Remedies for Psoriasis to try at home

Although the Philips TL01 UVB Lamp has been proven to be the most effective light treatment for Psoriasis, there are some natural alternatives you can try out in between sessions or if UVB treatment isn't available to you.

Effectiveness of these treatments can vary widely between people suffering from Psoriasis but as many of these treatments can be done at home with quite a low cost, it is worth experimenting with works with you to supplement UVB home therapy.

Vegetable Shortening: A Solid Remedy

Known as Cookeen or Trex in the UK, vegetable shortening is a white, solid fat made from natural vegetable oils. It can be used topically to treat cracked and dry skin from psoriasis. It's best to coat the skin and then wrap with cling film for a couple of hours. This allows the skin to absorb the vegetable shortening and have a moisturising effect. Apply daily until the psoriasis symptoms calm down.

Bathtime Treatments: A Cure for the Itch

There are many bath recipes you can try out to alleviate dry or irritated skin caused by psoriasis. Oatmeal has long been known as a remedy for a variety of skin conditions, and it's a very simple and cheap method of treatment. You need to use plain whole oats (not flavoured or instant oats), grind a few handfuls in a blender or food processor until you get a flour like texture, then add the oats to your lukewarm bath. The oats should dissolve easily in the water and help to reduce skin swelling and itching.

Other bath treatments for eczema and psoriasis include adding vegetable or mineral oil, an olive oil and milk solution, Epsom salts and also lavender essential oil.

Turmeric: The Wonder Spice

Not all treatments for psoriasis and skin conditions are topical. Turmeric powder is a bright yellow natural spice, which when ingested has proven to have anti-inflammatory healing benefits. This spice can easily be added to a variety of cooked meals, and the guidelines are to try to eat about one teaspoon a day. You can try turmeric in your favourite soup, curry and stew recipes. You can also make a cup of turmeric tea!

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Skin Wash

Apple Cider Vinegar is not recommended if your skin is broken, cracked or bleeding, but it has long been proven to soothe skin inflammation caused by psoriasis. It can be used neat or diluted with water, dab directly on the affected areas with a cotton wool ball or paper towels.

Olive Oil: An All-Natural Moisturiser

Psoriasis symptoms can worsen if the skin isn't kept moisturised and extra virgin olive oil does a great job at stopping skin from drying out. It contains omega-3 fatty acids with help with skin inflammation. Applied directly to the skin, or added to your bath, olive oil can help to seal any moisture that your skin holds. It can also be used to reduce psoriasis plaques by massaging the oil onto your body or scalp before showering. You may also see some benefits for psoriasis symptoms if you add olive oil to your diet.

Flaxseed: Raw, Powder and Oil

Flaxseeds, the seeds from the flax plant, are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can be used to treat chronic inflammation caused by psoriasis. You can either chew raw flaxseeds, grind it into powder form, or use flaxseed oil (also available in capsules). As flaxseeds have a nutty flavour, they can be added to cereals, smoothies, salads and other recipes. Ground flaxseed has to been said to be the best method for psoriasis treatment as this makes sure they are digested properly without losing any benefits. Recommended doses of flaxseed is about 1 spoonful or capsule twice per day.

Aloe Vera: A Classic Cool Sensation

Aloe Vera is a very popular natural remedy for various skin conditions from sunburn to acne. It can be found as an added ingredient in food, drinks, creams, lotions and much more. It provides a cooling sensation on the skin and can alleviate the itchiness and scales that come with psoriasis. You can easily grow your own aloe vera plant at home and to get the healing gel you just break off a part of the plant and squeeze out the pure gel.

Fish Oil: Omega-3 Guarantee

Available in supplements, fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. But the best way by far for getting the benefits of fish oil is to eat oily fish. Fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna in your diet around 2-3 times a week will guarantee a healthy dose of omega-3. In high doses, fish oil has proven to beat the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Baking Soda: The White Stuff

Used in a variety of household and health remedies, this kitchen condiment is best used for psoriasis treatment as a bath additive or a body paste. About 100g of baking soda added to a warm bath and soaking for about 20 minutes can help with skin redness, but may take a while for more serious patches of psoriasis. For the paste, mix baking soda (1/3) with castor oil (2/3) and massage into affected areas, leaving it to act for about 30 minutes. Watch out not to apply it to broken or bleeding skin.

Had any success with these psoriasis remedies? Or do you have your own remedy for psoriasis? Let us know below in the comments!