Individuals who suffer from psoriasis know how uncomfortable it can be. The buildup of skin cells forms scaly red patches that become itchy and painful. Sufferers will try just about anything to help treat it. Luckily, there are several effective home remedies.
Many people have found psoriasis relief with the following products. Consider giving these rumored remedies a go and hopefully, you’ll find relief as well.
Complications of Untreated Psoriasis
Before we dive into the remedies, it’s vital to know the potential consequences of leaving psoriasis untreated. Not only can untreated psoriasis be itchy and painful but it can also affect your quality of life. Even worse, it can increase your risk of developing other serious long-term conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis and diabetes. But that’s not all.
According to Medical News Today, untreated psoriasis can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease. Metabolic syndrome is also a risk, which includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar.
novak.elcic / ShutterstockWarning Signs of Psoriasis
Psoriasis typically develops between the ages of 15 and 25. It’s important to know the warning signs of psoriasis because early stages can often be mistaken for other skin conditions like eczema. Symptoms will also vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have, however, WebMD says there are common warning signs to look out for.
For starters, psoriasis often causes rashes or patches of inflamed skin. On skins with less pigment this may appear as red or silver patches whereas, on darker skin, it may appear as purple or dark brown patches with gray scales. Other telltale signs of psoriasis include itchy, painful skin that may crack or bleed, scaly plaques on the scalp, as well as problems with your fingernails or toenails.
Here are 10 Home Remedies for Psoriasis:
*Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying any of the methods below.
Warm Olive Oil
Warm olive oil has worked for many people looking to clear up psoriasis lesions, especially ones on the head. Warm up a little bit of olive oil and apply it to the affected area. Let it soak it and see if the liquid starts to soothe the skin.
Plastic Wrap
It’s a known fact that covering up psoriasis lesions helps them go away faster. Many doctors will tell you this on your first visit. Apply either your prescribed medication or a moisturizer to the affected area. Then, using either plastic wrap found in your kitchen or OTC patches found at the drugstore, cover the lesion with the plastic wrap. Make sure you don’t leave the wrap on so long that the skin becomes soggy (it’s more susceptible to secondary infection then). If you’re using medically prescribed lotion, it’s important to check with your doctor first to make sure it can be used safely with occlusive wrap.
Fish Oil
Several studies have linked the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil to improvement of psoriasis. Taking a large oral dose of fish oil supplements probably won’t be very effective in clearing up the patches, however, taking actual fish oil and rubbing it onto the affected area of skin has been shown to improve healing time significantly.
Epsom Salt
If you’re looking to keep swelling down and speed up the healing of your psoriasis, consider adding epsom salts to your bath. One handful will help bring relief to your lesions. If you don’t see immediate relief (which you probably won’t), keep adding the salts every few days. In about a week you should see a noticeable difference.
Baking Soda
Much like mosquito bites and chicken pox, psoriasis patches worsen with itching. Preventing yourself from itching can really help with healing time. Take the itch of your skin by mixing 1.5-cups of baking soda into 3-gallons of water. Soak a washcloth in the solution and apply the washcloth to the skin. Your skin will feel better immediately and your sores will start to fade in a matter of days.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries to help soothe minor burns and skin inflammations. The Psoriasis Foundation has indicated that many people find relief with this method. Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to 1-gallon of water. Soak a washcloth with vinegar and then apply the mixture to the skin. Your itching will go away almost immediately and your lesions will begin to heal as well.
Aloe
Aloe is one of the most popular skin soothers on the market. It’s often used to heal skin burns (we’ve all used it after spending too much time in the sun), so it makes sense that it would be effective in healing psoriasis as well. Research actually shows that clearing psoriasis plaques is one of aloe’s proven benefits. You can purchase pure aloe vera gel at most pharmacies or you can buy an aloe vera plant, tear open the leaves and apply the aloe to your skin directly. As always, check with your doctor before to make sure your skin is suitable for the remedy.
Banana Peel
Banana peels have reportedly been used to help heal skin ailments for many years. It is a key ingredient in a lotion concocted from coal and tar. Tar – and products containing tar – have proven to be very effective in speeding up the healing time of psoriasis lesions. There are many over the counter bath oils, creams, shampoos and lotions containing tar. Considering using one (or several) of these products to achieve relief.
Cabbage Leaves
Using cabbage leaves to heal psoriasis patches has shown positive results for many sufferers. Take a bunch of cabbage leaves to form a compress and apply it to the affected areas. You should start feeling relief immediately, as cabbage leaves have been proven to soothe skin. Applying these compresses three times a week will help clear up your psoriasis quickly.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is chemically similar to fish oil and will help to treat your psoriasis. Consider adding flaxseed to your salad dressing. However you decide to work it into your diet, try and make sure you take 1-2-tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day.
