People with psoriasis have a hard road ahead of them. At the outset, it may seem like a fleeting physical problem. This is false. Psoriasis actually goes beyond just the skin. Like eczema, for those who have it bad, it can also result in very itchy, painful, and flaky skin. It also comes with a complication in its forms of treatment. You never know how your skin is going to respond to the medication that’ll be given to you.
This is because many medications for other issues can cause flare-ups, and the medications used to treat psoriasis can have negative effects over time. Many people with psoriasis struggle with depression and low self-esteem, contributing to a vicious cycle. If this is you, don’t give up just yet. You might not have yet met that treatment form that your skin is compatible with.
Fortunately, there are natural steps someone can take to help treat their psoriasis. Who knows, perhaps one of these methods is the answer you’re waiting for, to give you that permanent relief. Here’s what you need to know about what psoriasis is and how to treat it naturally.
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system is triggered against itself rather than outside illnesses or injuries. When you have this particular autoimmune disorder, your body views your skin as a foreign invader and launches an attack. The result is that your skin cells multiply at a dramatic rate, which causes patches and lesions that are sometimes quite painful.
There are different types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis— characterized by red patches and silvery scales— being the most common. The various types of autoimmune diseases can affect the nails, scalp, and even joints.
Unfortunately for patients with Psoriasis, there’s yet no cure for this disease. But, there are many treatments that can help to ease the symptoms and discomfort that’s caused by Psoriasis. To treat psoriasis naturally, you need to heal the body both inside and out. Here are some effective natural treatments for psoriasis.
USE NATURAL MOISTURIZERS
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to use natural moisturizers. That way, you’re limiting the number of chemicals you’re slathering onto your skin which may have an adverse effect on you. Stop buying store-bought lotions and use aloe vera instead. According to the Argan Oil Shop, natural oils can also be used to help rejuvenate the damaged skin and offset itching.
Don’t stop at replacing moisturizers with natural alternatives— take a look at all of your beauty products. The run-off from shampoo and conditioner can often be triggering for people with psoriasis. Look for clean brands that are free of irritants or make your own using natural materials.
Here are some examples of natural emollients that you can apply:
- Vegetable shortening. This kitchen staple can also do wonders for your skin. Especially when your skin is already dry and cracking, this can give your skin that much-needed relief. To go about with this, coat the affected area with vegetable shortening. Then, cover this area with plastic wrap, or cling wrap. Leave it for two to four hours, daily, until your skin improves.
- Olive oil. Soak your body in natural emollients when you take a bath. You can use either olive oil, Epsom salt, mineral oil, and even milk. This can help control your itching, thereby also reduce the flare-ups.
EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET
Many autoimmune diseases are triggered by inflammatory diets. Eating kale and drinking smoothies isn’t going to cure your disorder, but taking steps to eat better can have a profound effect.
Avoid inflammatory foods like refined sugars. Try to consume whole grains and minimally processed foods. Diversify your diet with lean protein and a variety of multicolored fruit and vegetables. Spices like turmeric and the capsaicin in chili peppers are said to have anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to eating minimally processed foods, try to get the minimum recommended daily amount of water (eight cups or 64 fluid ounces) and avoid alcohol.
Here, a very important note to remember also is to consult with a professional first, like the folks at My Psoriasis Team, before making any drastic changes in your diet. In so doing, you’re also reducing the risk of your body having sudden negative effects instead.
MANAGE STRESS
Stress is one of the most powerful triggers for autoimmune diseases, and psoriasis is no exception. Adding up to that also is the fact that stress can also lead to your body having flare-ups and bad skin. Finding ways to cope with stress will help offset flare-ups and mitigate the effects this disease has on your body.
Find a self-care routine that works for you. Consider incorporating exercises, such as yoga and Tai-Chi, that have a mental component as well as a physical one. Schedule time for warm Epsom salt and oatmeal baths and take advantage of both the relaxation and skin-soothing effect this can have.
Sleep is also essential for treating psoriasis naturally. Sleep deprivation can cause hormonal disruptions and increased production of cortisol, the stress hormone.
While it’s impossible to avoid stressful situations, learning how to work through them with minimal fanfare will go a long way. It’s important to remember that while smoking cigarettes is a stress-relieving exercise for many, it can actually worsen a flare-up. The stress of quitting will be well worth it in the end.
While psoriasis might be a lifelong battle, it doesn’t have to feel like a life sentence. Prioritize healing your body from the inside out and use natural treatments on your skin.
Make Sure To Consult With Your Dermatologist
With this list of many different natural treatment forms of Psoriasis, now you’re more aware that treatment doesn’t necessarily only have to consist of synthetic or chemical medicines. If this isn’t something that you’re after, you can give any of these natural means a try first. Then, make it a point also to consult regularly with your trusted dermatologist to give updates and get their opinion as well. In so doing, you’ll still have the best professional advice. You’ll have insights on your progress. If there’s anything that should be a cause of concern, these can also be addressed early on.