Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which skin cells die and accumulate on the skin surface much faster than normal. The skin becomes very dry, red and itchy, with areas of silvery, flaky scales. Psoriasis is rare in children, but about 3 percent of adults have the condition, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis is usually treated with topical steroids and other medicated topical solutions. Some holistic treatments also can help.
Eliminating Triggers
Keep a diary recording when your psoriasis symptoms worsen and see if you can determine specific triggers you can avoid. Stress, skin injuries, smoking and excessive sun exposure can worsen symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) recommends elimination therapy, in which you stop taking certain medications and eating certain foods, then gradually add them back into your routine one by one and see if any seem to trigger an outbreak or worsen symptoms. Common triggers include alcohol, sugar, meat and dairy products. Some people show improvement by eliminating gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye and barley. Foods that are common allergens also may be problematic for a person with psoriasis. They include corn, eggs and citrus fruits.
Eating Fish
Eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements provides omega-3 fatty acids that decrease inflammation associated with psoriasis and other health disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although research results are conflicting, it may be worth a try. Taking up to 3 g of fish oil daily is generally recognized as safe, and omega-3 fatty acids also are beneficial for preventing and improving heart disease. They also may help reduce the risk of arthritis and cancer. An alternative to fish oil supplements is eating several servings per week of salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, herring and lake trout.
Taking Baths
The Mayo Clinic recommends that psoriasis patients take daily baths to remove scales and soothe inflamed skin. Soaking in a relaxing bath for at least 15 minutes also helps relieve stress that can aggravate psoriasis symptoms. It's best to use lukewarm rather than hot water, and mild soaps with added oils and fats. You may experience further benefits from putting bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts in your bathwater.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbal topical preparations can provide relief for psoriasis patients, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). Herbal medicine is part of traditional Chinese medicine intended to increase qi (energy) and blood flow. Helpful herbal solutions include aloe, apple cider vinegar, emu oil, evening primrose oil, oats, tea tree oil and capsaicin, which occurs in cayenne peppers. Since nearly all essential oils must be diluted before applying to skin, it's best to consult with a knowledgeable herbalist or do some research before using them.
One oral herbal therapy that may have benefits for psoriasis is taking 150 mg of Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, twice daily, as noted by the UMMC. Milk thistle helps regulate the immune system, and psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disorder. Milk thistle also is beneficial for the liver.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another holistic treatment that may relieve psoriasis symptoms, although reports are conflicting, as explained by the NPF. Psoriasis patients who do improve with acupuncture say it takes many treatments. The NPF notes that acupuncture helps relieve pain from osteoarthritis, so it may also help with the pain of psoriatic arthritis.
Homeopathy
You might want to consult with a homeopathic practitioner about your psoriasis symptoms. Homeopathy involves taking tiny doses of substances that would produce similar symptoms if taken in larger amounts. Homeopathic practitioners tailor-make remedies for each person, considering the patient's symptoms, lifestyle and emotional condition. Psoriasis patients have reported success with sulfur and nickel homeopathic remedies, according to the NPF, and the UMMC lists apis (Apis mellifica) and poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) as possibilities.
