Psoriasis is a condition that causes a scaly rash that appears in patches or small, scaly bumps that cover a larger area. It’s an immune-mediated condition in which the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of unhealthy cells, causing inflammation. The cause of psoriasis is unclear, but treatment options are available.
Medical treatments have been effective in treating psoriasis, but many people are unhappy with these options. Natural remedies like beeswax and aloe vera have been shown to be effective for some people with this condition.
Learn about psoriasis, home remedies, lifestyle changes, natural treatments that don’t work, and more.
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Psoriasis is chronic but controllable
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means it lasts a long time. Symptoms tend to come and go in periods of remission with very little or no symptoms and periods of relapse with more severe symptoms.
There are things people with psoriasis can do to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. However, this condition can also lead to complications.
Secondary Complications
There are possible secondary complications associated with psoriasis. For example, people with psoriasis have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Additionally, like other long-term health conditions, many people with psoriasis suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping.
Psoriasis can lead to other health complications and occur, such as:
comorbidity definition
Comorbidity occurs when the same person has two or more diseases at the same time.
There are things that can be done both medically and at home to control psoriasis symptoms and prevent other complications. A healthcare provider, e.g. B. A family doctor or a specialist in psoriasis called a dermatologist can help determine the best options for each person.
home remedies
Home remedies can treat psoriasis, especially mild to moderate cases, or as an initial treatment before trying medical options.
Psoriasis home remedies include:
- apitherapy is a treatment with bee products such as honey or propolis (a bee product that comes from plants and trees). A mixture of propolis and aloe vera gel, a substance derived from an aloe vera plant, has been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis.
- coal tar is a thick liquid used on the skin to treat psoriasis and has been shown to be effective.
- creams, lotions and moisturizers can help moisturize and protect skin, which can be soothing during discomfort and healing.
- Warm baths with oils are another way to moisturize and protect skin while providing soothing relief from itching.
- Combined skin routines These include cleaning the area with soap, moisturizing with cream or lotion, and bathing in oils, which can be effective enough to be used alone or as part of a treatment plan in addition to other options.
- curcumin is found in turmeric and has been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis. It is available as a food seasoning and as a dietary supplement.
- chamomile oil applied to the skin has been shown to be effective in improving psoriasis.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to home remedies, lifestyle and behavior changes can help manage psoriasis symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
- Relaxation: Stress can make psoriasis worse, and reducing stress regularly can help manage symptoms.
- weight management: Eating a low-calorie diet and maintaining a healthy weight have been shown to be effective in improving psoriasis.
- nutrition: Certain foods, including processed foods, sugary foods, dairy, and gluten, can make psoriasis worse in some people, so avoiding these potential triggers can help.
- exercise: Physical activity, particularly vigorous physical activity, has been associated with a reduction in psoriasis symptoms.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco can make psoriasis worse, and quitting smoking can improve symptoms and other health problems that may be present alongside psoriasis.
- alcohol: Alcohol consumption can worsen inflammation and worsen psoriasis, and limiting alcohol consumption or not drinking alcohol at all can improve symptoms.
treatment myths
One of the biggest myths about treating psoriasis is that it can be cured. Unfortunately, although there are treatments to treat the disease and relieve symptoms, there is no cure for psoriasis.
Some natural methods of treating psoriasis are effective, but not all are backed by scientific evidence. Treatment options can help relieve symptoms in some people, but effectiveness is unclear because they haven’t been studied or studies of the treatments don’t clearly show if they’re effective.
Some options for psoriasis that may not work include:
- aloe vera: This treatment option may help some people relieve symptoms, but studies have shown mixed results.
- Natural Sunlight: Spending time outside to get natural sunlight can benefit psoriasis, but prescription phototherapy generally works better.
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil): This oil is used to treat psoriasis, but no studies show that this option is effective.
Triggers to avoid
The specific causes of psoriasis are not clear. However, there are some things that can trigger flare-ups and lead to or worsen symptoms. For example, stress is a trigger for up to 88% of those affected.
Psoriasis Trigger
- Allergies (food, environment)
- drink alcohol
- infection
- injury to the skin
- irritation of the skin
- medication
- sleep loss
- Smoking
- Emphasize
- Weather (cold or dry)
Why All Natural May Not Work
One of the main reasons an all-natural treatment protocol for psoriasis may not work is the severity of the condition. Some people suffer from mild to moderate symptoms that can be mostly or completely controlled through natural options, while others have more severe symptoms that require medical treatment for adequate relief.
Natural remedies can be ineffective if you don’t know how to use them to get the full benefit or if you have trouble following through. For example, using soaps, creams, and warm baths with oils may require a specific routine with different daily steps. Results may be limited if these steps are not known or followed correctly.
Possible interactions between dietary supplements and drugs
Some treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter supplements, can interact with medications or other treatment options and cause side effects. For example, some medications or remedies that are applied to the skin, such as coal tar with phototherapy, that can increase the risk of sunburn should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Contact a healthcare provider
When considering treatment options for psoriasis, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider, such as a family doctor or a dermatologist.
Medication for moderate to severe psoriasis
When psoriasis symptoms are moderate to severe, natural treatment options may not be enough. Medicines are available. These treatments can be used alone or in conjunction with natural treatment options.
Medical treatment options for psoriasis include:
- Topical corticosteroids: Creams or ointments containing drugs to reduce inflammation and relieve itching
- Calcineurin Inhibitors: Creams or ointments containing medications to calm the immune system and reduce inflammation
- Dithranol (Anthralin): Medicines applied to the skin to slow down the production of skin cells
- phototherapy: Ultraviolet light to slow skin cell production
- Trexall (methotrexate): Drugs taken by mouth to reduce swelling and slow skin cell production
- Gengraf (cyclosporine): Drugs taken by mouth to calm the immune system
- Soriatan (acitretin): Drugs taken by mouth to slow down the production of skin cells
- Biological Treatments: Drugs given by injection to calm the immune system by targeting overactive cells
summary
Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of unhealthy cells, resulting in an itchy rash that can interfere with daily life. Although this is a lifelong condition, it is possible to manage the symptoms with medical treatments, home remedies, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these options, depending on the severity of the condition.
A word from Verywell
Living with psoriasis can be challenging, especially when the symptoms are uncomfortable and severe enough to interfere with daily life. If you or someone you know is facing this condition, help is available. There are effective treatment options for psoriasis, including medical interventions, home remedies, and lifestyle changes. Contact a healthcare provider for assistance.
frequently asked Questions
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Is it possible to permanently cure psoriasis?
There is currently no permanent cure for psoriasis. However, treatment options are available to help manage the condition and relieve symptoms. That doesn’t mean medication is needed forever, and some people find it gets better with time.
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Can You Control Psoriasis By Boosting Your Immune System?
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of unhealthy cells. Lifestyle changes to improve health and support the immune system can help treat psoriasis and control symptoms.
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What is a good psoriasis self-care routine?
A good routine for psoriasis involves treating symptoms and improving overall health. Strategies for this can include avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and other substances, getting enough sleep, walking in the sun, eating a balanced diet free of foods that can trigger symptoms, using appropriate skin care products, and managing stress throughout the day.
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