Home Remedies and Herbs for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin and causes thick patches of flakey and irritated skin to form on several parts of the body. Anyone can get psoriasis but it most often affects people between the ages of 15 and 35. It is not a contagious disease but it is thought to possibly have have genetic factor.¹ Psoriasis is a chronic condition that comes on gradually and may eventually go away on its own. In some patients, psoriasis may resurface again later on in life.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own cells and causes an inflammatory immune response.² In the case of psoriasis, the immune attack causes skin irritation in the form of patches of red or pink flakey skin.

While there is no known exact cause of autoimmune conditions, genetics are thought to play a role in being predisposed to the risk of developing psoriasis.³ For psoriasis to present itself, it is thought to be triggered by environmental or lifestyle conditions. These potential triggers may include:³

• Stress and trauma
• Skin injuries or sunburn
• Obesity
• Streptococcal infection
• Alcohol and smoking
• Cold or dry air
• Certain prescription medications
• Lack of sunlight ⁴

Psoriasis Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis include:³

• Raised patches of deep pink skin often with red borders
• Scaley skin surface with silvery tinge
• Cracked skin which can become painful and sore
• Itchy skin
• Blistered and oozing skin patches, most commonly appearing on palms and soles of feet
• Thickening and discoloration of fingernails and toenails
• Joint pain and stiffness, possibly associated with psoriatic arthritis

Most commonly, psoriasis can appear on the elbows, forearms, scalp, hands, inner thighs and throughout the chest and sides of the body.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Psoriasis

There are several psoriasis home remedies to use to help treat inflamed and irritated skin. Here are some of the top psoriasis alternative therapies:

• Coconut Oil - Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory health benefits. Using coconut oil as either a topical treatment or by eating it to help to reduce signs of psoriasis.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - With natural anti-inflammatory health benefits, apple cider vinegar can help to reduce skin irritation caused by psoriasis. Apply apple cider vinegar topically.
• Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil is another psoriasis alternative treatment that can help reduce skin irritation by applying it topically.
• Vitamin D - A trigger for psoriasis is thought the be a lack of sunlight, which is Vitamin D. Taking vitamin D supplements may help to reduce the appearance of psoriasis.
• Oatmeal - Soaking in an oatmeal bath can help to neutralize and soothe irritated skin caused by psoriasis.

For another psoriasis home remedy, you can create a topical treatment using coconut oil, flaxseed oil and apple cider vinegar mixed together. Apply the mixture directly to the affected areas.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000434.htm
2. http://www.cdc.gov/psoriasis/
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/psoriasis
4. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03161/Psoriasis.html