13 Psoriasis Home Remedies: Soothe Your Skin

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it’s an autoimmune battle where your body mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply at an alarming rate. Imagine your skin cells, typically on a leisurely month-long journey, suddenly hitting fast-forward, completing their cycle in just three to four days.

This rapid turnover leads to a buildup on the skin’s surface, manifesting as thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. These aren’t just cosmetic; they often come with persistent itching, discomfort, and sometimes even pain, impacting daily life.

While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms, and several home remedies can offer significant relief.

Before you explore these Psoriasis Home Remedies, it is crucial to understand their role. These methods are designed to be complementary, not a substitute for professional medical care. You should always consult a dermatologist before starting any new treatment.

Section 1: Topical Remedies (For Skin Relief)

This section focuses on external applications that can soothe skin, reduce itching, and calm inflammation directly on the affected areas.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat psoriasis symptoms. Moisturizers work by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, which traps moisture. 

How to Apply

• For best results, apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment to your skin immediately after bathing or showering, while it is still damp.
• This helps to lock in the moisture from the water. For severely dry patches, consider applying the moisturizer and then covering the area with plastic wrap or a waterproof dressing overnight.
• This technique, known as occlusion, can significantly enhance the moisturizer’s effects.

Oatmeal Baths

Why It Works
Colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground oatmeal suspended in a liquid, is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. It contains compounds like avenanthramides, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These compounds can help soothe the irritation and itching caused by psoriasis, providing gentle relief.

• How to Use
  You can purchase pre-made colloidal oatmeal bath packets or make your own.
• To prepare an oatmeal bath, grind one cup of regular oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
• Stir the powdered oatmeal into a tub of lukewarm water until it dissolves completely.
• Soak in the bath for about 15 minutes, then gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer.

Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt Baths

Salts, particularly those from the Dead Sea or Epsom salts, can offer therapeutic benefits for psoriasis. The high concentration of magnesium and other minerals in these salts can help reduce inflammation and assist in loosening the scales on psoriasis plaques, making them easier to remove without damaging the skin underneath.

How to Use

• Dissolve about one to two cups of Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
• Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen dryness, so it is important to keep the temperature moderate.
• Soak for about 15 minutes. Soaking for too long can have a drying effect.
• After the bath, rinse your skin, gently pat it dry, and apply a generous amount of moisturizer.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant well-known for its soothing and healing properties. The gel from its leaves contains natural anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce the redness and swelling of psoriasis plaques.

Research has shown that creams containing aloe vera can be effective in calming psoriasis symptoms.

How to Use It

• When choosing a product, look for a cream or gel that contains at least 0.5% aloe vera for it to be effective.
• Apply the gel directly to the affected areas of the skin up to three times per day.
• Allow it to absorb fully. Many people find the cooling sensation of the gel provides immediate relief from itching and discomfort.

Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin is the compound in chili peppers that makes them hot. When used in a topical cream, it may help relieve psoriasis symptoms by desensitizing nerve endings.

By blocking the nerve signals that cause itching and pain, capsaicin, one of the most effective Psoriasis home remedies, can reduce discomfort and help decrease scaling and redness over time.

How to Use

• Capsaicin cream often causes an initial burning sensation upon application, which typically lessens with repeated use.
• Because of this, it is essential to perform a patch test on a small area of unaffected skin first to see how your skin reacts.
• Apply a small amount to the plaques a few times a day, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each application to avoid getting the cream in your eyes or other sensitive areas.

Section 2: Lifestyle & Mind-Body Practices

Managing psoriasis effectively often involves more than just treating the skin. Lifestyle and mind-body practices can play a crucial role in controlling triggers and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Reduce Stress

Stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. When you experience stress, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can set off an inflammatory response in the immune system. For individuals with psoriasis, this can lead to new or worsening symptoms.

How to Practice

• Meditation: Guided meditation apps can help you focus your mind and achieve a state of calm.
• Yoga: This practice combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to reduce stress.
• Mindfulness: Being present and fully aware of the moment can help you break the cycle of stressful thoughts.
• Deep Breathing: Simple deep breathing exercises can lower your heart rate and promote relaxation.

Harness Sunlight (Phototherapy)

Controlled exposure to sunlight can be beneficial for psoriasis. The ultraviolet B (UVB) light found in sunlight can slow the rapid growth of skin cells that is characteristic of psoriasis. This can lead to a reduction in inflammation, scaling, and the overall size of plaques.

Crucial Caution

• Overexposure can lead to sunburn, which worsens psoriasis through a process known as the Koebner phenomenon, where new psoriasis lesions appear on injured skin.
• Always start with very short periods of exposure, such as 5 to 10 minutes a day, and gradually increase the duration if your skin tolerates it well.
• It is also wise to apply sunscreen to unaffected areas of your skin to protect them from UV damage.

Avoid Smoking

• Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing psoriasis and can make existing symptoms more severe.
• The toxins in cigarette smoke trigger widespread inflammation throughout the body, which can exacerbate the autoimmune response responsible for psoriasis.
• Furthermore, smoking can reduce the effectiveness of certain psoriasis treatments, making it harder to manage the condition.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can also hurt psoriasis. It is known to trigger flare-ups in some individuals and can interfere with the effectiveness and safety of certain psoriasis medications, including methotrexate.

Limiting or avoiding alcohol can help keep your symptoms under control and ensure your treatments work as intended.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess Weight and Psoriasis Severity: There’s a strong link between carrying extra weight and how severe psoriasis can be.

Inflammatory Proteins: Fat cells release inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which fuel the systemic inflammation driving psoriasis.

Weight Loss Benefits: Studies show that losing excess weight can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms and make treatments more effective.

Insulin Resistance: Obesity often leads to insulin resistance, which can further exacerbate inflammation and contribute to psoriasis flare-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate insulin levels.

Section 3: Diet & Supplements

What you eat can have a direct impact on inflammation levels in your body. This section explores how dietary choices and certain supplements may help manage psoriasis from the inside out.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Since psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, adopting a diet that helps reduce systemic inflammation can be highly beneficial. An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting those that can promote inflammation.

What to Eat
Are you wondering which foods can help fight inflammation? Building your meals around these options is a great start.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as walnuts and flaxseeds.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, and other colorful produce are rich in antioxidants.
• Lean Protein: Choose options like chicken, turkey, and beans.

What to Avoid
To support your anti-inflammatory efforts, it is best to reduce your intake of foods that can trigger inflammation. This includes processed foods, red meat, dairy products, and refined sugars.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice, is a staple in Indian cooking. Its active compound, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that has been studied for its potential to reduce psoriasis symptoms. Curcumin works by blocking inflammatory enzymes and proteins.

How to Use

• Turmeric can be incorporated into your routine in a few ways.
• You can add the spice to your cooking, or you can take it as an oral supplement for a more concentrated dose.
• Some people also find relief by applying a cream or paste containing turmeric directly to psoriasis plaques.

Probiotics & Gut Health

Emerging research is uncovering a powerful connection between the health of your gut and your skin, often referred to as the “gut-skin axis.” A healthy gut microbiome, which is the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive tract, plays a vital role in regulating the immune system.

An imbalance in these bacteria may contribute to inflammation and potentially trigger psoriasis flares. Consuming probiotics through fermented foods or supplements can help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing psoriasis requires a well-rounded approach that includes a combination of topical remedies for quick relief, long-term lifestyle adjustments, and a balanced diet.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, these strategies, including psoriasis home remedies, can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Consulting with a dermatologist is crucial. They can offer an accurate diagnosis, prescribe effective treatments, and guide you on safely incorporating psoriasis home remedies into your routine..

It’s important to remember that if your psoriasis is severe or worsening, you should always seek professional medical advice.

For more tips, remedies, and expert insights, visit Totkay today and take the first step toward managing your psoriasis with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a diet that can cure psoriasis?

No, no diet can cure psoriasis. However, an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins) can help manage symptoms.

How long do home remedies take to work?

Some remedies, like moisturizers, offer immediate relief. Others, such as dietary changes, may take weeks or months to show a noticeable effect.

Is sunlight a safe treatment for psoriasis?

Controlled sun exposure can be safe and beneficial. The UVB rays can slow skin cell growth. Start with short periods (5-10 minutes) to avoid sunburn, which can worsen the condition.

What are the best moisturizers for psoriasis?

Use thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments. Look for ingredients like ceramides, salicylic acid, or coal tar. Apply immediately after bathing.

Can I use apple cider vinegar on my skin?

Yes, but always dilute it with water (1:1 ratio) to avoid irritation. Do not apply it to broken or cracked skin, as it will cause a burning sensation.

Do salt baths work for psoriasis?

Yes. Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt baths can help reduce inflammation and loosen scales. Limit your bath to 15 minutes and use only lukewarm water.