Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes rapid buildup of cells on your skin's surface, creating thick, silvery scales and itchy, rough red patches on skin, as well as painful cracking. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on your body, and the severity of the condition can range from very mild -- with a few isolated patches -- to severe and debilitating. It is a chronic condition with no cure, but steroid creams and exposing your skin to natural sunlight can improve the symptoms. Many people use home remedies for relief from their psoriasis symptoms. As a complementary method of treatment, home remedies should be used only with the approval of your doctor.
Skin Emollients
Step 1
Add 1/4 cup of Epsom salts to your bath daily, soaking for at least 15 minutes and making sure to immerse your elbow completely, to remove scales and soothe inflamed skin.
Step 2
Pat your elbow with a soft cotton towel to begin to dry it, but let the skin remain somewhat moist.
Step 3
Mix 1/2 tsp. wheat germ oil and 1/2 tsp. castor oil with 1/2 cup natural sunflower oil, and massage the mixture onto your elbow for a natural after-bath emollient.
Step 4
Use 2 drops of calendula oil and a drop of oregano oil mixed in 2 oz. of olive oil on your elbow after a bath as an alternative emollient.
Vitamins and Supplements
Step 1
Take between 200 and 800 I.U. of Vitamin E orally every day to reduce the itching of psoriasis.
Step 2
You can take up to 3 grams a day of fish oil supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, the omega-3 fatty acids in the fish oil can reduce inflammation.
Step 3
Take 20 to 30 drops of goldenseal tincture twice a day for up to 10 days at a time. According to the Homemade Medicine website, goldenseal helps clear the body of toxins that can lead to flare-ups.
Step 4
Take 300 mg of milk thistle extract three times a day. According to the Herbal Supplements Guide website, milk thistle detoxifies and protects the liver and may helps decrease excessive skin growth.
Step 5
Take 200 mg of gotu kola extract three times a day for a month. According to the Homemade Medicine website, this extract reduces inflammation and speeds skin healing.
Tips and Warnings
- Although it can be beneficial to try to expose your elbow to at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight a day, make sure you use sunscreen on the parts of your body that don't have psoriasis.
- Don't undertake an herbal or supplementary regimen without discussing it with your doctor first; herbs can cause side effects and interfere with prescription medications.
Things You'll Need
- 1/4 cup Epsom salts
- Soft cotton towel
- 1/2 tsp. wheat germ oil
- 1/2 tsp. castor oil
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 2 drops calendula oil
- 1 drop oregano oil
- 2 oz. olive oil
- Vitamin E capsules
- Fish oil supplements
- Golden seal tincture
- Milk thistle extract
- Gotu kola extract
