Home Remedies For Psoriasis 411

Before beginning the search for an effective treatment for psoriasis, that may include topical or oral treatments, home remedies for psoriasis, psoriasis diet, etc, it is important to understand what psoriasis is. What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is from the Greek word "itch." Although the specific psoriasis causes have not been identified to date, an important risk factor for the development of psoriasis relates to genes.

In order to fully answer the question "What is psoriasis?" it is important to know how skin behaves since psoriasis is related to abnormal skin cell production. Typical skin has two layers - the dermis(inner layer) and epidermis(outer layer). Newer skin cells develop from the inner layer and gradually become the outer layer as the top layer dries and dies off and are discarded. This process takes approximately 28 to 30 days. This process is not usually noticeable in healthy skin as we lose skin cells any myriad of ways whether it is when showering, towel drying, etc.

To answer the question "what is psoriasis," when someone suffers from psoriasis, the skin regeneration process in someone with psoriasis takes place at an abnormally fast pace which is usually 3-4 days and not the usual 28 to 30 day period. With psoriasis, new skin cells move quickly from the inner to the top layer before the top layer has been given a chance to dry off and die. This causes a buildup of dead skin cells on the top of the new skin.

The commonly affected areas are the elbows, scalp, knuckles, knees, although these affected skin patches may be found anywhere on the body. These skin patches can be quite unsightly and be evidenced by dry, silvery gray scales. They can also have a red or pinkish red appearance to signify the rich blood supply that is supporting this overproduction of new skin cells.

Psoriasis can vary in severity from mild cases to severe cases which are evidenced by the destruction of the protective functions of the skin causing the skin to lose nutrients and moisture, etc. While home remedies for psoriasis may be adequate for mild cases of psoriasis, prescription drugs in addition to other remedies including home remedies may be required for severe cases.

It is important to remember when seeking to answer the question "what is psoriasis" to note that this chronic skin condition is not contagious. While research is ongoing as to why the auto immune system malfunctions leading to this abnormal skin regeneration, one of the factors that will increase your risk of developing this condition is if there is a family history of this disease.

Although there is increased risk of developing this skin condition as a result of hereditary factors, it is not as clear cut as that. Nothing about psoriasis including treatment such as home remedies for psoriasis is clear cut. You may develop this condition if both your parents have this condition or you may not.

Psoriasis symptoms affect each person differently and the treatments including home remedies for psoriasis, drugs, etc, vary in effectiveness from one person to the next. One person may only have small patches of this scaly skin on a few areas of the skin while another has large areas of skin affected by psoriasis. There are many types of psoriasis but the most common type is known as plaque psoriasis. For more discussion on the various types of psoriasis, see below.

Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms produced for most sufferers may not result in general health problems but they are still difficult to deal with and finding suitable treatment including home remedies for psoriasis, following a psoriasis diet, using light therapy for psoriasis, topical and oral medication, etc, may be required to deal with the symptoms.

In only a few cases of psoriasis do the psoriasis symptoms become very serious including reddening of the skin that becomes very painful, experiencing chills, the shedding of skin from large areas of skin affected by this condition, the skin around the joints cracking, and other severe symptoms of psoriasis that may require intense therapy or hospitalization.

Although a doctor is the best person to tell you whether you suffer from this painful long term chronic skin condition, here are some common psoriasis symptoms to watch out for.

Psoriasis is usually characterized by raised patches of skin from the abnormal skin regeneration. These raised patches will usually be covered by silvery scales that may be oval in shape. These scales are commonly referred to as plaques.

These plaques are common to areas of the body such as the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk of the body, etc. While these are the most common areas, various psoriasis symptoms may show up in any area of the body such as the genitals, underarms, buttocks, etc. Psoriasis affects sufferers differently.

If the affected area is moist and warm, the patches of skin produced are not as red or as scaly, e.g. the underarms, the patches in these moist areas are usually mistaken for other skin infections because they are usually flat patches of skin that are only slightly red.

As mentioned previously, psoriasis symptoms vary from one individual. One sufferer can experience only small bumps or the patches of raised skin can cover a large area of the body. The affected areas can allow easily wiping off the flaky skin or can be covered in red patches that need to be treated with more care including various home remedies for psoriasis. These patches can also bleed and so forth.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is usually one of the most unsightly affected areas. Scalp psoriasis can look like a very severe case of dandruff and may require medicated shampoos and/or other home remedies for psoriasis to treat.. The psoriasis symptoms related to scalp psoriasis include the shedding of large scales that look silvery white that appear to be stuck in the hair or that fall onto the shoulders.

Fingernail Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms related to fingernails may result in white spots that are small on or around the nail or can produce large yellowish/brown areas on the nail bed. This can happen in or around the fingernails. The fingernails can become frayed, pitted, discolored, frayed and in some cases the fingernails may fall off.

Most of the patches of skin produced by psoriasis may burn, itch or sting.

Knowing the type of psoriasis you have is the first step to combating and keeping this skin condition under control using various treatment methods including Home remedies for psoriasis and following a psoriasis diet. All types of psoriasis affect the skin. They may affect it differently from one type to another but there is always some form of skin reaction.

a. Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is found in about 90% of psoriasis cases and is the most common type of psoriasis. While plaque psoriasis may vary from one person to another, it is usually evidenced by thick silvery/grayish patches of skin that are flaky and also usually itchy or inflamed. These patches found in plaque psoriasis may be circular in shape or oval.

b. Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis usually affects young adults or children. A flare-up of guttate psoriasis usually results from a bacterial infection. A common bacterial infection that may lead to guttate psoriasis is strep throat. Guttate psoriasis features red or pinkish bumps on the skin that may be tiny and may be misdiagnosed as simply a rash.

c. Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is less common than other types of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis features bumps on the skin that are filled with pus.

d. Inverse Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis produces patches that are flat, smooth and red and can be mistaken for some other skin condition. These patches are usually not covered by any scales are usually common to areas of folded skin such as the buttocks and breast areas.

e. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis can be very serious although the good news is that it is the least common type of psoriasis. This type of psoriasis can strain the heart when an area of the skin experiences increased inflammation which itches and burns in addition to becoming red and may also include a rash that peels. The increased blood flow related to this type is what strains the heart.

f. Psoriatic Arthritis

There seems to be some relationship between psoriasis and arthritis. This type of psoriasis simply means that the sufferer suffers from both psoriasis and arthritis.

g. Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is also known as seborrheic psoriasis and as mentioned previously, it may look like a severe case of dandruff and can be quite unsightly. Scalp psoriasis produces plaque areas that are very badly or skin that is scaly and dry.

Because the symptoms of psoriasis vary from one patient to another, it is important to know what trigger your symptoms which will help you better manage and control these triggers as well as find appropriate treatments for the symptoms including using home remedies for psoriasis. Psoriasis triggers for the flare-ups are varied and affect each psoriasis sufferer differently. Once you are aware of what triggers your psoriasis, you will become better able to manage your psoriasis.



1. Stress is also another very important factor that weakens the immune system that is commonly associated with psoriasis flare-ups. Learning to manage stress is one of the ways that you can control psoriasis flare-ups and there are various home remedies for psoriasis and habits that can help you do this. Managing stress whether emotional, anxiety related, etc, is the first step to improving your general well being.

2. Cuts and other injuries on the skin usually lead to psoriasis flare-ups. Any scratch or cut on the skin may lead to infection which can then trigger psoriasis. Treating a cut, abrasion or other skin injury immediately with various topical treatments or other home remedies for psoriasis is one way to curb the spread of infection.

3. Psoriasis triggers include suffering from certain illnesses. One of the most common illnesses that leads to a psoriasis breakout is strep throat. Learning to manage your illnesses quickly and improving your general health to avoid illness in one of the best ways to combat psoriasis.

4. Some medications including psoriasis medications may aggravate psoriasis and trigger psoriasis in some cases which is why using home remedies for psoriasis as part of a treatment program may be required. Do discuss the various medications that you are taking and their impact on psoriasis with your doctor before you start taking the medications.

The above psoriasis triggers are only a few factors that may lead to psoriasis flare-ups. Learn how to properly manage the triggers to ward off psoriasis through adopting certain lifestyle habits such as following a psoriasis diet, using home remedies for psoriasis, etc.

Home remedies for psoriasis are varied and a trial and error method will help you find the best home remedies for psoriasis that will work for you. When trying to find psoriasis treatments that work, it may be frustrating but as long as you do not give up, you will find a method that will work for you and help keep psoriasis at bay.

Home remedies for psoriasis work just as well if not better than some medical intervention methods in addition to being cost effective. Psoriasis medications and doctor's visits can become quite expensive as you seek a psoriasis cure which currently does not exist.

Home remedies for psoriasis are not only cheap but are easy to find and make and use ingredients commonly found in your kitchen or a local health store.



Home Remedies Straight From the Kitchen

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider is great at easing burns and calming other skin inflammations. You can use the liquid form on fingernails affected by psoriasis by dipping them straight in the vinegar. Try to use organic apple cider vinegar.

For other plaques, simply mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with one gallon of water and use a piece of cloth or cotton wool to swap the mixture over the infected plaques.

2. Plastic Wraps

Covering up the plaques or other infected areas with a plastic wrap is a great way to heal psoriasis and one of the best home remedies for psoriasis. Plastic wraps help to keep any medications or moisturizers in place for effective treatment. Keeping the plastic wrap for up to an hour will allow the medication or moisturizer to stay and work longer on the infected area.

3. Oils

If you are battling scalp psoriasis, olive oil may help to relive it and is another of the best home remedies for psoriasis. Simply warm a little olive oil and gently massage it onto the scalp to loosen the flaky skin to loosen them and follow with a medicated shampoo.

For extra moisturization of the skin, mineral oil added to a bath will help to soothe the skin. Epsom salts added to a bath are also great to heal wounds and cuts.

Calendula oil is excellent at soothing the itch, burn or sting related to psoriasis. Mix about 2 cups of dried calendula flowers with about 1 teaspoon of vitamin oil and 1 quart extra virgin oil.

Gently warm the extra virgin over a low heat but do not simmer. Gently stir in the calendula flowers and leave this uncovered about 24 hours stirring once in a while. Follow this by straining the mixture. Make sure you get all the oil produced by ensuring that you also press the oil out of the flowers. Add the vitamin E oil to this mixture. Gently rub this mixture onto the itching, burning or stinging patches. Store in refrigerator for up to 6 months.

4. Baking Soda

Itching can be greatly relieved by using baking soda which also another of the great home remedies for psoriasis. Mix 1 1/2; cups baking soda with about 3 gallons of water. Use a piece of cloth to dip into this mixture and gently place over the infected area.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the more popular home remedies for psoriasis whether it is applied topical and or taken internally. This spice is responsible for making curry yellow as well as being found in yellow mustard. Turmeric is native to India and commonly used in alternative medicine. It contains a compound known as curcumin that has been used to treat many diseases and conditions besides psoriasis such as heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, etc.

Curcumin has very powerful antioxidant qualities which are effective at eradicating disease causing free radicals. Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties which are very important from those with psoriasis who have skin that is subject to inflammation.

Some sufferers of psoriasis usually sprinkle some tumeric daily on cereal and consume this. There are also many other ways to consume turmeric in food.

Another of the best home remedies for psoriasis include making a turmeric paste.

Turmeric Paste

- Turmeric powder can be obtained anywhere that spices are found.
- Pour a little bit or a lot more turmeric depending on the area you wish to treat into a glass bowl.
- Add enough water to make a smoother thick paste. IF the mixture becomes too runny, simply add in more turmeric.
- It is preferable to apply this to the psoriasis lesions and leave it on overnight. Apply enough before going to bed to cover the lesion(s) and to keep the paste in place, apply a gauze.
- In the morning, simply remove the gauze and wash the area with warm water.

Caution with Turmeric

As with any other treatment for psoriasis or various home remedies for psoriasis, using turmeric may not be effective for some sufferers. Some people are allergic to turmeric and may develop a rash, itching, elevated liver enzymes or other side effects even though turmeric is a natural product. If you take other supplements, medications or herbs, turmeric may adversely react with these so be sure to consult with your doctor before using turmeric as a home remedy for psoriasis. If you use a turmeric paste, it will turn your skin orange which will gradually disappear.

There are many other home remedies for psoriasis that you can find. This will allow you to take a proactive approach to finding a psoriasis cure that you are heavily involved in which will give you some level of control over this condition. If you are persistent and do not give up, you will discover the methods that work for you.

While not a cure for psoriasis, following a psoriasis diet may provide some relief for psoriasis sufferers. With any sickness and disease, one of the goals should always be to maintain good health which helps the immune system to fight off various illnesses and rids the body of harmful toxins and free radicals. If you find that altering your diet leads to improvements in your skin then by all means continue and this is also considered one of the best home remedies for psoriasis.

Maintaining good health requires being at and maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced and nutrition rich meals, getting adequate sleep and regular exercise. For a psoriasis sufferer, eating balanced and nutrition rich meals is especially important.

Following a psoriasis diet and changing the foods that you consume can make all the difference for a psoriasis sufferer. There are usually any amount of disease causing toxins and free radicals in the body from the environment and also from the food we eat and it is important for these to be eliminated.

It is crucial that these toxins and free radicals not be eliminated through the skin which is the main battleground for psoriasis sufferers. Choosing the right foods will help to fight and eliminate toxins and free radicals through the proper functioning of the body's normal elimination processes.

Steps To Following A Psoriasis Diet

a. Eating raw foods is the best way to get access to the nutrients that can help to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. Raw vegetables are usually very high in nutrients and much higher in fiber which is required by the digestive system to process. If you have to cook vegetables, be sure not to overcook them which leads to the loss of nutrients.

In addition to vegetables, consume more fruits as well. When eating raw foods, choose organic which do not contain harmful pesticides and wash the fruits and vegetables carefully and thoroughly especially if you do not have access to organic produce.

b. A psoriasis diet requires the reduction or elimination of processed foods from the diet. Processed foods are usually free of nutrients and do not put the digestive system to work which prevents the elimination of disease causing toxins and free radicals. Adding more whole foods such as whole grains to your diet will help the digestive system eliminate toxins and free radicals. Whole foods are also packed chockfull of nutrients to keep the body (and skin) healthy.

c. Limit the consumption of red meat when following a psoriasis diet. Some psoriasis sufferers have reported good results when meat is eliminated altogether. Since total elimination may be hard for some people, try to simply reduce the amount consumed.

d. Reduce or eliminate the consumption of dairy products.

e. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and (bad) fats. Good fats such as omega 3 fatty acids are needed by the body and are great for overall well being and are great for psoriasis sufferers. Fatty acids help to reduce and eliminate inflammation. Foods that are high in fatty acids include cold water fish of which salmon contains a lot more omega 3 fatty acids that the other cold water fish such as tuna, mackerel, herring, etc. Fatty acids can also be obtained from flax seed, canola and olive oil, etc.

f. Avoid consuming foods that are high in sodium because sodium helps to dehydrate the body which is something a psoriasis sufferer should avoid since dry skin and lead to the various psoriasis symptoms. Sea salt may actually be a better natural alternative that will help increase your energy, provide minerals, help build resistance to infection, balance the acid in the body, etc.

g. Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking if you smoke.

If you are serious about eliminating psoriasis and its symptoms, implementing a psoriasis diet in addition to other treatment therapies is an important step. Help to build your body's defense mechanism by eating balanced and nutritious foods.

Many people with psoriasis are beginning to understand the benefits of coconut oil and the relief it offers which is why coconut oil is becoming one of the more popular home remedies for psoriasis.

Essential Fatty Acids

Not all fat is created equal and not all fats are bad. The "good fats" are identified as essential fatty acids (EFAs) and most are found in unsaturated fats such as polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Good fats are essential for the proper functioning of the body and improve cardiovascular health, improve the immune system, diabetes management, rheumatoid arthritis improvement, cancer prevention, eczema, psoriasis, etc. This is a major reason that fish oil supplements are usually recommended for those with psoriasis since certain cold water fish such as salmon contain high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.

Coconut Oil Fatty Acids

Coconut oil which is a saturated fat makes one of the best home remedies for psoriasis because it contains a certain fatty acid known as lauric acid. Lauric acid is one of the most rare medium-chain fatty acids that is commonly found in mother's milk. It's presence in coconut oil is why it is a common ingredient in baby products. Lauric acid is beneficial because it contains anti viral, anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. found in mother's milk. It is now being shown to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial health-protecting properties and it is beneficial when consumed or applied topically.

Coconut oil has many uses and because it is a natural product obtained from the fruit of palm tree, there are no associated side effects in it's use whether in consuming it or applying it directly on the skin including the scalp making it one of the best home remedies for psoriasis. It has a wonderful smell and tastes great too. Coconut oil like most saturated fat is solid at room temperature and quickly melts when heat is applied including body heat.

When using coconut oil as a home remedy for psoriasis, ensure that it is certified organic and that it is unrefined. Refined coconut oil does not contain the fragrance, taste as well as most of the beneficial properties of pure unrefined coconut oil.

When consuming coconut oil, 3 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil are recommended a day. Coconut oil can also be used in cooking and baking in place of many oils and butter and functions wonderfully in this role as it can withstand high heat. Many people use it when popping popcorn, use it as a spread on bread, etc. There are simply too many uses of coconut oil to mention including spreading it on the skin like any skin moisturizer (instead of any other skin moisturizer).

To deal with the various symptoms of psoriasis, there are psoriasis day care centers around the country that provide services that would normally only be available in a hospital. These day care centers are certainly a valuable tool in the fight against psoriasis and should be used in combination with other psoriasis treatments such as home remedies, psoriasis diet, medications, etc. Psoriasis sufferers usually go to the center during the day and return to their homes, hotels, motels, etc, later that evening.

At a psoriasis day care center, a patient will;

a. Receive help clearing the body of the plaques including the stubborn ones commonly associated with scalp psoriasis.

b. Have access to various relaxation and stress management tools such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, relaxation exercises, etc. Calming the mind is an important part of effectively managing psoriasis.

c. Patients can better manage costs related to the disease since they return home later that evening thus avoiding the costs related to overnight stays in hospitals unless the patient has severe psoriasis.

d. Nurses at these centers as properly trained to be attentive to patients and their particular needs, etc.

e. These centers seek to provide a total body, mind, spirit treatment experience.

To find a psoriasis day care center near you to help you with your psoriasis and the various symptoms of psoriasis, contact the National Psoriasis Foundation for more information.