to inhibit the triggers, then you will be able to control the symptoms of psoriasis, as well.
- Certain infections like strep throat or skin infections can trigger
- A skin injury such as a scrape, or a bug bite or even sunburn can cause psoriasis.
- Stress is also instrumental in triggering off psoriasis.
- Dry harsh weather conditions during the winter months can also cause psoriasis.
- Apart from the numerous negative impacts of smoking, psoriasis is also one of them.
- Too much alcohol consumption is another psoriasis trigger.
- There are certain medications prescribed for conditions like bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, which trigger of psoriasis.
What Are The Symptoms of Psoriasis?
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person; however, some common symptoms are:
- Red patches and silvery scales on skin
- Small scaling spots are usually seen in children
- Extremely dry and cracked skin that tends to bleed
- Itching burning or soreness on your skin
- Thickened ridged or pitted nails
- Stiff and swollen joints
Home Remedies For Psoriasis:
1. Aloe vera
Applying aloe-vera gel to the affected area will reduce the rashes and scaling of skin. It has been tested by many dermatologists. Aloe-vera gel needs to be applied 3 times everyday to reduce the lesions. If you do this for three to four weeks, you will notice a major change on your skin.
Banana peel is the vital ingredient to cure skin ailments. You can use a banana peel and rub the inner area of the peel to your lesions. It will soothe your skin and remove the rashes.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
For temporary treatment of itching and scaling, you can use 1 tea spoon of apple-cider vinegar diluted in some water. The water should be luke warm. apply it on your lesions, massage it in and leave it on for a minute or two. You can rinse it with water. If you would like to treat yourself in your bath, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar in the bath tub and take a warm shower.
Chamomile contain anti-inflammatory flavonoid compounds. This will help to treat psoriasis and is widely used in Europe for this purpose.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper also holds anti-inflammatory properties, that help in healing the skin. It reduces the redness and scaling. Try to get a Capsaicin cream, that is available in medical stores. It is made from hot peppers and is simply great to reduce the lesions. Make sure you do not apply it on broken skin.
6. Cashew Nut Oil
You can apply cashew nut oil for your lesions. It will improve flare-ups of psoriasis. It moisturizes and removes the dead skin, treating it and making your skin smooth.
Applying Castrol oil to small, thick and well-circumscribed lesions will help to improve your skin. Mix cold-pressed castor oil with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Apply this mixture on the lesions before going to bed. You will notice a complete healing of that area after a few weeks. Do not apply this on open skin.
8. Olive Oil
The olive oil you have in your kitchen can also be used for your skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory to calm your skin. It also has high fatty acid content long with vitamin E content. Extra virgin olive oil is a great moisturizer for parched skin. Here is what you can do, to ease off your psoriasis symptoms, apply a small amount of olive oil on the affected skin. This will help to soften the dead skin, making it far easier to get rid of.
9. Coconut Oil
Applying tepidly warm coconut oil on the affected areas for half an hour will prevent dryness and reduces the chances of aggravation. Do this before you take a shower.
10. Aloe vera gel and Garlic Oil
To heal psoriasis you can mix equal amounts of aloe vera gel and garlic oil. Apply this mixture to your lesions and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Do this regularly to notice the difference.
11. Fish Oil
The fatty acids present in Omega 3 have proved to cure the problem of scaly and patchy skin. Creams based with fish oil can be applied to the affected area to reduce the problem. Fish oil supplements in capsules can also be consumed regularly.
12. Baking Soda & Water
Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 4 teaspoons of water. Mix them together and apply it to the affected area. Apply this with a sterilized cotton or cloth, to prevent bacteria. Leave it on till it dries and fall off. this mixture will help to reduce the itchiness of these areas.
13. Epsom Salt Bath
Fill your bath tub with luke warm water. You can add a cup of milk, olive oil or Epsom salt. This soothing shower will help you to get rid of the itchiness and it will gradually reduce the plaques and scales on your body. Moisturize yourself, immediately after the bath, for best results.
14. Vegetable Oil
Applying vegetable oil to the scales and patches on your body, will help to lock moisture and all the nutrients in your skin. Massage yourself with the oil and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Capsaicin is the key ingredient in chili peppers, and also gives them their heat. This is one ingredient added to creams and ointments regularly; its properties involve blocking nerve endings that transmit pain. Researchers have found out that OTC creams which contain capsaicin help reduce the pain, inflammation, redness and scaling, all symptoms associated with psoriasis.
However, people with sensitive skin may need to do a patch test before trying out this cream as a capsaicin ointment may cause a burning sensation when applied.
16. Dead Sea Salt
The waters of the Dead Sea are full of beneficial salt and mineral content. In fact, the sea salt content in the Dead Sea is whopping 33%, much more than ordinary seawater. It is high in minerals such as bromide, calcium, potassium, zinc, and much more. These minerals, when combined with the detoxifying properties of Dead Sea salts, help in the cleansing and detoxification process.
You can take 3-4 baths per week, using Dead Sea salts. Each bath should last for a good 20 minutes. If you continue this treatment for 4 weeks, you will definitely feel a difference!
Oatmeal has been known as a panacea for irritated skin. But it’s not what you think; you need to apply an oatmeal mask on your skin to reap its benefits, not eat it. There are several over-the-counter oatmeal bath mixes, lotions, and soaps, but skip packaged stuff and make your own remedy, at home.
Here is what you need to do, grind whole oats in a blender until you get the powdered texture, which is slightly grittier than regular flour. Mix a tablespoon of hot water, and dab on with a cloth or cotton ball.
18. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil helps exfoliate the dry and flaky cells on the skin surface. It has anti-microbial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which provide great relief from redness, itching, and burning. It helps soften the plaques and also controls the excess production of skin cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the swelling and redness. It also reduces the appearance of scars.
Do not apply tea tree oil directly on the skin; it can cause irritation and a burning sensation. Dilute it with water or any other carrier oil. This can help treat psoriasis on scalp, nail, and skin.
Here is what you need to do, blend a few drops of tea tree oil with water. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to affected areas of the skin. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next morning. Pat the skin dry and apply a suitable moisturizer. Natural moisturizers like olive oil and cold-pressed virgin coconut oil are a great option. Repeat the application daily to get effective results.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and liver cleansing properties which make it a potent herb to get relief from psoriasis.
Consume at least 4-6 teaspoons of turmeric powder every day. You can take it with plain warm water or mix it in your smoothies or juices. Continue with this treatment till you get results.
Here is how you can prepare your juice, take a glass full of warm water and squeeze a half-cut lemon in it. Drink this warm lemon water along with 1 to 2 teaspoonful of turmeric and also a few drops of ginger juice. This will help you get relief from psoriasis.
20. Mahonia Aquifolium (Oregon grape)
This plant contains alkaloids such as berberine, that fight the inflammatory response; and studies have shown that these alkaloids can stop the proliferation of skin cells known as keratinocytes, which is a sign of psoriasis.
Find a topical cream which contains Oregon grape. Look for the Latin name, Mahonia Aquifolium in your creams. It is available everywhere as a supplement and offers great results in battling internal causes that trigger psoriasis.
The heat from a compound known as capsaicin, in cayenne pepper, is what makes it a perfect treatment for psoriasis. But it also gives a burning sensation and hence may not be suitable for everyone.
Find a cream which has cayenne as its chief ingredient, this can help you get great relief from the symptoms of psoriasis. But consuming too much of cayenne may not be a good idea, as it might trigger off more reactions on the skin.
22. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is known for being an effective natural remedy for a number of health conditions, especially liver conditions. There are other diseases and conditions also that are greatly benefited from this natural plant; case in point,
It is detoxifying in nature as it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All these properties are said to be beneficial in combating psoriasis naturally, which is why milk thistle is a believed to be a potent solution for psoriasis.
It also cleanses the liver and hence boosts the immune system, which is another way of getting relief from psoriasis.
Take at least 150 mg of milk thistle and have it twice a day. This can be an effective treatment plan to combat psoriasis.
23. Ice Pack
An ice pack help soothes the itching and irritation, which are chief symptoms of psoriasis. It also helps to numb the nerve endings, which eases acute pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
Here is what you can do, wrap a few ice cubes with a clean piece of a washcloth. Apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for about eight to 10 minutes. Do this every few hours to get relief from psoriasis.
Garlic is a wonderful remedy for psoriasis because it has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It stops the activity of an enzyme called lipoxygenase, which causes the inflammation related to psoriasis. Since it is an antimicrobial agent, it helps prevent infection.
Eating garlic is one way of preventing psoriasis as it has active compounds which purify the blood.
Here is what you can do, blend equal amounts of garlic oil and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the affected area. Let it there for 15 minutes before washing it off. You need to do this daily until you get results.
The licorice root has long been known for its many beneficial uses because it contains an activecompound known as a glycyrrhizin.
Licorice root has been found to have many anti-inflammatory and demulcent agents that can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Here is what you can do to prepare a licorice root salve: Boil 2 tbsp. dried licorice root in 6 cups water. Cover the pan, reduce the heat and continue to simmer for about 40 minutes. You can add this liquid to a cold compress and apply on the affected skin area or you can pour it into a bath for great relief.
Glycerin contains glycerol, a substance that has been used in various skin creams, lotions, and soaps for years. It is made from alcohol or vegetable oil. Since glycerin has the property of attracting water, it attracts the moisture to the skin and traps it there.
You can apply glycerin to the skin or use creams, soaps, or lotions which have glycerin as their chief component.
Though there is no permanent treatment for psoriasis discovered yet, you can help your body recover from the symptoms. There are many remedies to get rid of the scaly patchy skin. If these remedies are used regularly, the scaly patches may not appear for a very long time. These home remedies for psoriasis will bring and instant relief.
Tips For Treating Your Skin:
Make daily changes to your routine to treat the red inflamed skin of psoriasis. Promote skin healing with the help of the following tips and tricks. A healthy lifestyle is your best weapon to treat psoriasis.
Take a Salt Bath:
Take a daily warm bath using a mild soap to soothe down itchy spots and remove dry scales of your skin. Ensure that you take 15 minutes from your busy schedule to soak in the warm water. You may find great relief if you add oil, Epsom salt, or the Dead Sea salt to your bath, and here is a tip, do keep the water and soap mild to give relief to your sensitive skin. Since your skin is already irritated, you need to make sure that you apply only mild soaps.
Try an Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath is another way of getting relief from psoriasis. You can use ground oatmeal and soak the affected area of your skin in this mixture, you will instantly experience relief from the pain and itching commonly associated with psoriasis. Ensure that the water is not too hot, as it might dry your skin further. Do this regularly to get blessed relief from constant itching and red inflamed skin.
Say “No” to Sugar
You must definitely say a big “no” to sugar and processed junk, as it will further aggravate the conditions. A healthy diet can go a long way in boosting your immunity and avoid such skin flare-ups.
Avoid Dyes and Perfumes
Most perfumes and cosmetics contain dyes and other chemicals in them that irritate the skin. Avoid such products as much as you can, or buy stuff that is labeled fit for sensitive skin.
Water helps boost your energy, flush out toxins, and improve digestion, so it is imperative that you need to drink more of this elixir. Most of us don’t even know that we are dehydrated and we need to drink more water. A good 8-10 glasses of water per day is mandatory to avoid painful psoriasis flare-ups.
Any chronic condition like psoriasis can cause you a lot of stress. This leads to more stress and this constant stress causes more flare ups and aggravate conditions. Reduce stress by doing yoga and meditation. The feeling of wellness helps reduce this kind of skin disorders and boosts your immunity.
Make It a Routine
Any kind of treatment needs consistency to get a result, and when it comes to psoriasis, you need to ensure that you follow all the recommended remedies and do not let go in the middle. Persistence is the key here.
Omega 3 fatty acids are said to decrease inflammation, and psoriasis is a disease caused by inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to have a positive impact on the body’s immune system. Vitamin D also helps counteract the body’s response to inflammation associated psoriasis. But before thinking of going for supplementation to treat psoriasis, make sure you consult your doctor. Milk thistle, aloe vera, Oregon grape, and evening primrose oil also have been reported to help stave off mild symptoms of psoriasis.
Prevent dry skin
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist. It is a great way to prevent dry skin before its onset. Skin moisturizers for sensitive skin are also great at keeping your skin supple and from forming plaques.
This is a therapy used to great effect while treating psoriasis. During light therapy, a doctor applies ultraviolet light on the skin. To get results, you require consistent and frequent sessions. Too much sunlight can actually make conditions worse, so avoid too much of the light therapy.
Choose Your Soap Wisely:
Soaps without moisturizing agents will aggravate the condition. So choose a good moisturizing soap, which doesn’t contain too many chemicals.
People diagnosed with psoriasis need vitamin D for their skin to improve the lesions. Try to expose your skin to the sun in the morning (7 am to 9 am) for at least 30 minutes. After this time the sun rays can get really harmful and they can aggravate this condition. Use a good sun block, it should have an SPF of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen for every two hours. If you are perspiring or swimming you need to apply it more often.
Taking a shower everyday will remove the dead and extra skin. It reduces the scaled and inflamed skin. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, instead you can use mild soaps with added fats and oils. If your skin feels better by bathing twice a day, then go for it!
Keep Yourself Moisturized:
Always keep your skin moisturized. For a skin condition like psoriasis you need to use a thick based moisturizer which can keep your skin healthy and soft. If you have extremely dry skin choose oils instead of lotions and moisturizers. They will nourish your skin to the fullest. You need to take care of your skin, especially in cold and heat. Moisturizing your skin will help to heal your skin faster.
Eating a Proper Diet:
Eating a healthy diet can help you in many ways, but did you know that it can help control psoriasis? By making a few changes to your diet, you can manage this condition. First thing you need to do is eliminate fatty food and red meat from your diet. Including lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet will help improve your skin cells. In meats you can choose lean meat and fish as your preferred food. The best functional foods to consume are soy, cranberries, nuts and chocolate. To avoid further aggravation from foods, you can maintain a dairy and note down, which food is making your skin itchy.
To help reduce the scaling, redness and itching of your skin, you can use an ointment or effective skin cream prescribed by your dermatologist. Apply it on the affected area and cover them with a plastic wrap. This is to lock in the cream overnight for a soothing experience. You can wake up the next morning, remove the wrap and wash away the scales.
Stress aggravates this condition. Too much of stress can make your body feel anxious and unhealthy. Try to keep your mind free of such thoughts. Try to be calm and think less, you can also try a few stress busting exercises to avoid this problem.
Alcohol consumption will reduce the effectiveness of some psoriasis treatments. It is for that best that you stop this habit and rebuild your health.
Smoking is another habit which aggravates the skin condition. It also reduces the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments. So, try to maintain a healthy life style, and avoid the long term effects of smoking.
Avoid Contact With Chemical Substances:
Be away from cosmetics that contain strong chemicals. This does not just damage your skin but it also aggravates psoriasis. Deodorants and dyes are not suitable for people with psoriasis. Any cosmetic that is in direct contact with the skin should be avoided to the maximum as they can inflame the skin. In case you need some product, check the label which says ‘sensitive skin’. If you can find products made especially for sensitive skin you can use them.
Healthy Life style:
Along with maintaining a good diet, you need to have daily physical activity. Being overweight can also make the condition worse. Always be active and avoid laziness as much as possible. People with psoriasis often feel lethargic so engage yourself in some activity or another.
Avoid Any Other Triggers:
Wounds, injuries, exposure to sun and other kinds of infections can trigger your psoriasis. Avoid anything that you think will trigger it. Be smart and tackle the situation wisely.
As many people have noticed in their life, any new wound will start having scaly or patchy skin. The wounds and injuries are also harmful as dead skin will start accumulating near open areas. Psoriasis will become more unbearable without proper care. Hence keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Do not neglect your condition, consult a doctor immediately if your feel that you have the symptoms of psoriasis. There are many psoriasis creams available in medical stores, use them it if a severe condition. Keep anxiety away and use these great home remedies for a soothing treatment from psoriasis and gain a clear skin.