Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by irritation, redness, along with thick, flaky, itchy, silver-white patches that are, more often than not, painful. It mostly manifests on the knees, sacral areas, nails, scalp, elbows, palms, and sometimes on other parts of the body too. It is an autoimmune disorder, wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells of the body, thereby altering the lifecycle of the skin cells. Usually, skin cells tend to mature and perish roughly about once a month. However, in case of psoriasis, these same skin cells mature and perish in less than a week, thus contributing to an unusual buildup of dead skin cells. Psoriasis tends to go through periods of flare-ups and remissions from time to time.
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Trigger factors of psoriasis
The main causes of psoriasis include:
- Genetics
- Stress
- A weak immune system
- Extreme weather changes
- Sunburn
- Viral/bacterial infections
- Certain medications like ibuprofen and beta-blockers
- Emotional stress
- Dry skin
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
Symptoms of psoriasis
The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Itching
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Reddish/pinkish skin lesions
- Dry, flaky, itchy skin
- Dents in the nails
- Yellow-brown nails
- Thick nails
- Dandruff on the scalp
If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to consult a qualified physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen.
Home remedies for psoriasis
Although there is no cure for an autoimmune disease like psoriasis, it can most definitely be managed, wherein the symptoms can be controlled, thus preventing further infection. Take a look at some easy yet effective home remedies for psoriasis:
1. Aloe vera
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Aloe vera is excellent in providing relief from psoriasis and its painful symptoms. It helps reduce the skin irritation by forming a protective layer on the broken skin and boosting healing. Additionally, it contains anti-inflammatory elements that help combat inflammation, while also boosting the immune system.
Remedy
- Slice open an aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the fresh gel into a clean bowl. Apply this directly on the affected area, leaving it on till your skin absorbs it all. Repeat this remedy at least thrice every day for several weeks for best results.
2. Apple cider vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural pH balancer of the skin, thus helping prevent infections. Additionally, it also helps bring down skin irritation and itching.
Remedies
- To a glass of water, stir in 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar. Drink this twice a day, especially during flare-ups. This remedy is useful for your overall health too, since it helps detoxifies your body.
- In a clean bowl, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts lukewarm water. Soak a clean washcloth in this solution and use it as a compress for about a minute or so. Follow this remedy several times in a day during flare-ups.
3. Banana peel
Banana peel is known to possess excellent healing and soothing properties, which help reduce the burning sensation and irritation associated with psoriasis.
Remedy
- Rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected areas gently. Repeat this remedy several times a day, especially during flare-ups.
4. Black pepper
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Black pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which helps alleviate the pain and itchiness that are characteristic to psoriasis.
Remedy
- Apply a capsaicin-based cream or lotion on the affected areas to help alleviate the painful symptoms.
5. Epsom salt
A bath with Epsom salt helps soothe eczema and psoriasis. It helps relieve itching, burning sensation, while also helping soften the scaling. It is excellent for detoxification and relaxation.
Remedy
- Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub full of warm water. Soak in this for about 20 minutes. Then, get out of the tub and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Apply a good moisturizer all over. Repeat this remedy thrice a week for relief from psoriasis symptoms.
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6. Garlic
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Garlic possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the inflammation caused by psoriasis. Additionally, it is also an anti-microbial agent, which helps prevent any infection. Also, garlic helps prevent psoriasis flare-ups, thanks to its blood purifying property.
Remedies
- In a clean bowl, mix together equal amounts of garlic oil and fresh aloe vera gel. Slather this on the affected areas liberally. Let it stay on for 15 minutes, before rinsing it off. Repeat this remedy every day till you see improvement.
- Crush 2-3 garlic cloves. Leave it as is for about 10 minutes, before consuming them.
7. Glycerin
Glycerin is another effective remedy for psoriasis, thanks to its moisturizing properties. it helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Remedy
- Apply glycerin liberally over the affected areas, letting it stay on as long as possible. Repeat this remedy thrice every day for a few weeks to see visible improvement.
8. Ice pack
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A cold compress with ice cubes helps soothe the itching and irritation that are common to psoriasis. It helps numb the nerve endings, thus easing the acute pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
Remedy
- Take a clean piece of washcloth and wrap a few ice cubes in it. Place it on the affected areas, letting it sit for about 8-10 minutes. Repeat this remedy every few hours through the day during flare-ups.
9. Licorice
Licorice root is another amazing home remedy to help control skin conditions like psoriasis, because it helps reduce the redness and irritation. Additionally, it also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that bring down the inflammation, while also benefiting the skin.
Remedies
- Take a saucepan, add 2 teaspoons of dried licorice root and 6 cups of water. Bring this to a boil and then let it simmer for about 40 minutes. Take it off the heat and allow it to cool. Strain the solution into a clean bowl. Dip a washcloth in it, wring out the excess, and use it as a compress on the affected area several times a day.
- Take a jar and fill it with licorice root. Pour olive oil in it, shut the lid, and leave it be for at least 4-6 weeks. Strain the oil and apply it on the affected areas. Let it stay till it gets fully absorbed by your skin. Repeat this remedy thrice a day till you see visible improvement in your condition.
10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is nourishing as well as exfoliating for your skin, thus making it an ideal remedy for psoriasis. An oatmeal bath is known to help hydrate the dry skin, while also helping bring down the inflammation and itching. Additionally, it also helps soothe the skin and calm the nerves.
Remedies
- Mix 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal in a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak in this oatmeal bath for at least 20 minutes every day, especially during the flare-ups. Once you get out of the bath, rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel and apply a good moisturizer.
- Take 2 handfuls of rolled oats and wrap it in a clean muslin cloth. Place this in the bathtub and run hot water over it. Mix enough cold water to make the bathwater comfortable to soak in and squeeze the oats bag. This will make the water milky. Soak in this water for about 10 minutes. While in the tub, you can use the damp oats bag to cleanse your skin. Once out of the tub, pat dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizer all over. Repeat this remedy once a day during flare-ups. However, make sure to throw away the oats bag after each use.
11. Olive oil
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Olive oil is another excellent remedy that helps soften the dry, rough, and scaly skin caused by psoriasis. It helps reduce the flakiness and scaling.
Remedies
- Warm some olive oil and apply it liberally over the affected area. Repeat this remedy several times a day till you get positive results.
- To 1 cup of olive oil, add 1 drop of oregano oil and 2 drops of calendula oil and mix well. Apply this on the affected area, leaving it on for a few hours before rinsing it off. Repeat this remedy several times a day, especially during flare-ups.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help bring down the irritation, inflammation, and pain. Its active compound curcumin, helps reduce the inflammation, thus alleviating pain.
Remedy
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a bit of honey to 1 glass of hot milk and stir well. Drink this every day for at least a few weeks to help manage the symptoms of psoriasis.
- Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and add enough water to it to make a fine paste. Smear this on the affected areas and cover it with a gauze. Leave it on overnight. The following morning, take off the gauze and wash your skin with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy after a couple of hours. Follow this remedy every day till the symptoms subside.
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Additional tips
- Keep your skin damp and clean, since dry skin tends to aggravate the condition.
- Avoid scratching and/or picking at the scabs and lesions.
- Take a bath/shower every day, but do not scrub your skin too vigorously as this can irritate the skin, thereby triggering a flare-up.
- Keep your ambient air humid by using a humidifier.
- Wear soft clothes made of natural fibers like linen and cotton.
- Avoid perfumes, deodorants, and creams that irritate your skin.
- Avoid going out in the sun for long durations of time.
- Learn to effectively manage stress, as it can exacerbate the situation.
These are all the highly effective home remedies for psoriasis that help manage the symptoms. For more updates on skin care and health tips, subscribe to our newsletter today!
Featured image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
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