{"id":354,"date":"2017-05-31T06:14:04","date_gmt":"2017-05-31T06:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=354"},"modified":"2021-03-10T17:07:10","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T17:07:10","slug":"18-natural-remedies-psoriasis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/18-natural-remedies-psoriasis\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Natural Remedies for Psoriasis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Psoriasis is a condition that causes dry, flaking skin. This condition can be painful in some cases but is also an aesthetic concern. A flare up of psoriasis can sometimes cover the whole face or torso in flaky red skin, which causes embarrassment for the sufferer.<\/p>\n

The question then, is whether you can treat the condition and what the best options for doing so are.
\nPsoriasis is actually an autoimmune disease, meaning that it is caused by the immune system. This is something that many people don\u2019t realize and is actually a result of rapid growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. In other words, psoriasis involves an increase in the rate of production of skin cells, especially during wound repair. Normally, skin cells are replaced once every 28-30 days, whereas in psoriasis, this is closer to every 3-5 days.<\/p>\n

With all that in mind then, what are some of the best things you can do to combat psoriasis and to get it back under control? In this post, we will take a look at some of the best options that can help.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Meditate<\/h3>\n

This probably isn\u2019t what you expected from number one! Actually though, your state of mind is one of the best tools there is for combating psoriasis<\/a> and this was demonstrated in the Derren Brown TV special Fear and Faith where an individual was seemingly \u2018cured\u2019 of their psoriasis from a placebo alone.<\/p>\n

The point is that the immune system is linked closely with stress and our general mood. When we are stressed, we thus become much more likely to experience a psoriasis attack.<\/p>\n

It follows then that meditation \u2013 one of the most effective ways to combat stress \u2013 would be a useful tool in helping your body to relax and recover. Try to spend a little less time worrying about things that you need to do at work and a little more time finding a quiet spot and just taking some \u2018you\u2019 time. This can actually be transformative and help you to prevent getting ill in the first place. Once you are ill, it\u2019s a good way to get your thoughts and your body back under your control.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0CBT<\/h3>\n

CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach that is currently very popular owing to its high success rate coupled with its relatively low cost and easy administration. CBT focusses on teaching patients to better deal with the thoughts and emotions that lead to depression<\/a>, stress and other mood disorders\/mental health conditions.<\/p>\n

CBT is a thus a highly powerful tool and has more recently been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis by preventing stress which can trigger flare ups.<\/p>\n

It is particularly effective when combined with other medications and lifestyle interventions.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Vitamin D Supplementation<\/h3>\n

Vitamin D and vitamin D analogs have been shown to be highly effective when it comes to treating psoriasis and much more so than placebo. This makes sense when you consider the importance of vitamin D in strengthening the immune system.<\/p>\n

A recent study has shown that vitamin D<\/a> might actually be just as effective as some vaccinations when it comes to preventing colds and flus and that it could potentially prevent thousands or even millions of people from getting ill each year if we all took it as a supplement.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Fresh Air<\/h3>\n

Similarly then, simply getting more time outside in the sun could also help you to boost your immune system<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This could also benefit in other ways \u2013 by exposing you to more relaxing natural scenery for example and by getting you outside and into the fresh air which is also very good for the skin.<\/p>\n

Regularly getting fresh air is something that a lot of us struggle with owing to busy schedules. A good solution is to take up a hobby or regular activity that forces you to spend more time outdoors.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Corticosteroids<\/h3>\n

Corticosteroids<\/a> have been shown to be effective at treating psoriasis but in order for these to be effective, they need to be classed as \u2018very strong\u2019. Not only that, but their effectiveness can also be further enhanced by combining them with other strategies.<\/p>\n

In particular, vitamin D supplementation along with very strong corticosteroids is one of the best treatments available for chronic plaque psoriasis. If you combine this with mindfulness techniques in order to reduce stress, this could be an effective combination.<\/p>\n

Okay, so this one is particularly \u2018natural\u2019 but it is nevertheless a possible treatment and you shouldn\u2019t rule it out as an option.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Watch a Comedy \u2013 Or Otherwise Find Nice Things to Do<\/h3>\n

When you watch a comedy, your body produces endorphins<\/a>, serotonin and other feel-good hormones. In turn, these can help you to boost your immune system and actually recover from illness quicker.<\/p>\n

Spending time with loved ones can actually have a similar effect, so for the ultimate double whammy, you should consider watching a comedy with a friend!<\/p>\n

In much the same way, this can also help you to reduce a flare up. This works once again by fortifying the immune system and helping to avoid the conditions that make flare ups likely.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Mineral Oil<\/h3>\n

Mineral oils have been shown to be effective when applied topically to the area. Note that this was specifically useful in cases where the psoriasis forms plaques.<\/p>\n

Along with this, other moisturizers have similarly been found to be effective and these include salicylic acid<\/a>, petroleum jelly, calcipotriol and decubal (which is an oil-in-water emollient). Emolients are also shown to be even more effective when they are combined with phototherapy.<\/p>\n

Once again, combining any of the approaches on this list should result in enhanced benefits.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Phototherapy<\/h3>\n

Light exposure and vitamin D can both help to improve the clear-up of psoriasis and reduce the likelihood of flare ups. Thus, it should come as no real surprise that phototherapy<\/a> can also be useful. Here, light is used against the skin with specific lightwaves that mimic that of the sun.<\/p>\n

The best wavelengths are 311-313 nanometers. Special lamps have been developed for this purpose (UVB lamps) and these should include a timer to prevent burning or over-exposing the skin.<\/p>\n

Of course there are potential risks involved when using UV rays, so you should speak with your doctor and not attempt to self-medicate in this instance.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Surgery<\/h3>\n

An interesting anomaly on this list\u2026 studies show that surgery<\/a> to remove the tonsils may actually be useful for some people that struggle with psoriasis and that it might reduce the frequency of flare ups.<\/p>\n

There is limited evidence for this and it is not fully understood why the connection might exist. So in short, I am not recommending this for most readers! But it certainly is interesting.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Diets High in Fish Oil<\/h3>\n

Limited uncontrolled studies have also illustrated a slightly less invasive option that might be useful: increasing the intake of fish oil in the diet.<\/p>\n

There are many reasons that this might be effective, but something especially likely is that it comes down to the omega 3 fatty acids which can help to reduce inflammation and improve the health of the cells.<\/p>\n

Omega 3<\/a> fatty acid helps to improve inflammation by re-addressing the balance of omega 3 to omega 6. Omega 6 is not bad for you in the correct quantities but our modern diets contain too much 6 and not enough 3. This can in turn lead to inflammation which can express itself as psoriasis and other forms of angry, red skin!<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Diets High in Vitamin A<\/h3>\n

If your psoriasis appears to be resistant to phototherapy and steroids<\/a>, then your doctor might move you on to systemic treatments \u2013 i.e. medications. Of course, these go beyond the scope of this article as they are very much not natural. However, one of the types of medication that is popular is retinoids.<\/p>\n

Retinoid creams are essentially analogues of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an important nutrient that we know to be good for the skin so let\u2019s put it this way: it certainly can\u2019t hurt to consume more vitamin A in your diet. Time to get some more carrots!<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Turmeric<\/h3>\n

Turmeric is a health remedy that has been shown to be effective for all kinds of things \u2013 even boosting brain plasticity!<\/p>\n

While we\u2019re very much in speculation mode here, it might also be effective for combating psoriatic arthritis<\/a> in particular.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because it a) is an anti-inflammatory agent which can reduce the inflammation that cause arthritis and b) is able to alter gene expression and in particular the gene that is responsible for flare ups. Certainly worth a try! Why not grate some into your next cup of coffee?<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Tea Tree Oil<\/h3>\n

Tea tree oil<\/a> is one of many essential oils that may be helpful for those suffering with psoriasis. Tea tree oil is very toxic when consumed, so don\u2019t do that!<\/p>\n

However, when used topically it can loosen scale and also prevent infection that comes from damaged tissue.<\/p>\n

In other words, it\u2019s not going to combat the cause of the condition but it might well help you to ease the symptoms and clear up a little faster.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Dead Sea Salt<\/h3>\n

One interesting natural benefit is to bathe in the dead sea. This has been shown to be highly effective as a natural treatment, which could be a result of the dead sea salt<\/a> combined with the natural sunlight.<\/p>\n

Whatever the reason, most of us aren\u2019t going to have the option to try this one for ourselves. But what you can do is to add some dead sea salt to a warm bath and this is a common tip for fighting psoriasis naturally. Just be careful: most doctors recommend against bathing too regularly if you suffer with psoriasis as this can actually lead to drying out the skin and thus triggering worse psoriasis.<\/p>\n

At the very least, this is an occasional option that can help to reduce itching in the short term.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Avoid Fragrances<\/h3>\n

Avoid applying strong fragrances to your skin that might contain various unwanted chemicals. While they make you smell great, they can simultaneously dry out the skin or even cause an allergic reaction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The latter is the worst-case scenario for psoriasis which is essentially similar to an allergic reaction to begin with.<\/p>\n

Avoid fragrances and if you must add something to your skin, choose something that\u2019s natural and that isn\u2019t going to cause problems.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Avoid Dry Skin<\/h3>\n

Dry skin<\/a> is not the cause of psoriasis despite appearances but it is a common problem that can worsen it. Remember, psoriasis is caused by your skin too enthusiastically replacing dead skin cells. If your skin is dry, this can cause cracks and other problems which encourage the production of that skin.<\/p>\n

There are lots of things you can do to avoid dry skin. Moisturizing regularly is important. As mentioned, doctors also recommend against bathing too frequently which can actually rob you of your moisture. And simplest of all: drink more!<\/p>\n

\"\"17. \u00a0Avoid Injury<\/h3>\n

Injury can also trigger a psoriatic flare-up in a specific region.<\/p>\n

This happens as a result of the skin<\/a> rushing to cover the area and then getting overly \u2018carried away\u2019. Try to avoid situations that may make you likely to get cut, scratched or bruised.<\/p>\n

Likewise, avoid strong face scrubs or anything else that is going to break or remove lots of skin cells.<\/p>\n

\"\"18. \u00a0Eat Vitamin C<\/h3>\n

Finally, you can also help to reduce flare ups by consuming more vitamin C. Just like vitamin D, vitamin C works to strengthen the immune system and in this way can prevent flare ups.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, is that vitamin C can help to ease the mood by producing more serotonin and reducing the production of cortisol<\/a>. This can help to combat disease and illness and the same goes for psoriatic flare ups.<\/p>\n

Drink apple juice or orange juice for a natural source of vitamin C, or perhaps consider taking a multivitamin or a vitamin C tablet which is not as effective but better than not getting enough!<\/p>\n\r\n

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