Manage Psoriasis at Home: Remedies and Natural Treatment

As per a paper published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the prevelence of psoriasis is poorly understood and ranges from less than 1% to 8.5% among adults. The condition is extremely painful and results in significant disfiguration of the skin. It is a persistent skin ailment; and regular flare ups and subsides is an important symptom of psoriasis. There is no known cure for the disorder; nevertheless, certain home remedies for psoriasis can help reduce the intensity and frequency of flare ups appreciably.

What is Psoriasis?



Red, Inflamed
and Scaly Skin in
Psoriasis

It is a skin condition which is characterized by the following set of symptoms. These set of symptoms are used to identify the condition,

1. Patches of inflamed, raised, red skin; along with white flaking scales.
2. Itching
3. Nails become discolored and loose
4. The skin may get cracked and blistered with occassional bleeding
5. If neglected and untreated, pain and stiffness in the joints may develop. This condition is refered to as psoriatic arthritis.

In psoriasis, the patches of inflamed, red skin occur because the cells of the skin multiply a lot faster than it would normally. Under normal conditions, the cells of the skin originate within the deep layers of the skin; and take approximately twenty eight days to reach the surface, and then get sloughed off. In case of psoriasis, this process takes only eight days.The new skin cells accumulate very quickly, consequently, they do not mature and shed. As a result, the skin gets inflamed, raised and red. Eventually, scaly, silvery-white patches develop.

Causes of Psoriasis

The exact cause for this accelerated skin growth is not known; however, genetics is an important contributing factor. There are some other caustive factors that have been identified which include,

1. Mental or psychological Stress
2. Undue exposure to sun and sunburns,
3. Exterme cold temperatures with exposures to drafts of dry air
4. Injury at a particular site can trigger psoriasis 
5. Some experts sugest that the condition is an autoimmune disorder which is characterized by body's natural immunity attacking healthy cells.

Natural Psoriasis Treatment at Home

Prompt and timely treatment of psoriasis is essential to prevent aggravation of the condition. Home remedies, herbal cures and supplements help to control flare ups and exacerbations; and most people experience improvement in about a month.

1. Keep your skin well moisturized. Prevent dryness of skin that will in turn prevent itching.
2. Use a humidifier in winters and dry weather conditions.
3. Quit smoking; also, do not be exposed to second hand smoke. People who smoke are twice as likely to suffer from psoriasis as against non smokers.

Here are some supplements and nutrients that are beneficial in treatment of psoriasis,

1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is dubbed ‘the skin vitamin’; it promises you a healthy skin and speeds up healing. Take 25000 IU every day for 15 days, and then reduce to alternate days. Furthermore, do consult your physician before embarking on to long term supplementation.
2. Vitamin E: vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cellular damage. Typically 400 IU per day is prescribed to manage this skin ailment. Excellent food sources include: wheat germ, avocadoes, seeds and nuts.
3. Omega 3 fatty acids: Take a supplement of this essential fatty acids daily; it is known to have a favorable effect on psoriasis by reducing inflammation. Natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids include cold water fish such as mackerel, herring and salmon.

Psoriasis Home Remedies: Natural Treatment for Psoriasis

Here are some home remedies that have been found to be very beneficial in the management and treatment of this skin condition,  

 

Flax Seeds are Excellent
to Manage Psoriasis

1. Flax seeds: Flax seeds are packed with omega 3 fatty acids; consuming 3 spoons of roasted flax seeds daily is advised to manage psoriasis exacerbations.
2. Grape seed extract: grape seed is a potent antioxidant that wards off damage t the skin cells successfully. Taking 100 mg daily is recommended.
3. Aloe Vera: apply aloe vera gel over the affected areas, 2 to 3 times every day; aloe vera soothes the inflamed and red areas of the skin, decreases itching and prevents the skin from drying out.

In addition to the host of home remedies there are certain herbal teas that are considered to be of high value in the management and treatment of this condition. Herbal teas have immense medicinal value. Make a decoction of mint, lemongrass, holy basil and ginger. Let these herbs steep in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes. Add juice of one lime and consume this twice daily. 

A multidisciplinary approach in the management and treatment is considered to be very effective.