Each case of psoriasis is unique, so there is no single method for effective treatment of the disease. Along with discussing treatment options with your doctor or dermatologist, there are home remedies that may be beneficial for you.
Here are eight home treatments that have shown promising results in relieving psoriasis symptoms.
1. Salt baths
A warm (not hot) bath can soothe the skin, especially for people with psoriasis. You can try adding Epsom salt, mineral oil, colloidal oatmeal, or olive oil to the water to help reduce itching and irritation. Bathing, especially with Dead Sea salts in the water, has shown a positive effect in treating psoriasis. The Dead Sea contains many minerals and is much saltier than the ocean.
In one small clinical study, participants who bathed for 20 minutes per day for three weeks in a Dead Sea salt bath or a regular salt bath experienced a noticeable reduction in psoriasis symptoms. Those who bathed in Dead Sea salt baths had an even greater reduction in symptoms compared to those who used regular salt baths.
2. Aloe vera creams
Aloe vera creams made from aloe plant extracts can be applied to the skin to reduce redness, scaling, itching, and inflammation. Clinical trial results examining whether aloe creams help with psoriasis have been mixed.
A study of commercial aloe gel found no benefit. On the other hand, a study using topical aloe (0.5 percent) extract in people with psoriasis found that aloe cream significantly improved psoriasis plaques compared to a placebo cream. More research is needed. According to the Mayo Clinic, to see any improvement, aloe cream may need to be used several times a day for a month or longer. The National Psoriasis Foundation does not recommend taking aloe orally in tablet form.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce inflammation in the body. This may be beneficial for psoriasis symptoms. Inflammation causes itchy, red patches. Omega-3 can be found in various foods, including flaxseed oil, nuts, seeds, soy, and fatty fish. Fish oil is also available as a dietary supplement. Research on omega-3 supplements and their effect on psoriasis is mixed. Of 15 studies evaluating fish oil for psoriasis treatment, 12 found a benefit for psoriasis, while 3 found no benefit. More than half of the people in a 1989 study noticed moderate or excellent improvement in psoriasis symptoms. These individuals followed a low-fat diet supplemented with fish oil for four months. In a recent survey of 1206 people with psoriasis, about 45 percent of those who included omega-3 fatty acids in their diet noticed an improvement in their skin condition. However, if you decide to take fish oil supplements, read the product label carefully. If you take more than 3 grams per day, your blood may thin. This is especially important if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin).
4. Turmeric
No large clinical trials have been conducted on the use of turmeric for treating psoriasis. However, smaller studies using topical turmeric gel have produced encouraging results. A trusted source found that for 34 people with mild to moderate psoriasis, using turmeric gel twice a day for nine weeks helped improve the size, redness, thickness, and scaling of their psoriasis lesions. Another recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Trusted Source) found that oral turmeric extract combined with visible-light phototherapy may be beneficial for people with psoriasis. However, another study (Trusted Source) found that taking turmeric capsules orally was not effective for people with moderate to severe psoriasis.
5. Oregon grape
Oregon grape, or Mahonia aquifolium, is an antimicrobial herb from the barberry family. Studies have found that a cream containing this herbal extract may help treat psoriasis. In an open clinical trial, a total of 433 people with psoriasis were treated with Mahonia aquifolium ointment. After 12 weeks, psoriasis symptoms improved or disappeared in more than 80 percent of participants. The extract was also shown to be safe and well tolerated. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 200 participants showed similar results.
6. Maintaining a healthy weight
Obesity not only increases a person’s risk of psoriasis but is also associated with more severe symptoms. If you are overweight or obese, research shows that weight loss may help improve psoriasis symptoms. Losing a few kilograms may also make psoriasis treatment more effective. Simple ways to lose weight include: eating more whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, choosing lean meats and other healthy proteins, and reducing foods high in sugar.
7. Using a humidifier
Try using a humidifier to keep the air in your home from drying out. Humidifiers increase moisture in the air to prevent dryness that can irritate already sensitive skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.
8. Stress-relieving activities
Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Finding ways to reduce and manage stress can help prevent psoriasis or reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Although no studies have been conducted to determine whether stress reduction has a direct effect on psoriasis symptoms, activities known to reduce stress include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and similar practices.
Bottom line
Home remedies do not replace the psoriasis treatments prescribed by your doctor. However, treatments such as fish oil supplements, Oregon grape, and Dead Sea salt baths can also help manage psoriasis symptoms. Still, there are not enough large, well-controlled clinical trials proving that these remedies work for absolutely everyone.
Results from studies involving relatively small numbers of participants should be viewed with caution and skepticism. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
Stop using any treatment that causes irritation, pain, or worsening symptoms. Always tell your doctor before starting a new psoriasis treatment or home remedy.
Based on material from Healthline.
