The skin condition psoriasis results in scaly, thick, oozing skin lesions that often itch. The exact causes remain unknown, but it appears that the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin cells, resulting in the formation of new cells before old ones can shed. Common conventional treatments include topical steroid creams and oral medications that affect the immune system and the growth of skin cells. Certain natural supplements and topical treatments might offer relief from this condition, but you should consult with a doctor before trying these treatments, especially if you already use conventional psoriasis treatments or have any other conditions in addition to this one.
Creams to Provide Relief
Certain natural substances, in the form of topical creams, might relieve the discomfort of an active psoriasis outbreak. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that a study using a cream with 10 percent Oregon grape tincture reduced symptoms equally as well as the prescription treatment calcipotriene. It also indicates a cream containing avocado oil and vitamin B 12 might benefit the condition, but those treatments require more research. Topical treatments containing aloe vera also performed better than a placebo in reviewed studies. The center also notes that while scientific evidence is lacking, certain topical homeopathic treatments, including calendula and sulfur, might help with psoriasis. Sulfur has a long history of use in various cultures for treating skin conditions of all kinds.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that topical capsaicin cream---made from chili peppers---might ease the itching associated with the condition.
Promoting Healthy Skin Growth
Noted physician, author and alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil recommends taking natural supplements known to promote skin health. He recommends 2 g of fish oil daily, which contains beneficial fatty acids; and a source of gamma- linolenic acid, such as borage oil or evening primrose oil, in a dose of 500 mg twice a day. You should not take fish oil supplements if you take medications to thin your blood, such as warfarin.
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that studies looking at the effectiveness of fish oil provided mixed results.
Nutritional Supplementation
Weil also recommends supplementing with milk thistle---this herb might help the liver neutralize toxins associated with psoriasis outbreaks. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that folic acid and shark cartilage (chondroitin sulfate) might also help with psoriasis symptoms. Shark cartilage can be expensive however. You should not use this supplement if you have diabetes; talk to your doctor about using shark cartilage if you take calcium supplements.
Experimenting with Herbal and Homeopathic Treatments
The herb coleus forskohlii has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems for psoriasis but has not undergone any clinical testing to confirm benefit. Anecdotal reports suggest oregano oil taken with water or juice might improve this condition, but again, no scientific evidence backs this claim.
Homeopathic treatments offer another alternative route, but you should consult with a homeopath for treatment guidance as homeopathy takes many factors into account when determining treatment.
Other Natural Treatments
If you have an interest in treating your psoriasis naturally, you should also experiment with other holistic methods---such as stress reduction through visualization; hypnotherapy; meditation; breathing exercises and yoga---as emotional upset and stress can trigger outbreaks. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that acupuncture might have some benefit and that case studies of chiropractic care suggest that spinal manipulation reduced skin lesions in some patients.
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