Natural Treatments for Psoriasis
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By Robin Westen
If you have psoriasis, you’re not alone. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation as many as 7.5 million Americans suffer with the raised red skin and thick silvery scales the condition causes. Flare-ups can last for weeks or months, or disappear for a time and then return. If you see any indications of the condition, go to your doctor and see what treatment is best. Treatments vary according to the severity of psoriasis (the condition showing up on just one to three percent of your skin is considered a mild case; three to 10 percent is moderate; and more than 10 percent is severe. An easy way to measure: one percent is as large as your hand.) For mild cases, though, there are some natural treatments you might want to try:
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Stay Moisturized
Moisturizing not only helps prevent dry skin, it reduces inflammation and aids flexibility (dried plaques can make moving certain parts of the body difficult). It can also make plaque scales less noticeable. The heaviest moisturizers work best at locking water into the skin. -
Try Water Therapy
Showering, swimming, soaking in a tub, and applying wet compresses can all rehydrate very dry skin and help soften and remove psoriasis scales without damaging the skin. Regular soaking also helps reduce itching and redness of lesions. Keep the water tepid rather than hot because hot water can increase itching. -
Use The Right Soap
Harsh soaps can dry and irritate the skin and increase itching, so opt for a mild," super-fatted" soap that contains moisturizers; avoid any containing irritating fragrances. If you’re not sure which product to choose, ask your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations. Be sure to completely rinse off any soap you’re using. Pat your skin dry with a towel. Don’t rub. -
Watch Your Meds
Certain medications, including common beta blockers, can worsen psoriasis in some people. Be sure all of the doctors who treat you know about your skin condition. If a current medication appears to be aggravating your psoriasis, discuss a reduced dosage or alternative medication with your health care provider. -
Pay Attention to Skin Injuries
Even mild injuries such as sunburn, scratches, and irritation from tight clothing can cause or worsen psoriasis. -
Be Careful of Harsh Products
Psoriasis causes the skin to be unusually susceptible to irritating substances, so use products such as hair dyes, perms or straighteners, with caution. -
Get A Jump on Infections
Systemic infections like strep throat (streptococcal infections) can trigger psoriasis flares in some people. Contact your doctor at the earliest sign of infection.
About the Author
Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."
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