Psoriasis is a common skin disorder involving an accumulation of rough, dry, dead skin cells. Psoriasis usually appears as raised inflamed areas covered with silvery scales and can be itchy and painful. Home remedies may not cure psoriasis, but can provide significant relief and reduction of symptoms. Some natural home remedies also may help prevent psoriasis outbreaks.
Elimination Technique
An important home remedy for psoriasis is the elimination technique, as explained by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Certain substances are common triggers for psoriasis, and eliminating them from your diet may prevent outbreaks. They include alcohol, sugar, meat and dairy products. If you notice improvement when these foods are taken out of the diet, try adding them back into your diet one at a time every 2 weeks. If you begin to have outbreaks after adding a particular food back, that food is likely to be a trigger. A food allergy or intolerance also can contribute to psoriasis outbreaks. Common food intolerances include corn, grains containing gluten such as wheat and barley, and eggs. If you smoke, quitting may decrease psoriasis outbreaks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Stress Reduction
Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis outbreaks, as explained by the AAD. It also can worsen psoriasis and increase itching. Just having psoriasis can be stressful. You might try various relaxation techniques when you feel stressed. Meditation, yoga, massage and exercise all can help. Indulge in your favorite activities when you need to relax, such as walking in a park, listening to music, reading or talking with friends.
Daily Bath
Another stress reliever with additional benefits for psoriasis is a daily bath, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bathing daily helps slough away psoriasis scales, relieves itching and soothes skin inflammation. Try adding colloidal oatmeal to the water, as oatmeal is a remedy for relieving various skin disorders. Use mild soaps with added oils and fats, and don't use water that's too hot. Soak for at least 15 minutes.
Moisturizer
After bathing, applying a heavy oil-based moisturizer while your skin is still moist can further reduce psoriasis symptoms. You may need to use body oil rather than a cream or lotion if your skin is very dry, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, moisturize your skin several times a day if you need to, particularly during dry weather.
You can moisturize your skin more intensively while sleeping. Apply an oil-based moisturizer to your affected skin and cover it with plastic wrap, then keep it on overnight. This home remedy helps decrease redness and scaling. After you remove the wrap in the morning, you should be able to gently wash away the scales that remain.
Herbal Therapy
Certain herbal and other topical treatments can relieve psoriasis symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, emu oil, evening primrose oil, tea tree oil and capsaicin, an ingredient that occurs naturally in cayenne peppers, as remedies which may be beneficial for psoriasis. Talk with someone at a health food store who specializes in herbal therapy before using essential oils, as most should be diluted before applying to skin.
