Psoriasis is a common skin ailment and although initially off-putting, it is not contagious, and actually results from an abnormal response from the body’s immune system. With psoriasis, skin cells are replaced every 3-5 days instead of the usual 30 days.
Currently over 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis. Some of them will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.
Unfortunately, those affected by psoriasis report that it’s a huge problem in their day to day life. It can develop at any age and affect many different parts of the body.
Treatment often includes topical steroids, vitamins, immunosuppressants, and light therapy. But some long-term medical treatments aren’t always good for us, and the side-effects can be even worse than what the medication is treating.
If it feels like the right fit for you, you may want to consider some homeopathic and at-home natural remedies for psoriasis, or at least the management of the symptoms, as it is technically not curable.
Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments
Salts
Salts such as Epsom and dead sea salt can help to remove the scales caused by psoriasis and relieve itching. They are best used by soaking in a warm bath; try not to scrub away at your skin with the salts as it can cause irritation and redness.
Sunlight
Oddly, many people with psoriasis claim that getting out into sunlight for a period of team on a regular basis helps clear up symptoms of psoriasis. No one has been able to figure out exactly how this works, but there’s nothing better than getting out on a nice day, and if it helps relieve your symptoms, then why not?
Just keep in mind that longer exposure to sunlight can actually irritate your psoriasis if you end up with sunburn.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a great treatment for inflammation in general, which makes it ideal for psoriasis. A derivative from hemp, CBD oil is now widely popular for treating various illnesses and the market for it is only growing.
Studies have shown that CBD oil works against autoimmune diseases by suppressing excessive cell recreation. If you’re not sure how to start with this treatment, keep an eye out for skin lotions and oils that have a CBD additive. If you see a noticeable improvement talk to your health care professional about moving to stronger and more direct products.
Oat Extracts
Oats have been used for centuries as a soother for skin. It’s a common treatment for the chicken pox as well as scalp irritation. You have the option to buy products with oat additives or you can just pop open a can of ground oatmeal and pour it into a warm bathtub.
It will be a bit slimy, so some experts recommend adding a lavender oil or the essential oil of your choice to make the bath a bit more palatable. Why does it work? Oatmeal contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both healthy for your skin.
Aloe Vera
This one is a no-brainer. If you’ve ever experienced sunburn, you know how incredibly soothing aloe vera can be.
Aloe vera is a type of succulent whose extract is moisturizing and an anti-irritant. You can buy the gel on its own or as an additive to other skin care products – and even food and drink! Yogurts with aloe, as well as aloe vera drinks, exist, although they won’t help your psoriasis as it needs to be applied directly to the skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric is best known for being an herb added to many distinct dishes such as curries. It’s been proven to be an anti-inflammatory and can help relieve psoriasis symptoms by cutting down on the irritation in the skin.
The great thing about turmeric is that it can be used in many different ways, and you can find which one suits your needs. Teas, powders, pills – just make sure you’re checking in with your doctor to find out which dosage would be best for you.
Why Is Non-Steroid Better?
One of the most common treatments for psoriasis is topical steroids. They’re generally the front line of treatment, and combined with other options such as phototherapy or other topical therapies. Although derived from natural corticosteroid hormones produced by adrenal glands, long-term steroid use can lead to ailments such as:
- Easy bruising
- Irritability
- Acne
- Blurry vision
- Jaundice
- Sleeplessness
- Weight gain
And much more. Overall, long-term steroid use isn’t ideal; but for someone living with psoriasis, it might be an option that their doctor recommends.
If you are going to treat your psoriasis with steroids, we suggest using a combination of medication and at-home remedies to cut down on the negative effects of steroid use. Read further into each homeopathic treatment option to figure out which one best fits your needs, and if it involves doses or potentially harmful side effects, make sure you’re checking in with your medical practitioner.