Certain illnesses, though not serious, can be quite bothersome due to the nature of associated symptoms. Psoriasis is one such skin problem that is not serious by itself but can disturb you sufficiently because of the itchiness and discomfort. This article lists four functional natural remedies to tackle the problem. Read on to know more about Psoriasis, the natural home remedies that help in skin and scalp psoriasis, and some useful tips to prevent a flare-up.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease characterised by red, dry, scaly, and itchy patches. The condition is thought to be an immune system problem.
Without a cause, your body’s immune system acts, inducing new skin cell growth. Normally, skin cells grow and shed in a month. In Psoriasis, this cycle is accelerated, inducing skin cells to form every three to four days without the existing cells shedding off. This results in a plaque of cells build-up on the surface of your skin and the condition is called psoriasis.
Who is prone to Psoriasis?
Anyone can develop Psoriasis during their lifetime, though 1/3rd of the cases develop in younger years. Typically, people between 15 and 35 years are diagnosed with the condition for the first time.
Definitely, genetics play a significant role; that is, if Psoriasis runs in your family, you are more likely to get affected as well. In addition, environmental factors such as dry and cold weather increase your risk of the condition.
What does it feel like to have Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is chronic; however, the episodes may not be continuous. Some may get it and then not have any problem for several years. Also, severity differs from person to person. Some may have a minor irritation. While in others, it can significantly affect the quality of life.
Triggers and symptoms
Psoriasis may occur anywhere on the body, including eyelids and ears, on one’s scalp, genitals, and fingernails and toenails. And, it is important to note the condition is not contagious.
The common psoriasis triggers are dry, cold, and less humid weather, infections, and stress. During an episode of Psoriasis, your skin cells rapidly build up – which is your body’s immune response to the trigger – forming scaly and dry patches that appear red and can be itchy, painful or stingy.
Four Natural Remedies To Manage Psoriasis
The skin disease does not have a complete cure. However, you can educate yourself to manage the condition with remedies, treatments, and lifestyle. So, if you suffer from this skin condition, the following natural psoriasis remedies may help you manage the condition without interfering with your day-to-day activities.
1. Apple cider vinegar remedy for psoriasis on scalp
Apple cider vinegar is a multipurpose kitchen ingredient that can come to the rescue in treating psoriasis as well. Apply ACV on your scalp, either by itself or mixed with water and rinse it off after it dries off. This natural home remedy will give relief from the itching caused by psoriasis on your scalp.
2. Turmeric remedy for psoriasis on skin
Turmeric is another great spice that has incredible uses and is one of the effective psoriasis remedies. Prepare turmeric paste by combining one part turmeric powder with two parts water in a pan and allow to simmer on the stove. Once smooth paste forms, switch off, let the paste cool and apply on the affected areas of your skin. You can leave it on for a while or even overnight by wrapping a piece of gauze around and then rinse off in the morning with warm water.
Note: Turmeric can leave a yellowish tinge on your skin which will eventually go away on its own.
3. Aloe vera remedy for psoriasis anywhere on the body
Aloe vera, yet another versatile home remedy, is good for treating psoriasis symptoms as well. Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area, be it on your scalp or anywhere else in your body, leave it on for a while before washing it off. Also, you can safely repeat this remedy as many times as you need to find relief.
4. Baths to soothe the itching
Salt baths provide significant relief in Psoriasis. This is one of the home remedies backed by clinical evidence, and hence you can do this often to manage psoriasis.
Try soaking in a bath filled with Epsom salt, dead sea salts if available, or simple ground-up oats to relieve psoriasis symptoms on your body.
Dead sea salts are beneficial not only in Psoriasis but are great for skin health in general.
Make sure you moisturise your skin well after the bath. And also, ensure the bathwater is not too hot and do not stay in the bath for too long, which can worsen the issue.
Seven tips to reduce psoriasis symptoms recurring in the future:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Learn to manage stress effectively – Try yoga, meditation, massage therapy
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat consciously, avoid the triggers such as processed foods
- Prevent skin from drying out with the use of moisturisers for skin, humidifiers for your living spaces and staying hydrated
- Stand in the Sunlight for 10 minutes daily
- Avoid using commercial tanning beds
Wrapping up,
There is no clinical evidence for most of the home remedies mentioned above to calm down Psoriasis symptoms in your body and scalp. In fact, the remedies may work very well for some but can cause adverse effects such as irritation in some. However, you need not refrain from trying these remedies.
Try any of them, and in case of discomfort, stop immediately. Also, when your symptoms are persistent, and you also have pain and severe itching, you must visit your doctor and follow their advice.
Images: canva.com
