What Are Natural Treatments for Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes dry, red patches of skin that flake off, become irritated and itchy, and sometimes bleed. Medical treatments are available; however natural home treatments are less costly and often successful. Treat psoriasis skin irritation symptoms both inside and out with home treatments, diet and exercise.
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Causes
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Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the body produces skin cells faster than the dead ones can slough off naturally. The buildup of dead cells causes patches of irritation that can be itchy and irritating. The most common locations are the arms and elbows, scalp, knees and lower back.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known; however, several factors are known to cause outbreaks in people with the condition. Alcohol consumption, stress, anxiety, medicine reactions and being overweight can make the condition worse. Genetics may play a role.
Home Treatments
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A common treatment for psoriasis is to soak in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes and then apply petroleum jelly to the affected areas to retain moisture. Use pure petroleum jelly.
Apple cider vinegar soothes skin inflammation and will disinfect the area. The vinegar will also aid in returning the skin to a normal pH. A mixture of one gallon water and one cup apple cider vinegar can be applied to a towel and used as a compress on affected areas.
Olive oil can be applied directly to the scalp and massaged in prior to washing the hair. For a bath treatment, mix two teaspoons olive oil into a glass of milk and pour into the bath water. Mineral oil can also be added to bath water. If neither of these oil options are available, one cup of vegetable oil can be substituted.
Aloe has been known to treat burns and will also give relief to the itching and burning of psoriasis. If you have an aloe plant, break one of the leaves off and aloe will ooze when squeezed. Rub into the affected areas for relief.
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Diet and Exercise
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Internal treatments for psoriasis involve correcting liver function to efficiently detoxify and filter. Herbs to assist with this function are burdock and milk thistle. Burdock roots and leaves can be purchased at health food stores or gathered outside. The roots and leaves are cooked and eaten. Milk thistle can be purchased as a supplement.
Exercise that causes sweating will flush the skin and work to treat the condition naturally. Exercise also introduces vitamin D into the system, especially when done in the sun.
Turmeric and curry spices are anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement, and curry is used commonly in cooking. Turmeric is one of the spices in the curry spice mixture. Green tea can also be mixed with turmeric and drank.
When an outbreak occurs, eat green vegetables. The normal servings of fruit and vegetables per day are five to seven. Increase this if possible, as green vegetables can be anti-inflammatory.
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