Psoriasis is caused when the immune system becomes abnormal. It is a chronic disease which is non-transferable but is usually inherited. Skin gets red, dry, rough and silver white patches are observed over the skin. The disease is common in the people between fifteen to forty years of age.
Different types of psoriasis are found in various people viz. plaque, guttate, inverse, postular, erythrodermic and psoriatic arthritis. Plaque psoriasis is a common type of disease out of these. Scalps, palms, elbows, faces are the common parts of the body affected with psoriasis.
Though the disease is not curable, symptoms can be reduced and controlled. If not cared properly, the affected person may face irritation, itchiness, redness and inflammation. Though there are medical treatments available but the alternative natural curing methods can be cheap as well as effective. Below mentioned some of the methods through which the psoriasis symptoms can be reduced a lot.
Natural Cures for Psoriasis
Medicinal Herbs
Willow bark contains salicin and is effective in curing psoriasis. Burdock in the form of tincture is beneficial for treating psoriasis. 20-40 drops of this tincture consumed for 3 times in a day are helpful in removing symptoms of psoriasis.
Banana peels can also be tried as these are commonly used for treating various skin ailments. Tea prepared from fumitory can be applied over the infected part for two times in a day. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can be useful for treating the symptoms of psoriasis.
Figwort herb is effective in psoriasis treatment as it is helpful in removing plaques. 2 ml of figwort in the tincture form can be consumed two times in a day. Dandelion and Echinacea are also very useful for curing psoriasis.
Cayenne pepper is a medicinal herb that has anti-inflammatory properties. Cream prepared from this herb can be used to apply over the infected area. It can be used for a period of 6 weeks but should not be applied over the broken skin.
Vitamins
Those who suffer from psoriasis have been found to have deficiency in vitamin B12. It is good to have foods rich in Vitamin B12, for example, yogurt, cereals etc. Similarly, one should also consume Vitamin K rich foods like green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D deficiency has also been found in psoriasis patients. So it is also good to eat Vitamin D rich foods or just expose the body under the sun to get direct Vitamin D.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Diluted apple cider vinegar is good for the skin infected with psoriasis and reduces itching. It can also be added in the bath water which is beneficial for the skin.
Essential Oils
Fish Oil reduces proteins in the body that is responsible for causing inflammation, a symptom of psoriasis. Flaxseed oil also has similar effects like fish oil. It can be added to salad to having it in the diet or 1-2 tablespoons of the oil can also be taken daily. It can be applied on the affected area two times in a day for getting relief from psoriasis symptoms.
Castor oil mixed with baking soda is very helpful in improving the skin. It can be applied on the affected area and left overnight for effective use. Emu oil consists of fatty acids that can be very helpful in psoriasis treatment. Similarly Neem seed oil is also recommended a lot.
Shark Cartilage
The extract of shark cartilage has anti-inflammatory properties and is found to be helpful for treating psoriasis. It can also be taken in the form of pills or can be used as food supplement. It can be consumed once in a day and have lesser side effects like rashes, nausea etc.
Turmeric
Commonly available spice at home, turmeric can help in providing relief from skin inflammation, pain and swelling. It is also available in the form of capsules that can be taken as dietary supplement.
Diet Habits
Avoid consuming sugar, caffeine, white flour and gluten in the diet as psoriasis is considered to be associated with obesity. Maintain a healthy body weight and eliminate foods that increase fat. Include fruits and vegetables in the diet and exercise daily. One should also avoid consuming alcohol. Those who take alcohol are more likely to be affected with psoriasis.
This risk is also more prevalent in men than women as men are more prone to drinking alcohol. Women should avoid drinking more than one glass of alcohol per day while men should avoid having more than two glasses in a day.
Remain Happy Psychologically
The person affected with psoriasis is more likely to be depressed, may have low self esteem or may feel embarrassed and lonely in a social gathering. Being in good mental health is also important for fighting with the disease symptoms. Consult therapist and psychologist, talk to other people and understand the challenges. This method can be helpful to remain happy mentally.
Avoid Smoking
Stop smoking as it can further enhance the disease symptoms. Those who smoke a lot suffer from worse conditions than those who don’t. The effect of smoking on women patients of psoriasis is very bad as compared to that on men.
Sun Exposure
Sunlight can be a good option to try. Be under sunlight for 20 minutes for 3 days per week. Excess exposure can further lead to problems like sun burn. So, a little sun exposure is better for the skin. Apply sunscreen on the unaffected part of your body and be under the sun for a while. One should always consult the doctor before trying sun exposure as there may be negative effects..
Bathing Tips
One should always take a bath in Luke warm water and avoid hot water. Don’t take bath in pure water; add bathing salts and oils to the bath water to make it gentle to the skin as pure water dries up the skin. Use towel gently and slowly.
Don’t rub it harshly on the body. Apply a suitable moisturizer after that. Keep the skin moist using an ointment or a cream as dry skin is more prone to be affected by itchiness. Also, apply the cream before going to sleep which would help in providing relaxation to the body.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
