Ask Joni: Psoriasis Care Can Be Expensive, Are There Home Remedies I Can Try?

If you’re looking for natural ways to ease your symptoms, you may not have to look any further than your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

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“Managing my psoriasis is so expensive. Are there natural remedies that are less costly and can help ease my symptoms?” – Bezzy Psoriasis community member

There’s no cure for psoriasis and treating psoriasis can be costly. However, there are natural remedies that may help alleviate your symptoms and make you more comfortable.

There are many lower-cost and natural treatment options that are easy to access. You may already have some of them in your home.

Remember, these are options you can try in addition to conventional treatments recommended by your healthcare professional; and as always, check with your dermatologist or healthcare professional before trying anything new or if you experience side effects.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

ACV has long been recognized for its healing properties. In my house, we use it to help with sinus infections, heartburn, and psoriasis. It also is a tasty addition to salad dressing.

Due to its natural antiseptic properties, ACV can help to alleviate itching and redness when applied to psoriasis plaques.

I find that mixing equal parts water and ACV and then applying the mixture directly to my plaques works best. The mixture can be used on your body and on your scalp.

For easy application, you can use a small spray bottle or saturate a cotton ball to apply to your skin. Once the solution has dried, rinse it off, then apply moisturizer. Avoid applying to any plaques that are cracked or bleeding because it can cause pain and irritation.

Oils

There are many types of oils commonly used for cooking that can soothe psoriasis symptoms.

Both coconut oil and olive oil contain properties that have been shown to reduce inflammation. Both oils can be applied directly to psoriasis plaques, and both can be used as scalp masks to soften stubborn scales.

Both oils can also be added to the bath for a moisturizing soak.

Some essential oils may also help with psoriasis symptoms, such as:

• rose oil
• tea tree oil
• lavender oil
• peppermint oil
• geranium oil

When applying essential oils on your skin, always mix with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your plaques, then leave it on for a few hours. After 3 to 4 hours, rinse off the oils to avoid irritation.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal baths are proven to reduce itching and soothe irritated skin. To prepare the oatmeal for the bath, use a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder to blend the oatmeal into a fine powder.

For one bath, you’ll want to end with about a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of oatmeal powder. Before pouring it into the tub, mix a tablespoon with hot water to make sure it is ground finely enough to stay suspended in the water.

Once confirmed, pour the oatmeal blend into the running water and stir. Hop in and soak for 20 minutes making sure to rub the water into your plaques and skin.

When getting out, pat your skin dry with a soft towel and then moisturize heavily.

You can even add a just few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil to the bath water. Be careful when getting out of the tub because the oil and oatmeal can be slippery.

Spices

Inflammation is believed to contribute to psoriasis flares. Reducing inflammation inside the body can help to relieve psoriasis symptoms that show on the outside of the body. An easy way to help do this is by adding anti-inflammatory spices to your diet.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Here are some ideas about how to incorporate turmeric into your diet and skin care regimen.

• Add a spoonful to your favorite recipes, like soups, rice, and chicken.
• Make a tea by boiling a teaspoon of ground turmeric with 4 cups of water. Let it simmer for 10 minutes and add honey and lemon to taste.
• Make a topical paste by combining 1 part turmeric with 2 parts water in a pan. Simmer the mix until it forms a thick paste. Let it cool then apply it to your skin.
• Talk with your doctor about trying turmeric in a supplement form.

Ginger

Multiple compounds in ginger are believed to contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s how to add it to your diet:

• Add fresh or powdered ginger to stir-fry or curry recipes.
• Slice fresh ginger and add it to your water with lemon. Hydration is key for managing psoriasis. Making water more interesting to drink may help you stay hydrated.
• Brew ginger tea with turmeric. Thinly slice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. Combine in a saucepan with 1 cup of water and a teaspoon of turmeric and bring to a boil. Simmer the mix for 5 to 10 minutes then strain it. Add honey or maple syrup to taste.

Garlic

Another favorite with anti-inflammatory properties. In my opinion, fresh (or powdered if you must) garlic belongs in nearly everything.

Cling wrap

Hear me out on this one. This is easiest done if you’re staying home for a few hours or going to bed. After applying any skin medication or moisturizers you apply before bed, wrap your body in the cling wrap.

It may feel strange, but not only does it help keep the treatment on the plaques but keeps the products from rubbing off onto your clothes or bedding.

The takeaway

These are just some options that can help provide relief for psoriasis symptoms. All cases of psoriasis are unique, so different remedies may work for you, or you may need a combination of treatment ideas.

If any home remedies cause irritation or pain, stop immediately and rinse the affected areas.