The skin disease psoriasis, which is characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin, occurs when an immune malfunction causes skin cells to build up too quickly. There is no cure for psoriasis, although doctors prescribe several medications and procedures that can slow skin growth, reduce discomfort and improve the skin's appearance. In addition, patients can try several home remedies and lifestyle changes to complement their medical treatments.
Options
MayoClinic.com lists several options for soothing psoriasis lesions at home. Measures that keep the skin soft and moist help. Warm, but not hot, daily baths with Epsom salts, bath oil, or colloidal oatmeal can help reduce scaling without drying out the skin. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says that soaking in a tub with one of these additives for as little as 15 minutes can help remove scaly skin. Moisturizing oils or heavy ointment skin lotions can lock in moisture and prevent the added discomfort of dry skin. Exposure to small doses of natural sunlight can treat the lesions as well.
Avoid Triggers
Lifestyle changes to minimize psoriasis triggers can lengthen the interval between flares and minimize the severity of an episode. Triggers for psoriasis differ among individuals, but some common ones include smoking, too much sun, stress and infections. MayoClinic.com also cautions that drinking alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of some psoriasis medications.
Effectiveness
According to MayoClinic.com, home remedies and avoiding triggers can help improve the appearance of the skin, as well as how it feels. NIAMS says that many doctors believe in combination therapy for psoriasis, prescribing topical lotions or creams along with systemic drugs and ultraviolet light treatments. Home remedies can form part of this regimen.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicines for psoriasis include capsaicin cream, aloe vera extract, and daily fish oil capsules containing 3g or less of oil. Capsaicin cream can help soothe itchy skin. Aloe vera extract, when used daily over long periods, can reduce itching, scaliness and redness. Fish oil might help reduce the inflammation of psoriasis, and it is safe to use, but MayoClinic.com says that the results of clinical trials are mixed.
Other
MayoClinic.com points out several alternative medicines that have not been shown to be effective for psoriasis despite some claims for their usefulness. These include special diets or dietary supplements and creams or herbal preparations marketed as psoriasis treatments.
