How to Manage Psoriasis in Winter

Winter brings a whole set of skin problems for many people; however, these problems are even worse for people who suffer from psoriasis. Cold weather, dry indoor heat and other environmental factors rob the skin of the moisture it needs, causing psoriasis symptoms to flare up. Even worse, winter colds weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to resist outbreaks of psoriasis. Read on to learn how to manage psoriasis.

Things You'll Need

• Oatmeal
• Old nylon stocking
• German chamomile essential oil
• Carrier oil
• Petroleum jelly
• Kali arsenicosum
• Graphites
• Sulfur
• Arsenicum

Instructions

1. Place 1/2 cup of oatmeal in an old nylon stocking and tie the top with a knot. Place the oatmeal stocking in a hot bath and add five drops of German chamomile essential oil to the water. A hot healing oatmeal and chamomile soak is a great way to calm the body and nerves, soothe and soften dry itchy skin and help manage psoriasis during the cold winter months.

2. Add one drop of German chamomile essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil as a daily soothing moisturizer to help manage psoriasis. This natural moisturizer will help your skin maintain its moisture balance during the harsh environmental changes of winter, while the chamomile will soothe and relax your mind and body. Use this moisturizer oncer or twice a day to calm psoriasis symptoms.

3. Enjoy your winter holiday meals all winter long to manage psoriasis, as studies show that turkey and popular stuffing ingredients such as celery, parsley and lemon help to soothe psoriasis flare-ups.

4. Rub a light layer of petroleum jelly onto skin patches aggravated by exposure to winter cold. Apply a thin layer before entering the cold can help manage flare-ups.

5. Use simple homeopathic remedies to treat winter specific symptoms. Apply Kali arsenicosum to areas worsened by artificial indoor heat. If the changing temperatures have cause scaly areas behind your ears which secrete a honey-colored pus, use graphites. If you have a cold or flu with fever that's making your symptoms flare, take sulfur or if you are suffering from winter chills that are aggravating your symptoms, use Arsenicum.

Tips & Warnings

• All the homeopathic remedies mentioned in this article are readily available in most health food stores.

• When using sulfur remedies, take a 30C dose four times a day for 14 days. For all other remedies mentioned in this article, take a 6C four times a day for 14 days.

• See a doctor if your skin is flaking and itching more intensely than normal, if you notice signs of infection, or if these home treatments fail to work after three weeks.