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8 Do-It-Yourself Home Remedies for Psoriasis
1. Omega-3s in Oily Fish Can Reduce Inflammation
A couple of servings weekly of salmon, albacore tuna, and other fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation, the hallmark of psoriasis. In addition, studies have suggested that people with moderate to severe psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease. Fatty fish is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. But evidence that fish oil supplements may help with heart health is not conclusive, since detailed scientific trials to assess the effectiveness of supplements are lacking. One word of warning: Don’t take fish oil if you’re on blood thinners — it can raise your risk of bleeding.
2. Massage Therapy Is a Great Way to Relieve Stress
Some people find that stress triggers their psoriasis symptoms. Massage is a great way to reduce stress. Massage can lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone, while releasing serotonin and possibly improving your mood. Which means it could potentially ease the depression that may affect people with psoriasis. If you don’t want to go for a professional massage, ask your partner to rub or knead your muscles and other soft tissues to help you relax. Avoid using any massage oils that will irritate your skin, such as those with fragrance, and be careful not to lift or remove psoriasis scales.
3. Yoga Can Improve Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Like massage, yoga is a great stress reducer. Stress reduction may help relieve the pain and itch of psoriasis plaques. Yoga also may improve your range of motion if you have psoriatic arthritis. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends devoting 15 to 20 minutes a day to yoga exercises, which involve some meditation as well as breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. You may want to take a class to learn the basics and then practice yoga at home, where you might feel more comfortable during psoriasis flares.
4. Fight Inflammation With Turmeric
Some people with psoriasis have found relief with turmeric as a natural psoriasis treatment. Turmeric is part of the ginger family; you’ll find it in foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. But the evidence on how effective it may be for psoriasis is mixed. Some studies have suggested that topical and oral curcumin (supplements) may reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, but more research is needed.
5. Use a Humidifier to Keep Skin Healthy
A humidifier is another easy psoriasis home remedy that will help keep your skin moist, especially in winter. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, worsening itching and flaking. Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be 30 to 50 percent (you can measure this with a hygrometer, a thermometer-like device). Just make sure to keep your humidifier clean; dirty humidifiers can release bacteria and fungi into the air.
6. The Healing Benefits of Dead Sea Salt Baths
People with psoriasis have traveled to the Dead Sea, which borders Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, for centuries to soak in its salty water and experience its healing benefits. Though adding Dead Sea salts to your bath at home isn’t quite the same — “You’re not in the 100-degree dry heat that the Dead Sea provides as well,” says Stefan C. Weiss, MD, a dermatologist at the Trillium Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina — many people find that Dead Sea salt soaks can help alleviate their itching and burning. To try this natural treatment, add a quarter cup of authentic Dead Sea salts (check labels carefully) to bathwater that is warm to tepid and soak for about 15 minutes. Be sure to apply a moisturizer soon after the bath, because the salt can dry out the skin and worsen any scaly plaques.
7. Capsaicin May Help Relieve Pain
Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers; it’s what makes them spicy. When it’s added to topical creams and ointments, capsaicin can block pain-transmitting nerve endings, and may reduce the inflammation, redness, and scaling associated with psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that more research is needed when it comes to long-term benefits and safety. Studies into new formulations and topical delivery methods of capsaicin show promise as an additional psoriasis treatment, though.
8. Eat a Diet With More Colorful Fruits and Vegetables
One of the easiest things you can do for your psoriasis is to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to include a variety of colors when planning meals — variety ensures that you won’t miss any important nutrients. Colorful fruits and veggies contain disease-fighting antioxidants and are rich in fiber, which makes you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. When you have psoriasis, you need to maintain a healthy weight so that any medication will be more effective. In addition, research has shown that psoriasis patients are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. A balanced diet packed with fruits and vegetables can lower this risk.
Home Remedies to Think Twice About
Some home remedies and supplements that are promoted for psoriasis relief have no real scientific backing to support their use in relieving psoriasis symptoms. One of these is shark cartilage.
This supplement contains a mixture of protein, minerals, and carbohydrates and is available in powder or pill form. It’s been touted to relieve symptoms of plaque psoriasis, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this.
Always discuss your psoriasis treatment plan with your doctor, and if there are any complementary therapies — especially supplements — you’d like to try, check in with your doctor first.
The Takeaway
- In addition to medical treatment for psoriasis, some complementary therapies and home remedies may be helpful in alleviating symptoms. But always check with your doctor before starting any new therapies, taking supplements, or overhauling your diet.
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition. You can make certain dietary changes to combat inflammation, including increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants, eating fatty fish high in omega-3s, and adding turmeric.
- Stress management can also help you manage psoriasis. Yoga and massage are great ways to keep your stress levels in check.
- Dead Sea salt baths, topical formulations of capsaicin, and using a humidifier are other home remedies that may relieve painful skin symptoms of psoriasis.
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