Psoriasis and eczema are closely related skin conditions in which the body's immune system reacts to healthy cells as if they were invading foreign bodies. The results are inflamed skin that, in the case of psoriasis, forms scaly red patches which can often be very itchy and painful. There is no cure, but treatments can ease the pain and discomfort associated with these skin conditions.
Step 1
Use topical homeopathic applications. Creams and special homeopathic psoriasis shampoos can be purchased online or at health stores (see Resources), and include the following homeopathic ingredients: calendula officinalis, azadirachta indica, borax, thuja occidentalis, natrum muriaticum, aqua solis, curcuma longa, hydrocotyle asiatica and berberis aquifolium.
Step 2
Soak for 15 minutes in a warm (not hot) bath with added baking soda or finely ground colloidal oatmeal. To kill the bacteria that can grow on eczema-irritated skin and cause itchiness, add about 1/2 cup of bleach to the bath. This can be done daily.
Step 3
Use over-the-counter products that contain ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, aloe vera, jojoba and/or capsaicin. These ingredients will moisturize and soothe inflamed, dry skin, and may relieve itching as well.
Step 4
Use an indoor humidifier whenever the weather is dry and cold. Dry, cold air can make both eczema and psoriasis outbreaks worse, and may even cause the outbreaks in the first place.
Step 5
Expose the affected skin to sunlight. Too much sun can worsen the condition, so expose the affected areas to sunlight only about three or four times a week, starting with about 10 minutes of sunbathing at noon and working your way up to no more than 30 minutes of sunbathing per day. Use a sunblock that's rated at least 15 SPF on areas that are not affected by psoriasis or eczema.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the Mayo Clinic, the best approach is to try a variety of these treatments and to experiment to see which combinations work best for your particular case, as what works for one eczema or psoriasis sufferer may not work for another.
