Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by an overproliferation of epidermal cells resulting in the formation of white, reddish spots covered with silvery-gray scales. There is no cure, but it is possible to manage the symptoms with the use of natural remedies. For example, treatments contemplated in alternative medicine are able to alleviate the severity of plaques, even if they do not have the same effect on all subjects. In addition, you can try to change your diet by choosing foods that reduce inflammation of the epidermis and at the same time eliminate any triggers. Finally, you can make some lifestyle changes for the purpose of relieving symptoms and acute phases. However, see your doctor if you do not notice any improvement, if the pain is unbearable, if the disease prevents you from carrying out your daily activities, or if you complain of pain and inflammation in the joints.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Using Alternative Medicine
Step 1. Get out in the sun for 20 minutes a day to stimulate vitamin D production
Phototherapy helps improve psoriasis symptoms and sunlight is the best way to do it comfortably at home. However, overexposure can make the disease worse, so avoid being outside for more than 20 minutes.
- Consult your doctor before going out in the sun.
- Some topical medications and creams used to treat psoriasis can increase the risk of sunburn. These are products containing coal tar, tazarotene, pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Prograf). If you are on a treatment based on one of these drugs, ask your doctor if phototherapy has no contraindications and be careful when you are outdoors.
- Start by placing yourself in the sun for 5-10 minutes, then slowly increase your exposure to 15. Only go to 20 minutes if you notice more benefits from this practice.
- If you are unsure whether you are producing and / or getting enough vitamin D, ask your doctor to order a test to check your blood levels. If you have a deficiency, you may want to take a supplement.
Step 2. Use aloe vera to decrease redness, itching, skin flaking and inflammation
Aloe vera gel is contained within the leaves. You can use the one extracted directly from the plant or buy it in the form of a cream. Apply it to the rash twice a day for at least a month.
- Consult your doctor before using the cream. Follow all instructions in the package insert.
- When buying aloe vera cream, choose one with the highest concentration. If the formulation contains numerous ingredients, it is not very effective.
- If you grow the plant, break off a leaf and pour the gel inside directly onto the rash. Then, smear it. However, if you have to apply it often, it's not a very practical method.
Step 3. Apply capsaicin cream to relieve symptoms
Capsaicin, contained in cayenne pepper, is able to relieve itching, skin flaking, irritation and redness. You can apply it in the form of a cream directly on the skin affected by psoriasis. Use it once or twice a day.
- Capsaicin cream can cause burning, tingling, itching and redness immediately after application. However, these side effects disappear shortly after. Stop using it if they are unbearable.
- Do an initial test by putting a pinch of the cream on a small area of skin before applying it to a larger area, such as plaque. You will have to wait 24 hours before you feel any negative reactions.
Step 4. Opt for a 100% Oregon grape cream to reduce symptoms
The Oregon grape, also called barberry, helps calm the inflammation and other symptoms of psoriasis. It is able to slow down the growth of skin cells, reducing the development of the rash. Apply a small amount directly to the lesions twice a day.
- Consult your doctor before using this type of cream.
- Although Oregon grapes don't appear to carry any health contraindications, they can cause some side effects. If you feel itching, burning, irritation or an allergic reaction, stop applying and call your doctor.
- You can buy it at a pharmacy or on the Internet.
Step 5. Treat acute phases with apple cider vinegar 2-4 times a week
Apple cider vinegar has a natural antiseptic action. It is able to reduce itching and skin peeling, favoring the remission of the most acute phases of the disease. It is indicated in case of psoriasis especially on the scalp. However, do not apply it to broken skin as it may cause pain and irritation.
- Choose unpasteurized organic apple cider vinegar.
- If irritation occurs, do not use it. Alternatively, you can dilute it by mixing it with water in equal parts.
Step 6. Use coal tar to relieve skin flaking, itching and inflammation
Coal tar is an ingredient found in the manufacture of creams, shampoos, and other body care products. Choose one to treat the area prone to a flare-up of the disease.
- Read the instructions in the package insert so you can apply it correctly.
- Keep in mind that coal tar products can smudge, as well as give off a strong, unpleasant odor. If you are sensitive to this substance, your skin may become irritated.
- Do not use a coal tar preparation with a concentration greater than 5%. Opt for a concentration ranging from 0.5% to 5%.
Step 7. Apply the oil to the rashes to reduce dryness, peeling and itching
Natural oils help calm the symptoms of psoriasis. Coconut oil is good for treating rashes, and you can combine it with an essential oil if you want. Apply coconut oil directly to the lesions 2-3 times a day.
Essential oils that help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis are tea tree oil, evening primrose, chamomile and bergamot. Only use one at a time. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. If you don't dilute it, it can irritate the skin and aggravate psoriasis
Part 2 of 4: Follow a Healthy Diet
Step 1. Choose anti-inflammatory foods
Some foods have the ability to inhibit the inflammatory processes in the body, so they help to alleviate the acute phases of psoriasis by relieving its symptoms. Opt for fresh foods, fatty fish, beans, nuts, and legumes. Cook with healthy oil and season your dishes with spices and herbs. Choose fruit when you feel like a snack or dessert.
- The vegetables to be preferred are green leafy ones, broccoli, beets, celery, cabbage, carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and Chinese cabbage (or bok choy).
- Healthy oils include olive oil, borage, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, and avocado.
- Anti-inflammatory spices include cayenne pepper, ginger, cloves, and turmeric.
Step 2. Increase your consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help to alleviate the inflammatory processes present in the body and, therefore, reduce the risk of a flare-up of the disease. Plus, they help the immune system! Consume foods that are high in omega-3s at least 3-4 times a week.
- Excellent sources of omega-3s include fatty fish (such as salmon, cod, or halibut), tree nuts, vegetable oils, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables.
- You can also take a fish oil-based omega-3 supplement. However, consult your doctor before resorting to dietary supplementation.
Step 3. Eliminate the red meat
Since red meat favors the onset of inflammatory processes at a systemic level, it can trigger a flare-up of the disease, so it is best to avoid it. Instead, opt for lean proteins, such as those found in chicken, fish, tofu, and beans.
If you like red meat, choose leaner cuts like sirloin, round and sirloin. Before cooking it, be sure to degrease it thoroughly
Step 4. Eliminate processed foods
Processed foods high in sodium, sugar and trans fats trigger systemic inflammatory processes, causing a flare-up of psoriasis. So, avoid confectionery products, packaged snacks, frozen meals, canned soups, and cured meats. Instead, choose fresh, organic foods.
Although they have undergone a manufacturing process, frozen meats and vegetables can be as healthy as whole grains
Step 5. Avoid refined sugar
Sugar can also cause inflammation, so it's important to keep its consumption to a minimum. Eliminate pastries, candy, ice cream, and other sweets. Also, read the nutrition tables to see if any added sugars are present.
When you are in the mood for sweet, opt for a fruit instead of a snack
Step 6. Avoid dairy products if they trigger symptoms
If you are sensitive to dairy, switch to vegan variants, such as soy or almond milk. In addition to milk substitutes, you can find yoghurt and ice cream made without milk processing.
Not everyone is sensitive to dairy products. If they do not appear to have adverse effects, dairy products are an important component of the diet
Step 7. Consume probiotics to strengthen the immune system
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, so if the immune system is healthy, it inhibits the flare-up of the disease. Probiotics promote the balance of the bacterial flora of the human body. They are present in yogurt and fermented foods. Alternatively, you can take them in the form of supplements.
- If yogurt doesn't trigger psoriasis, it conveniently allows you to increase your probiotic intake.
- Fermented foods to try include sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso, tempeh, and kefir.
Step 8. Include turmeric in your diet
Turmeric, a spice rich in antioxidants, relieves the inflammatory processes taking place in the body. It helps to alleviate the acute phases of psoriasis and promotes the remission of symptoms during an exacerbation. Increase its consumption by using it to season your dishes.
If you don't like the taste of this spice, you can take it in supplement form. Consult your doctor before resorting to dietary supplementation
Step 9. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2.7 liters of water per day
Water helps purify and detoxify the body naturally. The daily water requirement depends on age, gender and level of physical activity. If you are thirsty or dark urine, increase your fluid intake.
- In general, women need about 2.7 liters of water per day, while men need about 3.7 liters.
- Don't limit yourself to water! Even herbal teas, fruit juices, broths, smoothies, etc. can be included in the daily consumption of liquids.
Part 3 of 4: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Avoid triggers
Stay away from activities, foods, and substances that aggravate psoriasis. During an acute phase, write down what you ate and were doing just before it occurred. In this way you will be able to identify the triggers from time to time. While they may vary from subject to subject, some are quite common. Here are the ones to avoid:
- Skin wounds, such as from scratching or vigorously rubbing the skin
- Overexposure to the sun;
- Stress;
- Smoke;
- Some infections, such as those affecting the throat, bronchi and tonsils. Protect your health by washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with sick people as much as possible.
Step 2. Protect your skin from the sun when you go out
Although sunlight in small doses helps fight psoriasis, when excessive it can cause damage. Sunburn is likely to trigger a flare-up of the disease, so protect your skin! Take the following precautions when you need to go out:
- Wear a large hat to shield your scalp and face.
- Apply a broad spectrum, fragrance-free protective cream, especially on areas of skin not affected by psoriasis.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Step 3. Moisturize your skin every day to prevent dry skin
Use a strong, oil-based, fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply it all over your body immediately after a bath or shower to keep your skin hydrated.
- Apply it twice a day during the winter for dry skin.
- If you are having trouble finding a moisturizer that fits your needs, consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Step 4. Take a bath instead of a shower
A warm bath helps relieve the flaking associated with skin lesions and soothe the skin. Choose a fat and oil free soap. Then, take a warm bath and add 120ml of bath oil, 85g of colloidal oats, or 110g of Epsom or Dead Sea salts. Soak in the tub for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Dry off with a clean towel.
- Make sure the salts or oil you use do not contain perfume.
- You can buy colloidal oatmeal for the bathroom at the pharmacy or make it by grinding oatmeal.
Step 5. Do yoga every day to keep inflammation and stress at bay
Inflammation and stress can worsen psoriasis or trigger a resurgence of the disease. In addition to relieving stress, yoga allows you to keep the body's inflammatory response in check!
- Learn some yoga poses and do them every night to relax.
- Try following a yoga training video to familiarize yourself with this oriental discipline.
- Take a yoga class to get expert advice and improve your practice.
Step 6. Learn to manage stress
Stress risks aggravating physical conditions and triggering a flare-up of psoriasis. Fortunately, you can learn how to deal with it! Here are some ways to keep it at bay:
- Practice low-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes a day, such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
- Meditate at least 10 minutes a day
- Do something creative, like coloring, painting or knitting
- Complete a puzzle
- Have a hobby
- Talk to a friend
- Keep a journal to analyze how you feel emotionally.
Step 7. Avoid alcohol
While alcohol does not lead to a resurgence of psoriasis, it can prevent you from finding relief because it risks interfering with treatments, making them ineffective.
If you like having a drink with friends, try the non-alcoholic cocktails! You can learn how to make them yourself or ask the bartender for advice on choosing. For example, taste a virgin colada
Step 8. Stop smoking
Smoking can worsen the disease and associated symptoms, but if you quit you will benefit! However, it is not an easy path. Consult your doctor for some smoking cessation methods, such as:
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patches
- Medicines prescribed by the doctor
- Psychotherapy
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Get a diagnosis before treating yourself for psoriasis
Since this disease has a similar symptom picture to other conditions, it is important to see a doctor. He will examine your skin and eventually prescribe a biopsy to make a correct diagnosis. It will then help you choose the treatment that best suits your health needs.
Since with self-diagnosis you risk making mistakes, you also risk following a useless or harmful treatment
Step 2. See your doctor if you don't notice any improvement or if the pain is unbearable
Natural treatments can relieve psoriasis, but their effectiveness varies from person to person. The need to change care may arise, especially in case of severe pain. If the disease does not improve or even appears to be getting worse, consult your doctor for further treatment options.
There is a wide variety of treatments for psoriasis. Your doctor may recommend some topical cream or phototherapy. In addition, they may offer you medications to be taken by mouth or by injection. If a treatment doesn't work, keep working with your doctor until you find the one that's right for you
Step 3. See your doctor if your illness prevents you from carrying out your daily activities
Getting treated for psoriasis can be frustrating, but it shouldn't ruin your life. If this happens, check with your doctor to find other treatment options. Don't give up because you can relieve it.
Tell him about the treatments you have already tried so that he can prescribe a more effective one
Step 4. Get examined immediately if you complain of joint pain and swelling
While there is nothing to worry about, psoriasis can sometimes involve joint problems. In these cases, further treatment is needed. Call your doctor if you experience joint symptoms, especially pain and swelling.
