NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT SCALP PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a complex, reoccurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin. Even though there is no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms. The discomfort of psoriasis can be relieved or lessened and many treatment options include common kitchen items found in your home. Here are the top psoriasis remedies:
OATS
Oats are considered one of nature’s best skin soothers. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of oats to relieve psoriasis symptoms. But many individuals with psoriasis report applying an oat paste or taking a bath in oats relieves their itchy skin and reduces redness.
OLIVE OIL AND MILK
An old favourite for easing psoriasis outbreaks is mixing 2 teaspoons olive oil with a large glass of milk and adding the concoction to your bathwater. Or if you are dealing with psoriasis on your scalp, massage some warm olive oil on your scaly patches. It will help soften the dead skin and make it easier to remove.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Capsaicin, the substance that gives cayenne pepper its heat, helps relieve pain and itching by blocking the communication system of sensory nerves. And studies have found that a cream containing capsaicin helped relieve itching and got rid of psoriasis plaques. Look for a cream containing 0.025 to 0.075 percent capsaicin any more than that and you’ll risk burning your skin. It takes about a week for the cream to work. It may cause an initial, brief burning sensation when applied to plaques, and it must be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes
DEAD SEA SALTS, EPSOM SALTS AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Adding Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts to your warm (not hot) bath water and soaking in the tub for about 15 minutes may help remove scales and ease itching. Be sure to apply this on your scalp too. You may see some improvement.
MAHONIA
Mahonia is a powerful antimicrobial herb that plays a role in immune response. Studies show that applying a cream containing 10% mahonia is effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
ALOE VERA
The gel from the Aloe Vera plant has long been known for its skin-soothing properties and for helping the skin heal from minor wounds and burns. If you want to try aloe, you can buy the plant itself, split open one of its leaves, and smear the gel onto the plaques. For larger areas of plaque or a more portable balm, you can instead purchase a bottle of pure aloe vera gel at many pharmacies and health-food stores.
FISH OIL
Eating a couple of servings weekly of salmon, albacore tuna, and other fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, the hallmark of psoriasis. Fish oil supplements also are available over the counter in capsule form at many food markets and drugstores.