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What are Some Home Remedies for Psoriasis?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Psoriasis can be a painful condition. A qualified physician should always treat advanced cases. However, there are some ways to treat milder cases with a range of home remedies.

One of the things about psoriasis is that the condition makes the skin dry, with a predilection toward flaking and itching. Using some sort of application that will help provide moisture for the skin will go a long way in helping with the condition. Lactic acid moisturizers that are purchased over the counter at the drugstore can work very well. Bag balm and cow cream can be applied after a shower, while the skin is still relatively supple and moist. Also, garlic oil that is rubbed into the dry patch before bedtime can help keep down the itching and also moisten the skin. Essentially, anything that can be used as an emollient will do the trick. This means you can use a dab of petroleum jelly rubbed into the skin, or even vegetable shortening.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that makes the skin extremely dry and itchy.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that makes the skin extremely dry and itchy.

Using the power of light has brought relief to some people with this condition. A homeopathic physician can advise on the proper way to administer ultraviolet light treatments at home, including how to set up the necessary equipment and how long the treatments should last. UVB sun lamps are easy to find and purchase, but they do have to be operated with care. Too much exposure through multiple treatments in a short period of time may cause the psoriasis to worsen rather than alleviate the condition.

Moisturizers that contain lactic acid may help alleviate some mild forms of Psoriasis.
Moisturizers that contain lactic acid may help alleviate some mild forms of Psoriasis.

There is a school of thought that believes food allergies can worsen psoriasis. If this appears to be the case, then first, eliminate foods from the diet that may be causing a minor allergic reaction. At the same time, try a gluten-free diet for a month and see what happens. Removing wheat, oats, rye and barley from daily consumption has worked in helping to lessen the severity of a number of skin conditions. Second, add foods that are rich in Vitamins A, B complex, D, and E to the diet. Supplement with such herbs as capsicum, red clover, and golden seal. These help promote healthy skin, and may be just what is needed to bring the skin under control.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

wleene1971

There are many natural home remedies for psoriasis which can temporarily relieve the symptoms, moisturize and soften plaques, and help to heal damaged skin.

anon953915

I've been gluten-free for five months but it hasn't helped. Now I'm trying Nightshade-free (no potatoes, tomatoes, peppers etc.) Has anyone tried this?

anon944051

Where would I get turmeric capsules from? I'm told it helps with scalp psoriasis Is this correct?

anon358007

Use aloe vera (Nature's Plus) soap bar every time you shower. the psoriasis will be gone in a week, and no itching.

anon314082

I'm 30 years old and I have had psoriasis since I was 23. I hate it. I never wear short sleeves or shorts, even when it's hot. Everyone asks me why I don't ever wear short sleeves.

I have no money to go to the doctor. I've been trying to live like this since I've had it. I tell people I have it, but I just don't want anyone to see it because it's so ugly. It's in my ears, and on my head, legs, arms and back. Can anyone who has this please let me know what I can do at home to take care of this?

anon308889

So sorry to hear all these stories. I hate psoriasis and what it does to people's lives. I've had it for over 10 years. I have tried many topicals and supplements to the point I ignore them now.

The only thing that has helped me 90 percent is this crazy remedy I found online. I was searching for answers online for hours until I came across a page like this where someone gave this recipe: 1 tsp epsom salt, 1 tsp msm powder, 1 tsp cream of tartar. Mix in warm water and consume once a day. With this remedy I was exercising regularly and also was on enbrel (which didn't help much). I don't know if it was a combo thing that cleared me up, but I was two years clear with this, until recently it has come back.

I will try it again and let you all know. Please do the same. I hope this is a life changer for some of you.

anon277910

I suffered from it for six years and at last I used a home remedy and it was gone within one week. Jose

anon164159

I have had psoriasis for more years than i can remember. Psoriasis on my head would drive me crazy. One day i had my wife put on my scalp and rub in. She did this for four or five years before it went away, you might try it. --John

anon154264

Oregon grape extract creams have had some success for me to the point of clearing it up entirely, but you have use the cream two to three times daily consistently. I have also heard aloe vera gels and creams are good. Try to stay away from creams and gels that have alcohol in them. I think it just irritates it more. If you can try making it yourself. Climate can also help.

It stinks, but be strong. If you exude strength and confidence people judge you less by your skin condition, and if you exclude low self-esteem then. Love yourself first, forget what others think (this just creates more paranoia and low self esteem). Be positive, be strong.

anon150069

When I did not see any positive effect on my son's eczema (face)for quite some time, I gave phosphorus, Nat mure, sepia, clac carb. The effect was very positive. 80 percent improvement. For elbows graphite 200, bac 200 once a week.

anon149322

My husband suffers from psoriasis, and has 3 different creams he uses plus a scalp lotion he puts on at night, all are presciption. All have a base of sesame oil in them.

He has found the best time of year is summer, the sun and salt water help.

anon145689

I have psoriasis, to me it make me feel so bad and ugly all I do is hold my head down and cry. The biggest problem is it's on my face I never had bad skin in the 48 years of life. Someone please help

anon122070

apply lemon for 3-4 times a day.

anon80645

I was having Plaque psoriasis on the feet from last three years. i had taken very heavy drugs like Acitretin. then i started homeopathic treatment.

Believe me it has been reduced to 25 percent only.

Medicine which i am taking is, Gunpowder 3X.

anon68796

I have been using this stuff called Cetaphil! it's amazing! it works very well for me and it's an OTC cream.

anon62463

I'm 16 and have had it all my life. in first grade i broke out head to toe in red blotches. normally my psoriasis only acts up when I'm over stressed. we've been living with my mom's new husband for two years and i haven't broke out at all until last week. I'm broke out everywhere. i hate it. I just want to curl up and hide under a rock.

anon43587

My husband has psoriasis in his beard, according to his barber. can you help? it's scaling/flaking and red underneath.

anon30817

I have found MSM to help psoriasis. I went from severe to very few blemishes in 2 weeks with 3 1000mg capsules a day.

sedmark

I developed psoriasis over 3 years ago. I hate it. It has been on my hands for this time. Coworkers asked me about it and I was confident in myself to tell the truth. However, I have been laid off on my job and need to go to interviews for a new job. I heard that Skin Zinc may help - does it still exist and where can I get it?

Thank you - any suggestions?

anon5345

Another homeopathic treatment for Psoriasis that's worth mentioning is the spice turmeric. Turmeric is thought to have antioxidant properties and the curcumin in turmeric has been shown to inhibit an enzyme called PhK, which is associated with the overactive cell growth of psoriasis. (See the British Journal of Dermatology, Nov. 2000 for more info).

[Anecdotally, my husband has severe plaque psoriasis on about 40% of his body. Two weeks ago, he started taking two turmeric capsules daily. He didn't make any other changes to his lifestyle. Within a few days, he had less scaling/flaking, and within a week, new, healthy skin started to appear within his most severe lesions. He's tried steroids, antibiotics, Dovenex, and other medications and lifestyle changes, but the turmeric has been the easiest, cheapest treatment that produces significant results thus far. It's not an extremely fast cure, but it's pretty amazing and well worth looking into as an aid.]

There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that taking turmeric in capsule or loose form helps clear psoriasis. Adding it to the diet could also be helpful, but it's unlikely the average person would add enough to their daily diet to make a big difference.

Additionally, studies and anecdotal evidence suggests that tea tree oil, oatmeal baths, capsaicin and aloe can be effective alternative means of treating the symptoms of psoriasis, such as itching, redness, flaking and burning.

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    • Psoriasis is a skin condition that makes the skin extremely dry and itchy.
      By: Farina3000
      Psoriasis is a skin condition that makes the skin extremely dry and itchy.
    • Moisturizers that contain lactic acid may help alleviate some mild forms of Psoriasis.
      By: picsfive
      Moisturizers that contain lactic acid may help alleviate some mild forms of Psoriasis.
    • Not eating barley may help with psoriasis.
      Not eating barley may help with psoriasis.
    • Red peppers contain capsaicin, which may help promote healthy skin.
      By: atoss
      Red peppers contain capsaicin, which may help promote healthy skin.
    • Moderate amounts of exposure to UVB sunlight may provide some relief to those with psoriasis.
      By: yanlev
      Moderate amounts of exposure to UVB sunlight may provide some relief to those with psoriasis.