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Step 1
Use mild soaps: If you have psoriasis, use mild soaps for bathing. Look for soaps that have nourishing oils as an ingredient. One example would be Castile soaps, which are soaps that are traditionally made with olive oil.
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Step 2
Consider taking cooler showers if you have psoriasis: Hot water is more drying than warm or lukewarm water.
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Step 3
Find uses for apple cider vinegar if you have psoriasis: Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a bath of cool water to help alleviate problem skin.
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Step 4
Try salt baths for psoriasis: Add Dead Sea salts to a lukewarm water bath and soak in it for 15 minutes. Lukewarm water is less drying than hot water. Remember to moisturize the skin while still damp.
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Step 5
Use bath oils for psoriasis: Add a small amount of moisturizing bath oil (such as olive or jojoba oil) to warm or lukewarm bath water prior to bathing.
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Step 6
Use tea tree oil for psoriasis: Tea tree oil can be applied to areas that are affected by psoriasis. Follow instructions for diluting the oil when using pure essential oils.
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Step 7
Use chamomile tea for psoriasis: Drinking chamomile tea can promote relaxation. Placing chamomile tea bags on irritated skin may help to calm the skin. Be sure to let tea bags cool before handling and placing these on the skin. Use of chamomile tea or products is not recommended for persons who are pregnant or using blood thinners.
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Step 8
Consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet if you have psoriasis: Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seed oil, wheat germ oil, and wild salmon.
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Step 9
Reduce consumption of hydrogenated oils: Beware of partially hydrogenated oils, as these do not offer the same benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids and oils. Look for cold-pressed oils as an alternative.
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Step 10
Vitamin E: Taking a daily dose of a Vitamin E supplement may help to alleviate symptoms associated with psoriasis.
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Step 11
Consider eating a more vegetarian diet: Ayurvedic practitioners recommend following a vegetarian diet and eating vitamin E rich foods to alleviate symptoms associated with psoriasis.
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Step 12
Avoid triggers if you have psoriasis: Pay attention to your diet and environment. Spicy foods, red meats, and other foods may trigger outbreaks of psoriasis. Stress can also aggravate the condition. If you notice something that triggers a flare-up, try to avoid it.
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Step 13
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments.
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Step 14
Find ways to reduce stress: Stress can aggravate psoriasis. Identify sources of stress. Then find ways to relax. Consider taking up yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or other mind-body activities that promote relaxation. Article text © 2009 by urbandill. All rights reserved
