Psoriasis is a complex, reoccurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin. Normally, skin cells mature and die about once a month. But, in case of psoriasis, they tend to mature and die in less than a week, thus causing a buildup of dead skin cells. The condition is often triggered by factors like stress, dry skin, smoking, alcohol consumption, viral or bacterial infections or certain medications like beta-blockers and ibuprofen. It can be treated with a lot of medications and natural home treatments. Although self-help measures won’t cure psoriasis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may benefit you:
EPSOM SALT
An Epsom salt bath is great for skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. It will help relieve itching and burning sensations, and soften the scaling that occurs with psoriasis. Plus, it is good for relaxation and detoxification.
How to use: Mix two cups of Epsom salt in a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. When you get out of the bath, pat dry your skin and apply a good moisturizer liberally. Do this two or three times a week.
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is loaded with vitamins and minerals (like selenium, manganese, and iron) which are excellent for nourishing and healing damaged skin. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this particular remedy, those who have tried it will likely confirm that taking an oatmeal bath is another effective way to relieve the itching, redness, and inflammation of psoriasis.
Remedy 1: Thoroughly mix one cup of finely powdered oatmeal in a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak in this oatmeal bath for 15 to 20 minutes daily during flare-ups. When you get out of the bath, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry your skin and generously apply a good moisturizer.
Remedy 2: Another option is to wrap two handfuls of rolled oats in a muslin cloth, place it in the bathtub and run hot water over it. Next, add some cold water to bring the bath water to a comfortable temperature and squeeze the oat bag. The water will turn milky. Soak in this water for about 10 minutes. You can use the oat bag as a gentle cleanser while soaking. After this bath, pat dry and moisturize your skin.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is one of the most popular and widely used natural remedies for skin ailments. Aloe vera provides relief from the symptoms of psoriasis by treating skin irritation. It forms a protective layer on broken skin and promotes healing. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory compounds that fight inflammation and boost the immune system.
How to use: Extract the translucent gel from an aloe vera leaf. Apply it on the affected area. Leave it on until it is completely absorbed in the skin. Repeat three times daily for several weeks.
GLYCERIN
Glycerin is considered great for skin as it attracts moisture and thus helps maintain beautiful and healthy skin.
How to use: Liberally apply glycerin on the affected area. Leave it on for as long as possible. Use it two or three times daily for a few weeks or until you are satisfied with the results.
CASTOR OIL
Applying Castrol oil to small, thick and well-circumscribed lesions will help to improve your skin. Mix cold-pressed castor oil with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Apply this mixture on the lesions before going to bed. You will notice a complete healing of that area after a few weeks. Do not apply this on open skin.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is excellent for dealing with psoriasis because it softens the skin, thereby reducing flaking and scaling.
Remedy 1: Add two drops of calendula oil and one drop of oregano oil to one cup of olive oil. Apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours before washing it off. Repeat several times a day during flare-ups.
Remedy 2: Simply applying lukewarm olive oil generously on the affected area can help treat psoriasis. Reapply several times daily until you get positive results.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Packed with raw enzymes and good, healthy bacteria which work to improve an impressive number of bodily functions, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is widely recognized as one of the most potent and beneficial natural remedies on the planet especially for psoriasis.
Remedy 1: Mix one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it twice daily, especially during flare-ups. This remedy is also good for overall health as it detoxifies the body.
Remedy 2: mix together one part apple cider vinegar and three parts lukewarm water. Soak a washcloth in this solution and use it as a compress for about one minute. Repeat several times a day during flare-ups.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- An ice pack will help soothe the itching and irritation caused by psoriasis. Plus, by numbing the nerve endings, it will also ease acute pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
- Take a daily bath or shower, but do not scrub the skin too hard as it can irritate the skin and trigger an attack. Use a body wash instead of bar soap, which can be drying.
- Keep the skin moist and clean.