Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by scaling skin and red patches of dry, itchy skin. Although psoriasis treatment typically involves products and procedures such as prescription medications (topical, oral and intravenous) and phototherapy, a number of home remedies can minimize psoriasis symptoms and contribute to the treatment process.
Get Sunlight
Short periods of exposure to the sun's ultra-violet radiation are recommended by the Mayo Clinic. Philip Anderson, M.D., chairman of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine's dermatology department, notes that sun exposure is particularly beneficial in warm, dry air. Because the sun's UV rays contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin not affected by psoriasis.
Buying a small UVB sun lamp for brief use at home each day is another option, as suggested by Laurence Miller, M.D., a medical adviser to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Bathing With Ingredients
A daily bath of at least 15 minutes--especially with an addition of colloidal oatmeal, epsom salt, Dead Sea salt or bath oil--removes scales and soothes the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Natural health site MotherNature.com also suggests adding 1 cup apple cider vinegar to your bath.
Moisturizing
An emollient ointment applied immediately after bathing and a few times a day aids psoriasis treatment, explains the Mayo Clinic, which also advises that daily application of aloe vera over the course of a month is a home treatment option. For moisturizing, you can also use petroleum jelly products or vegetable shortening. Lotions with camphor and menthol help with itching as well, according to Dr. Miller.
Covering Skin
Tape or plastic wrap can be used to cover trouble areas on the skin overnight. Apply a moisturizer before covering them. Dr. Anderson explains that this home remedy should be reserved for small areas of skin, no larger than a half-dollar coin, and cautions that treated skin should be monitored for signs of infection.
Exercise
Exercising at home offers two key benefits for psoriasis treatment: It helps manage weight and stress. Obesity is a risk factor for developing psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Anderson notes that weight loss usually leads to improvement in psoriasis patients.
Stress is a major trigger of psoriasis breakouts, and coping with it is important to successful treatment, says Eugene Farber, M.D., the Psoriasis Research Institute's president. Exercise decreases stress and should be used with other methods of stress management such as relaxing and enjoyable activities, deep breathing exercises, meditation or listening to calming music.
