30 Treatments and Remedies for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition characterized by rapid skin cell buildup, leading to itchy, red patches and scales, often around the joints. It cycles through flare-ups and remissions, making it a lifelong condition without a cure but manageable with various treatments. Topical creams with salicylic acid or aloe vera, supplements like turmeric, vitamin D, and fish oil, and simple activities like walks and baths can help ease symptoms.
Keeping the skin hydrated with heavy moisturizers and using humidifiers, especially in winter, are effective in preventing flare-ups. Avoiding smoking and drinking is crucial, as these habits can trigger symptoms. Managing dryness is key, and integrating multiple remedies yields the best results. Despite its chronic nature, psoriasis can be effectively controlled with the right strategies.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Coal Tar
Coal tar can alleviate the scaling, itching, and inflammation commonly linked to psoriasis. Available in over-the-counter shampoos, creams, and oils, it can also be prescribed in higher concentrations.
Despite its benefits, coal tar is messy and has a strong odor, so you’ll need to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active component in turmeric.
It can decrease inflammation in the body and help reduce psoriatic symptoms.
Avoid Alcohol
Although many of us enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine, it might not be ideal for managing psoriasis. Alcohol can exacerbate the condition.
The exact reasons are unclear, but there is a noted correlation between drinking alcohol and increased psoriasis symptoms.
Coconut Oil
Dry skin is always uncomfortable. If you struggle with psoriasis, however, it’ll often lead to flare-ups.
After bathing, be sure to use a product to lock the moisture into your skin. Coconut oil is a great way to do that.
Vitamin D
Many people with psoriasis have a vitamin D deficiency, and increasing your vitamin D intake may help psoriasis.
This is largely due to vitamin D’s ability to slow skin growth. You can get vitamin D by taking a short walk in the sun or eating eggs, dairy products, and salmon.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is a medicine that’s taken orally and helps people with psoriasis by decreasing skin cell production and suppressing inflammation.
Speak with your doctor before taking any new medication.
Tea Tree Oil
Native to Australia, tea tree oil is believed to possess antiseptic qualities that can be applied to the skin. Some people have found that shampoos with tea tree oil help relieve scalp psoriasis.
However, there hasn’t been any scientific studies to prove the effectiveness of tea tree oil for psoriasis.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn’t such a strong psoriasis remedy that it’ll fix all of your psoriasis problems, but when you use it in conjunction with other remedies, it can definitely help. Its antibacterial properties will help soothe your skin.
Many people looking for aloe vera treatment opt for a topical cream with aloe vera in it.
Do Some Yoga
Yoga is a fantastic stress reducer, and stress reduction can help relieve the pain and itch of plaque psoriasis.
Devoting at least 20 minutes a day to yoga exercises can help both your psoriasis and your overall bodily and mental health.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the spicy ingredient in peppers, and it is often put in topical creams. Capsaicin creams are used for pain-relief, making it perfect for people looking for temporary psoriasis relief.
It can burn if it gets in your eyes, though, so be sure to wash your hands if you decide to use capsaicin cream.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements contain a specific type of omega-3 chemical called eicosatetraenoic acid. While we’re not expecting you to remember that fancy word, getting some of it in your diet can help your psoriasis.
You can do this with fish oil supplements or including eating fish a few times a week.
Steroid-based Creams
One of the most popular ways to deal with psoriasis is to use a steroid-based cream prescribed by a doctor.
Steroid-based creams are anti-inflammatory, soothe your itching skin, and help promote a healthy amount of skin regeneration.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is perfect for a million home remedies, so we’re not surprised that it can also help people suffering from psoriasis. Sparingly using baking soda in baths can help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of psoriasis.
Baking soda will sting a bit, but if your flare-ups are getting worse, it’s worth considering.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is extremely detrimental to all of our health — but even more dangerous for people struggling with psoriasis.
It can trigger psoriasis flare-ups and worsen your condition. If you’re struggling to kick your smoking habit, seek help.
A Warm Bath
When are warm baths not the solution to life’s problems? In the case of psoriasis, they hydrate the skin, soothe the afflicted areas, and loosen the scales that often come with psoriasis.
Out of all of our home-remedies, this is our favorite.
Shea Butter
Thick, heavy moisturizers are the best ways to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, especially if you have psoriasis.
Shea butter fits this bill perfectly. Be sure to put it on after you bathe so you can lock in that moisture.
Humidifier
Humidifiers are a great way to keep your skin from drying out. They can be especially useful in the winter or in dry climates.
People who struggle psoriasis will find them especially helpful.
Avoid Fragrances
Soaps, moisturizers, body washes, and perfumes with a lot of additives such as dyes, chemicals, and fragrances can aggravate psoriasis symptoms.
It’s better to choose products that are labeled for sensitive skin.
Moisturizers
Psoriasis causes a lot of itching and flaking, which can make your skin look and feel worse. That means that it’s essential to keep skin moisturized.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that moisturizing creams are a standard treatment to use alongside other therapies.
Probiotics
Probiotics are well-known to contain beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen your immune system.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, so probiotics can help manage the symptoms of psoriasis.
Salicylic Acid
Many people with psoriasis turn to salicylic acid to ease their troubles.
Salicylic acid is often found in over-the-counter ointments. It causes the outer layer of skin to shed, encouraging psoriatic scales to fall off.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used to help relieve psoriasis on your scalp.
It’s been recommended that you stick with organic apple cider vinegar and apply it to your scalp several times a day.
Dead Sea Salts
Add some Epsom salts or dead sea salts added to a warm bath.
This helps with removing psoriasis scales and eases itching.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia Aquifolium)
Oregon Grape, also known as Mahonia Aquifolium, is known for being a powerful antimicrobial herb that helps immune response.
Applying topical creams that contain at least 10% mahonia has been proven effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Petroleum Jelly
Dry skin makes psoriasis worse, so make sure you keep it hydrated. Because psoriasis is more severe than regular dry skin, lotion will not do enough to keep your skin hydrated.
One of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated is to use a petroleum jelly like Vaseline after showering to lock in moisture.
Retinoids
Topical or oral retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A.
Vitamin A can decrease inflammation from psoriasis.
Turmeric
Turmeric is great for a lot of things, but especially for people suffering from psoriasis. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can greatly reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
Turmeric won’t completely cure your psoriasis, but more than likely, you’ll find that it helps.
Lots of Water
Water is an easy and natural treatment that most wouldn’t really think of.
Drinking plain water helps keep you hydrated, which in turn keeps your skin from getting too dry.
Plastic Wraps
For psoriasis, plastic wraps are an effective remedy. People suffering from psoriasis can wrap the affected area with plastic covers after applying their prescribed medications or ointments.
This is done primarily to help the body hold in vital natural oils and water.
Avoid Triggers
Bad boss? Crazy family and friends? It’s probably best to avoid them as much as you can. The stress from triggers can actually make psoriasis symptoms worse. Meditation and some anxiety medications can help lower the stress from triggers.
Note: always check with your doctor before starting or stopping new medications.
