Home Remedies For Psoriasis
by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 04/28/2006 at 05:14PM
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition producing patches of thickened, itchy skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can occur on the scalp, knees, elbows, buttocks, and back. Sometimes, it can even occur in areas such as the armpits, genitals, eyebrows, navel, or nails. Psoriasis is a life long condition that will recur and vary in severity throughout one’s life.
Like other chronic skin disorders, you should consult your health care professional before trying any new home remedy for psoriasis. Here are some strategies you can try.
Moisturize: The most important thing you can do at home to help problem psoriasis is to make sure your skin is adequately moisturized. Skin that is affected by psoriasis is very dry and sensitive. It can be easily aggravated by harsh weather conditions, soaps, creams, or even sweating. Emollients help your skin retain water. They are most effective when they are applied right after bathing, when your skin is still wet.
Solace From The Sun: Most people that suffer from psoriasis notice a distinct difference in the condition between the winter and summer months. In fact, regular doses of summer sun, is helpful in improving psoriasis for about ninety-five percent of people who have this condition. Ultraviolet light from the sun helps to keep skin dry and warm, to important factors in clearing up psoriasis. However, you should use caution when exposing yourself to the sun.
The ultraviolet rays that help to clear up psoriasis are the one’s that are responsible for sunburns, premature aging, and other types of skin damage. One answer is to use adequate natural sunscreen on the skin that is not affected by psoriasis. Another option is to purchase a small UVB sunlamp to treat only the patches of your skin that have psoriasis. UVA light, like that used in most tanning parlors, is weaker than UVB light and it takes longer to work.
Stay Calm: There is significant evidence to indicate that psoriasis can be triggered by stress. So any remedy you can use to de-stress your life can help to improve your condition. Deep breathing, exercise, and mediation are calming techniques that can be used to reduce stress and subsequently treat psoriasis.
Get Fishy: Adding fish oil capsules to your diet is an excellent way to obtain the nutritional benefits of the fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid.) In one study, about sixty percent of the people studied noted that the area and thickness of their psoriatic plaques decreased, as did the redness and itching, after adding fish oil capsules to their diets. Be sure to check with your health care professional before trying any new nutritional product. Another good way to get EPA into your diet is to increase your consumption of fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Psoriasis is a life long condition that might continue to recur throughout one’s life. It may be to difficult to accept that your skin will never be perfect; however, adopting this attitude will allow you to focus your attention on controlling your condition and keep it from becoming serious. Try not to waste your time or energy trying to cover up or get rid of every psoriatic lesion. This will only leave you feeling stressed out and frustrated.
