Psoriasis is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting more than 7.5 million people in the United States alone. While psoriasis is a chronic, ongoing condition without a cure, there are ways that you can effectively manage the symptoms and even prevent future outbreaks. [1]
Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis is a complicated autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin. People who have psoriasis may experience any combination of the following symptoms:
- Red, scaly patches that range in size
- Dry, cracked skin
- Itching
- Small red dots (Guttate psoriasis)
- Burning, painful lesions
- Thick or pitted nails
- Swollen, stiff joints
Patients with psoriasis can experience a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild periods of discomfort to more prolonged and severe outbreaks. The symptoms of psoriasis can affect the entirety of the body but are most often found on the trunk, scalp, knees, and elbows.
Avoiding Potential Triggers
While psoriasis outbreaks can occur with no known cause or trigger, many patients have found that certain factors increase their symptoms. The following are just a few things to avoid if you want to prevent psoriasis outbreaks.
Stress
A major contributing factor to psoriasis symptoms is stress. When we experience stress, one of the immediate effects throughout our body is inflammation. For psoriasis patients, this inflammation can exacerbate the condition and lead to an excessive immune response.
Since the immune system in a psoriasis patient is already in overdrive, this response may cause a severe outbreak.
Skin Irritation
Patients with psoriasis are advised to avoid anything that can irritate the skin, due to an effect called the Koebner phenomenon. This refers to an intense inflammatory response in the skin that occurs when someone with psoriasis experiences a sunburn, insect bite, poison ivy rash, or anything else that can irritate the skin.
With the Koebner phenomenon, the skin of psoriasis patients can become more inflamed than it would in individuals without psoriasis. For this reason, patients are advised to avoid anything that can cause skin aggravation. [2]
Smoking
While smoking is an unhealthy habit for anyone, people with psoriasis are encouraged to avoid it because it may act as a trigger for outbreaks. This may be due to the fact that smoking is linked to increased stress and inflammation throughout the body.
Studies have also shown that smoking may lead to the development of psoriasis in patients who did not previously have the condition. [3]
Natural Remedies for Psoriasis Symptoms
Many patients struggling with psoriasis find it difficult to treat or manage their symptoms with certain solutions. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to try a variety of different treatment options to see what alleviates your symptoms. Below are some of the most effective natural remedies.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera presents a variety of benefits for psoriasis symptoms. The natural gel-like substance produced by this plant contains soothing properties that can reduce irritation and calm inflamed skin.
Aloe vera can also deeply moisturize the skin, helping prevent outbreaks that occur due to dryness. The best way to use aloe vera for psoriasis symptoms is by applying it directly to the affected skin.
Oats
Oats are known for numerous health properties when consumed, including lowering cholesterol and improving heart health. What many people don’t know is that oats can also resolve psoriasis symptoms when applied to the skin.
To reduce problems like swelling, itching, and irritation, you can add a handful of finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath and soak your skin for 20 to 30 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The natural healing properties of apple cider vinegar are abundant and widely recognized as a great option for psoriasis sufferers. When applied to the skin, apple cider vinegar can disinfect and reduce inflammation. It is especially effective when applied to outbreaks on the scalp.
To use as a psoriasis treatment, dilute pure apple cider vinegar 50/50 with warm water and soak the affected area in this solution for up to 20 minutes. [4]
Turmeric
Turmeric is known as a spicy ingredient you can add to many dishes, but it may also serve as a natural psoriasis remedy.
When applied topically or ingested orally, turmeric has been shown to fight inflammation throughout the body. This can help reduce the intensity and frequency of psoriasis outbreaks. Turmeric may also strengthen the skin barrier’s function by regulating certain proteins within the skin. [5]
Dead Sea Salt
Dead Sea salt refers to salt and mineral deposits that have been harvested from the Dead Sea. While this salt may appear the same as regular table salt, it provides a variety of properties that can help with psoriasis outbreaks.
The unique chemical makeup can soothe irritated skin and reduce overall inflammation. To use Dead Sea salt for your psoriasis, add several tablespoons to a warm bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Moisturizer
One of the most effective ways to prevent or alleviate psoriasis outbreaks is by keeping your skin properly moisturized. Dry skin is much more vulnerable to psoriasis symptoms than well-hydrated skin.
To keep your skin adequately moisturized, apply twice daily an all-natural moisturizer that has been formulated specifically for sensitive skin. It is also essential to keep skin moisturized from the inside out by drinking enough water.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids is one of the best ways to reduce psoriasis symptoms from within. This is because omega-3 fatty acids are known to subdue inflammation and support a healthy immune system. The easiest way to ingest omega-3 acids is through supplementation, but it can also be found naturally in fish.
Natural Remedies for Psoriasis
If you are struggling with psoriasis symptoms or recurrent outbreaks, natural remedies could be an effective treatment. Things like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and more have all been shown to relieve psoriasis symptoms and reduce further outbreaks.
Before trying any new treatment for a medical condition, always consult with your physician beforehand. Natural remedies are not viable treatments for every patient and you may be in need of alternative solutions.
References:
[1] Psoriasis: Causes, Triggers and Treatments: National Psoriasis Foundation
[2] Koebner’s Phenomenon (Koebnerization) and Psoriasis (webmd.com)
[3] Smoking and Psoriasis : National Psoriasis Foundation
[4] Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis: Can It Help? | MyPsoriasisTeam[5] Turmeric for psoriasis: Does it work, and how? (medicalnewstoday.com)