Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a scaly rash that affects people of all ages. Approximately 2% of the population is affected by it.

There is a genetic component for Psoriasis, as it does tend to run in families. Environmental factors can influence the severity of Psoriasis. 

Psoriasis is a skin condition linked to a deficiency of the autoimmune system. It affects the skin and joints by causing swelling, redness, and general discomfort. It is not contagious, and it is not due to an allergy. Psoriasis may be attributable to an immune system disorder in which skin cells grow too quickly, build up, and form hard, itchy, crusty patches.

A doctor will usually prescribe a topical ointment (usually steroid-based), or injections or UV light therapy can help Psoriasis for more severe cases.

Some people find these methods helpful, but they are costly and ineffective for many. On the other hand, natural cures and home remedies can play a successful role in curing Psoriasis. If you want to learn how to get rid of Psoriasis, then it is best to know what triggers it first and some natural cures that have helped others get rid of it.

Causes of Psoriasis

This skin condition is caused by an imbalance in the autoimmune system which results in the body "attacking" the skin- resulting in red, itchy patches. Psoriasis affects men and women equally at all ages and can strike anytime.

The following causes have been linked to Psoriasis:

  • Genetics
  • Injury
  • Illness
  • Drugs/medications
  • Stress

Symptoms of Psoriasis

People living with Psoriasis commonly experience the following symptoms:

  • Red patches of skin, often raised
  • White scales covering the red patches
  • Affected areas are usually knees, elbows, back, and scalp

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Psoriasis

Here are some natural cures to help manage the condition  of Psoriasis

Baking Soda

  • Add 1 cup of baking soda to the bath to relieve itchy skin and reduce redness.
  • Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected area. Let it dry, then rinse with lukewarm water and let it air dry.

Cornstarch

For a natural cure to ease itching and redness,

  • Add 1 cup of cornstarch to your daily bath and soak for 30 minutes.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a popular home remedy for dry skin conditions. Soaking in tepid baths containing a cup of colloidal oatmeal is a natural remedy and home cure that has been proven to reduce the itch and irritation of Psoriasis.

  • Add 1 cup of oatmeal to a running bath to create a milky treatment for the skin.
  • A mixture of 1 cup oatmeal with 1 cup water can be made into a paste and applied directly to inflamed areas.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another home remedy for dry and flaking skin.

  • Rub olive oil on the areas affected by Psoriasis 3-4 times daily.

Omega 3

Up your omega-3 intake by eating more salmon and flaxseed oil. Many people take an ounce of flaxseed oil every day for improved health.

Vitamin E Therapy

Vitamin E therapy is a home cure proven effective in controlling Psoriasis.

  • Therapeutic doses of 400 mg a day help reduce the itch and scab formation of Psoriasis.

Vaseline

  • Use Vaseline (or a generic brand of petroleum jelly) and apply as many times a day as necessary.

This will remove redness and soften the skin.

Sunlight

Sunlight, or exposure to UV rays, has long been known to reduce Psoriasis's redness, itch, and irritation. You must weigh this home cure with the potential effects of sunlight or UV rays on the skin. Devices are available to concentrate the UV rays only on the affected areas. Sunlight providing relief has been well documented.

Aloe Vera

  • Apply the gel from an aloe vera plant three times daily to remove Psoriasis.

Turmeric

  • Take 500 mg a day of turmeric.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is very effective in healing Psoriasis.

Garlic Oil

Natural garlic oil has proven to be an effective natural remedy in curing Psoriasis. You can buy garlic oil at health food stores or use a raw garlic clove.

Herbal Tea Preparations

An effective natural remedy for Psoriasis is making goldenseal and comfrey tea and adding aloe gel and garlic oil. Soak a clean, soft cloth in the mixture, and apply it to the affected areas.

A similar natural remedy is sarsaparilla tea. You make sarsaparilla tea by adding one teaspoon of sarsaparilla root (available in health food stores) to one cup of boiling water. It should steep for 15 minutes, add to a  clean, white cloth, and apply to the affected areas.