What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a recurring skin condition caused by red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis is not an allergic reaction; in fact, it starts deep within your immune system, in your white blood cells. When these cells are accidentally activated and trigger other immune responses, psoriasis can come back. Episodes often happen to people when they are stressed.
How is psoriasis treated at home?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this, and you should always discuss treatment options first with a healthcare professional, if possible. But you can control the symptoms at home with these effective treatments. These are the best ways to get rid of itchiness and soothe inflamed skin again.
1. Take an Epsom salt bath
There’s nothing like a good magnesium sulfate to soothe psoriasis. It’s soothing and can help you get rid of those itchy flakes. Also, what could be more relaxing than a warm and cozy bath? Make sure the water is not too hot and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Moisturize afterwards to seal in the potent water.
2. Eat more oily fish or take fish oil supplements.
Go pescatarian and your skin will thank you. Fish oil is known to boost your overall immunity, and you can get it from pills or by eating your weekly serving of salmon or albacore tuna. Fish oil also reduces the risk of heart disease, which people with psoriasis are prone to.
3. Use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a common treatment for scalp psoriasis sufferers. It comes from a plant native to Australia, but you can find it in health food stores, mostly in essential oil or shampoo form, whichever you prefer.
4. Incorporate yoga into your fitness routine
If you can’t afford a weekly massage, consider integrating yoga into your weekly routine. Yoga is a wonderful stress reducer, making it an ideal holistic treatment for psoriasis. Consider incorporating 5 minutes a day, including not only strengthening movements but also breathing and stretching exercises. There are plenty of virtual classes if you don’t want to be in the studio during an outbreak.
5. Eat more turmeric
You can also take turmeric pills or cook with turmeric, which is part of the ginger family. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is believed to help psoriasis due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Get some sun…or light therapy
Getting a moderate amount of vitamin D through natural sunlight can help reduce symptoms. UVB rays can help slow the growth of psoriasis skin cells. Since too much sunlight can make psoriasis worse, you may want to start with phototherapy, which exposes the skin to ultraviolet light under a doctor’s supervision.
7. Improve your diet
Eating lots of refined carbs and sugar certainly isn’t helping your skin. Consider modifying your diet by hydrating as much as possible, eating fresh, nutritious vegetables and fruits, and avoiding processed foods full of inflammatory ingredients. You may also want to reduce the amount of gluten in your diet, as some people with psoriasis say that not eating bread helps them feel better.
8. Use a soap-free cleanser.
Regular soap can contain strong surfactants that strip moisture from the skin (consider using a psoriasis-specific body wash); for example, many of them contain salicylic acid, like this CeraVe medicated cleanser or a product with tea tree oil. Always avoid artificial fragrances and chemicals when possible. The simpler, the better.
9. Consider investing in a humidifier
An excessively dry environment could be the reason why your psoriasis is flaring up. While you can’t change the weather outside, you can keep your skin moist and happy by getting a good humidifier. Do some research on what is best for the size of your space and your preferences. Consider factors such as tank capacity, noise level, and ease of use.
10. Make sure you get enough sleep
Stress is one of the main causes of psoriasis and the key to healing our brain and body during stressful periods is getting enough sleep. Getting those 7 or 8 hours is essential, and so is the quality of sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If you find it difficult, consider taking a screen break at a set time each night.
11. Aloe vera gel
Buy some aloe vera gel, or better yet, an aloe vera plant, so you can snip off a leaf when you need cooling relief. If other topical psoriasis remedies haven’t worked for you in the past, consider this one: The condition isn’t exactly the same for everyone, but many find aloe soothes flare-ups. Some studies find that when combined with propolis or bee venom, it is even more effective.
