Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects about 7.5 million American adults. It is characterized by red, scaly patches that appear on specific regions on the skin. Some types of psoriasis affect the fingers, trunk, knees and elbows. Other types crop up in skin folds, on the scalp and around the fingernails.
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can lessen the severity of symptoms. Knowing which product to use for specific types of flare-ups helps you reduce the itch and discomfort that psoriasis causes. These natural products help you keep the disease in check.
Sun
Sunlight isn’t a product that you can buy, but you can get it for free just by stepping outside. Moreover, it helps psoriasis symptoms disappear. UVB rays penetrate the skin and delay the growth of skin cells. This slows down the progression of psoriasis symptoms because the patchy scales on the skin are caused by an overproduction of skin growth. The vitamin D that your body produces in response to sun exposure reduces some of the inflammation that causes swelling and redness.
Light therapy works best over a long-term period. Try going out in the sun for 10 minutes a day. Use sunscreen to protect the areas of your skin that don’t have psoriasis.
You can also work with a dermatologist or medical professional to undergo clinical phototherapy. This uses controlled light waves to target specific areas of your skin.
If you do turn to the sun to reduce your psoriasis symptoms, make sure that you don’t get a sunburn. Too much sun can inflame your skin and worsen symptoms.
Salt
Have you ever noticed that swimming in the ocean improves your psoriasis? The abundance of salt in the water soothes your skin, exfoliates dead cells and delivers nourishing minerals.
Even if you can’t go for a dip in the sea, you can replicate the experience at home. When added to bath water, Dead Sea salt has been found to help with psoriasis. Salt from this region is rich in magnesium, zinc, bromine and other compounds that reduce inflammation and improve hydration.
Epsom salt, which also contains magnesium, works in a similar fashion. You can even use sea salt from your pantry.
Add a cup or two of salt to lukewarm bathwater. Then, soak for about 15 minutes. Dry yourself off by patting your skin with a towel. Avoid rubbing the areas with psoriasis, which can aggravate symptoms. Bathing in Dead Sea or Epsom salt once a day can significantly soften tough scales, soothe itchiness and restore your skin’s smoothness.
Moisturizer
Preventing dry skin goes a long way when you’re managing psoriasis symptoms. Using some type of lotion will lock moisture into your skin and prevent it from drying out. But people with psoriasis should stay away from products with chemicals and fragrances that could irritate their sensitive skin or cause more dryness.
Many people with psoriasis swear by smearing petroleum jelly on their skin. It creates a protective barrier that traps moisture.
But if petroleum jelly is too greasy for you, look for a lotion that contains no alcohol, fragrance or phthalates. A product that contains essential oils can be soothing. However, some people are sensitive to the oils. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer that comes in its natural form with no added ingredients.
Some other natural products that work well for moisturizing the skin include:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Glycerin
Plastic Wrap
If you’re experiencing a particularly severe breakout or stubbornly dry skin, try wrapping the affected areas with plastic wrap after applying moisturizer. The plastic wrap will prevent the lotion from evaporating or getting rubbed off, allowing it to penetrate your skin. You can wear a layer of form-fitting clothing, like socks, mittens or long sleeves, over the plastic wrap to keep it in place. This is an ideal practice to deliver extra moisture while you sleep.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a fragrant spice that contains curcumin, is recognized for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin inhibits the production of phosphorylase kinase, a protein that is associated with psoriatic activity.
You can add turmeric to meals or drink golden milk regularly. However, you can also consume turmeric as a dietary supplement.
Oatmeal
Oats have been used to soothe the skin for centuries. Although there is little scientific evidence to show that oats help improve psoriasis symptoms, many people find this ingredient to be effective when they have flare-ups.
Colloidal oatmeal is sold as a fine powder that mixes well with water. You can blend it with your bathwater for a soak that resolves itching and inflammation. You may also mix it with water to create a paste that feels good when it’s applied to the skin.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a natural mineral that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It attracts and absorbs fungi, germs and dirt, relieving skin infections and soothing irritation.
To use bentonite clay, mix it with enough water to form a viscous paste. Apply the paste to the psoriatic patches on your skin. When it dries, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Bentonite clay may feel drying. Make sure that you moisturize the affected areas after using it so that your skin remains hydrated.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for soothing the itch that’s associated with scalp psoriasis. Mix it with equal parts water, and use it as a rinse in the shower. You can also try using it on other parts of the body. Be aware that vinegar can sting if it comes in contact with broken skin, however. If this is the case, try mixing a cup with your bath water to dilute it before you soak.
Prevention goes a long way in keeping psoriasis symptoms at bay. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing stress levels can help you avoid flare-ups. When you do experience symptoms, rotating through these natural remedies can help stop the problem from getting worse.
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