Life long, immune-mediated, cureless. Not the most endearing words to describe a particular skin condition.
Psoriasis is one of those skin conditions you hope and pray you never experience. Having watched my mother suffer with it for over a decade I can only empathize with her pain and frustration.
If you’ve never heard of it before, let me shed a little light on the sitch and give you 5 simple home remedies for psoriasis.
Why 5? Because you psoriasis sufferers need all the options you can get!
So let’s get into it.
The 411 on Psoriasis
We all have immune systems, right? Well, their function is to protect our body from outside pathogens and viruses. If history has taught us anything, it’s that we often mistake the good for bad. This is the case with psoriasis.
When your immune system mistakes normal skin cells with pathogens, your body overcompensates by creating even more skin cells. This chronically recurring condition results in typically isolated patches of redness and itchiness.
Your scalp, palms, soles of feet and unmentionables are the most common areas to suffer.
The actual cause of psoriasis is uncertain, which is what makes it so frustrating to live with. Part of it is believed to be genetics triggered by an injury to the skin, but other studies suggest it is environmental.
The severity of psoriasis can range from symptom-less to so extreme it induces depression, hypertension, congestive heart failure or even diabetes. As I mentioned, it is currently incurable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ease some of the pain with a few good home remedies for psoriasis…or five!
5 Soothing Home Remedies for Psoriasis
Apply Fish Oils
Fish oils are full of important Omega-3’s which help keep your body functioning properly. For our purposes, they also help reduce inflammation.
Since psoriasis presents a red, itchy inflammation of the skin it’s not surprising that using fish oils directly on the affected area helps soothe the itch.
Use a Humidifier
Do you ever find that your skin gets extra dehydrated in the dry, winter months? Mine sure does.
In fact, I like to plug in my parent’s awesome 70’s humidifier for a little extra moisture in the air. The same principle works for treating this skin condition.
Added moisture in the air gets sucked into your skin. The more hydrated your skin is, the less likely you will feel the effects of itching and inflammation.
Sensitive-skin creams are great for added moisture sealing benefits.
Avoid Dyes and Perfumes
Soaps, perfumes, body washes and lotions can be serious sources for skin drying, harmful dyes and fragrances. These ingredients might smell great, but they can exacerbate current psoriasis inflammations.
Next time you go searching for your signature “eau-de-toilette” choose something that’s listed as being sensitive.
Ditch Red Meats and Fatty Foods
Like so many other skin issues, food can play a major role. Eliminating certain foods like red meat and saturated, trans fats can reduce itchy outbreaks.
Rather than grilling up a T-Bone, choose more functional foods like cranberries, soy, nuts and even chocolate.
Olive Oil
Wrap it, dip it, soak it. Umm, that kind of came out wrong.
What I meant to say is olive oil is a great product for soothing and nourishing.
Simply rubbing some olive oil over affected areas and covering with plastic wrap, or dipping finger nails in a little dish of it can help. The nutrients lock in moisture and ease some of the burning itch.
So what if you can’t cure it? Focus on what you can do and you’ll find that living with psoriasis isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you!
Have any home remedies for psoriasis of your own? Share them in the comment section below!