At-Home Psoriasis Treatments—What’s the Rub?

Many people experiencing an attack of psoriasis may feel desperate to find an effective treatment. Because psoriasis is a chronic condition, opportunities to try new therapies will be far from few.

The costs and side effects of some pharmaceuticals can make home remedies for psoriasis especially appealing. Those in favor of natural therapies or frustrated with traditional medicine may also find home treatments a welcome relief. Still others may find that combining home-based therapies with psoriasis drugs offers better results than just one angle of attack. 

Whatever your motivation for seeking psoriasis home remedies, be sure to consult a healthcare professional before beginning making any changes to your treatment regimen.

Taking Care of Psoriasis with Alternative or Complementary Therapies

Ease your symptoms with a variety of body-friendly therapies. Select a few options from the list below to customize your at-home treatment plan to soothe psoriasis symptoms.

Lather on some major moisture. Try drugstore topical hydrators, such as unscented or sensitive lotions for very dry skin. Avoid artificial dyes and perfumes to avoid aggravating delicate skin. In addition, keep your environment skin-friendly by running a humidifier and avoiding things that dry out your skin (such as long, hot showers). Some people also find topical oils (such as vitamin E or fish oil) helpful in locking in soothing moisture. If you prefer, some skin-friendly oils are available in supplement capsules (vitamin D, milk thistle, and primrose oil are also options if the doc gives the OK).

Give your diet a psoriasis makeover. Try eating to manage your primary health concerns in addition to addressing your psoriasis symptoms. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, a sample diet to reduce inflammation might eliminate fatty red meats, dairy, and processed foods while including plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (from fish and nuts), squash, berries, and green leafy vegetables. An elimination diet might also be useful for those with psoriasis, since some allergens (like lactose, eggs, or gluten) can aggravate the presentation of psoriasis skin symptoms.

Kick your stress in the butt. This at-home treatment is very important, as stress can prompt a psoriasis outbreak. Find the stress-buster that works best for you, be it yoga, talk therapy, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, playing sports, or hanging out with friends. Get a daily dose of relief to help calm your system and keep your stress in check.

Complement Big Pharma with herbal baths and creams. With the approval of your healthcare provider, look into using herbal baths and creams. These treatments can offer some excellent topical benefits when used correctly. Herbal remedies offer medicinal properties that can be very effective, but keep in mind that they also carry some risk of side effects.

No matter how you choose to customize your home treatment regimen for psoriasis, be sure that you give each treatment some time to work. Many at-home therapies, just as with pharmaceuticals, take time and regular appropriate use to work their magic. Give them a shot, and see which home-based psoriasis treatments will work for you.