Approximately 7.5 million people living in the United States suffer from psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. People with psoriasis have areas of skin where cells grow quickly, causing silvery scales. Many people look for alternative treatments for psoriasis to avoid using prescription medications. Prior to starting new treatment, check with your health care provider.
Relaxation
Stress can bring on an outbreak of psoriasis or make a current outbreak worse, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Reducing stress through techniques like massage, meditation and yoga can help alleviate psoriasis attacks. Beneficial forms of massage include Swedish massage, reflexology, deep tissue massage, acupressure and shiatsu.
Topical Treatments
Natural topical treatments that can aid in healing psoriasis lesions include apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, oats and capsaicin, according to Healthy U, a website operated by Northwestern Health Sciences University. You Apply apple cider vinegar directly to the skin or nails or added to a bath. Only apply tea tree oils to the skin, as they can be toxic if ingested. Use oats by adding them to your bath or finding a lotion or cream containing oat extract. Apply capsaicin, an ingredient in cayenne peppers, as a lotion, cream, ointment or therapeutic patch.
Herbal Remedies
Typically, herbs provide a safe alternative to traditional medicine. However, check with your health care provider prior to starting an herbal treatment to assure the safety of the herb to treat your particular condition. Common herbs used for treating psoriasis include Oregon grape, avocado and vitamin B12 cream, aloe, coleus forskohlii and oregano oil, according to the University Of Maryland Medical Center.
Home Care
Taking proper care of your skin at home can also help you manage your psoriasis. Use creams or lotions after bathing to keep your skin moist. Gently removing psoriasis crusts after baths may help your skin absorb the creams and lotions better, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, be careful, as you could irritate your skin and make your condition worse. Avoiding skin injury, including excessive exposure to sunlight will also help control your psoriasis. Limiting your use of alcohol and tobacco use will help decrease your chance of a flair-up. Finally, exposing your skin to sunlight or ultraviolet light for short periods of time may promote healing.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses very small amounts of remedies to treat various conditions, including psoriasis. Prior to prescribing any homeopathic remedy, homeopaths will consider your emotional, physical and intellectual health. Common homeopathic remedies for psoriasis include apis mellifica, calendula,rhus toxicodendron and sulphur, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Large amounts of these remedies can be toxic, making it vital to seek the care of a professional homeopath before taking one.
