A Guide to Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is characterized by raised red patches on the skin with thick, silvery scales. Depending on the type of psoriasis, the affected skin may have pustules or become red and scaly. Some types of psoriasis are plague psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, guttate psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.

Psoriasis usually occurs on the legs, arms, trunk, scalp or nails. However, it can affect any skin area. Most adults diagnosed with psoriasis have it on their knees and elbows.

There are many causes of psoriasis. These include an abnormality in the immune system, genetics, skin injury, smoking, and an abnormality in the body's ability to metabolize amino acids and other proteins.

Several medications are available to treat this skin condition. There are also many natural and alternative home remedies to treat it.

Home Remedies

Take a bath, a shower or go for a swim to rehydrate very dry skin and soften thick psoriasis scales without causing further skin damage. A shower or bath also reduces itchiness and redness of the lesions. Use tepid rather than hot water; hot water can intensify the itching.
Moisturize frequently. This prevents skin dryness while also relieving inflammation and preventing the condition from getting worse. It also makes psoriasis scales less noticeable. You could use household items like lard, cooking oils and petroleum jelly to moisturize the skin or purchase thick moisturizers from the supermarket. Apply moisturizer right after a shower or bath.
If you are cooped inside an air-conditioned room, make sure to humidify. Dry indoor air can cause dry skin and worsen psoriasis. Invest in a room humidifier to ensure optimum humidity levels.
Aloe vera is known for its skin soothing properties. It is also an effective remedy for psoriasis scales. Aloe vera gel is readily available these days. Buy an aloe vera plant to have access to fresh aloe vera juice when needed. Apply aloe vera directly on the affected areas.
Apple cider vinegar is a great disinfectant. Like aloe vera, it soothes many skin inflammations. Pour apple cider vinegar in a bowl and dip in the affected area or use cotton balls to apply on the plaques. You can also prepare a compress by adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a gallon of clean water. Dip a washcloth in the mixture and place on the affected skin to relieve itching.
To treat psoriasis scales on the scalp, massage a small amount of warm olive oil onto the scalp. This helps soften and remove scales. Afterwards, shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda is also helpful in relieving the itching caused by psoriasis. Mix one-and-a-half cups of baking soda in three gallons of water and apply on the itchy patches using a cloth.
Buy fish oil supplements. Studies show that applying fish oil on psoriasis patches hastens the healing process.