Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body's skin cells to multiply ten times faster than usual.
Affecting more than 3% of Americans, psoriasis is characterized by itchy, scaly patches called 'psoriasis plaques' that typically develop across the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. These cyclic rashes tend to flare every few weeks.
Throughout this post, we'll break down everything you need to know about:
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Natural treatment options for psoriasis & home remedies
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Soothing sensitive skin
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Lifestyle changes for psoriasis prevention
Keep reading to learn more about managing your psoriasis symptoms naturally and effectively with home remedies.
Natural Treatments for Psoriasis
Many people with psoriasis choose the route of traditional medicine, light therapy, essential oils, tea tree oil, or other conventional treatments to manage psoriasis.
For others, however, using home remedies for psoriasis may help you regain control over your symptoms, allowing you to minimize psoriasis flares and find temporary relief from itching.
While there is reassurance and nourishment to be found in harnessing the power of natural ingredients, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor before introducing these home remedies into your treatment plan, as some components may interact problematically with your current medications.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar - Maybe this ingredient conjures up memories of your favorite summer salad dressing or nostalgic Fall afternoons spent eating baked apple cider doughnuts as a kid.
But did you know this magnificent ingredient also has natural antibacterial properties and can be used to improve scalp psoriasis? Dilute 1 part organic apple cider vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle and massage your scalp to relieve pain and skin flaking.
Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to your warm bath for full-body relief, and relax as you soak. For a local natural treatment, soak a natural fabric in 1 part vinegar to 3 parts warm water to create a compress, and wrap it over your skin for 1 minute.
Warning: Often, with psoriasis, itchy, cracked skin may flake and bleed. With this in mind, be careful not to apply apple cider vinegar to open wounds, which will cause a burning sensation.
Aloe vera
Can aloe vera help psoriasis? Well, not only does the aloe vera plant make a striking interior design feature or a helpful kitchen ingredient, but its gel-filled leaves also have a soothing effect on sensitive skin and improve hydration.
Indeed, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends treating psoriasis with topical creams that contain up to 0.5% aloe vera to help reduce discoloration, scaling, itching, and inflammation.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Oats have been considered a safe way to soothe irritated skin for hundreds of years. This is because oatmeal contains water-binding molecules that hold moisture against the skin, allowing it to act as a moisturizer.
To improve psoriasis and reap the benefits of an oatmeal bath, you'll want to use colloidal oatmeal, which has been finely ground to avoid clogging up your drains!
Simply sprinkle this powder into your warm bath to create a milky, relaxing solution. For extra relief, mix colloidal oatmeal with water in your palms to make a paste and apply directly to plaque psoriasis.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Many omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, or seeds contain anti inflammatory properties, which may help ease your psoriasis flare-ups.
Fish oil is also available as a dietary supplement. However, before deciding to take fatty fish supplements, consider talking with a doctor first to ensure this is the best route for you.
Soothing Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. This means that while a genetic component drives it, it can be exasperated by environmental triggers such as infections, skin injuries, and allergic reactions to topical creams or harsh skin care products.
To ensure you don't worsen psoriasis, we recommend revisiting your beauty skincare routine to ensure you use only the gentlest ingredients without undue chemicals or irritants.
Salicylic acid cleansers may also provide anti-inflammatory relief for itchy and swollen skin while also helping to keep your pores clear.
Keep your Skin Moisturized
Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream - This manuka honey cream is an oil-based balm with a touch of water added to create a soft buttery texture. With absolutely zero added preservatives or fragrances, manuka honey offers antibacterial properties, soothing even the most sensitive skin. The manuka honey is ten times more affective at fighting bacteria than tea tree oil.
Use a Natural Soap
Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar - By combining coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower oil in soap, this soap offers a fatty cleanser and moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling soothed, soft and supple. It's the best natural soap for eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin, and more.
Lifestyle Changes
On top of home remedies for psoriasis, clean beauty products, or medical treatment, you can also make some practical changes to your lifestyle to help reduce the risk of psoriasis flares.
Take Shorter Showers
Although taking a piping hot bath or steamy shower might be tempting, did you know that hot water can dehydrate the skin and irritate your psoriasis flares even further?
Instead, turn the temperature down a tick and try to take shorter showers. This will help your skin to retain its natural oils better and avoid aggravating painful, cracked skin.
To help keep your skin moist, don't be afraid to lather on plenty of moisturizer as soon as you jump out the shower too.
Change your Diet
For some people, eating a gluten-free diet may help to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms and calm inflammation.
Reduce Stress
Like eczema, the severity and frequency of your psoriasis rash outbreaks are often linked to emotional stress.
Don't be afraid to prioritize your mental health, getting curious about which self-care practices best help you decompress after a stressful day and which preventative lifestyle changes you may need to make to feel calmer and more in balance.
Stress relief can be a complex process, but it's worth the journey.
Here Comes The Sun
While too much sun exposure can prove detrimental to your skin cells, spending a short amount of time in the sunshine daily can work wonders for your psoriasis (not to mention your mental health!)
This is because the sun's ultraviolet B rays combat psoriasis symptoms. Just be sure to lather on plenty of suncreams to keep safe from skin cancer.
Start your Psoriasis Treatment Plan Today
Follow these tips to help you soothe your psoriasis with home remedies today, taking back control and bolstering your skin health in the best ways for you.
