Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune disease that causes patches of itchy, scaly skin to develop on your body. This happens more on the elbows, knees, and scalp. The symptoms tend to come and go, appearing like flare-ups. Dealing with these flare-ups can be uncomfortable. If you think you have psoriasis or another skin condition, you should speak with your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe medications like corticosteroids and retinoids to help you manage psoriasis. They may also recommend natural remedies to improve the symptoms, even if it doesn’t treat the underlying disease. If you have psoriasis, you might find relief by trying one of these natural remedies for psoriasis.
Aloe Vera
Aloe comes from a plant, and you can purchase it from the drugstore. It is commonly used to treat minor burns but may also reduce redness and scaling during psoriasis flare-ups. It may work for some people, but not all.
Aloe vera contains compounds that may help your immune system work properly, and this can reduce your inflammation. You can apply the gel from inside the plant or the drugstore bottle directly to your skin up to three times daily. But be careful not to use it too frequently. Aloe vera gel can moisturize your skin when you first start using it. Unfortunately, if you apply it regularly, the positive effects can wane. When this happens, the aloe can dry out your skin.
It’s best to save this remedy for more severe flare-ups to prevent your skin from drying out. Even though there are aloe supplements and drinks, applying the gel on the skin appears to offer the most benefits.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is a thick, dark liquid made from coal and woods like juniper and pine. The mechanism of how it works isn’t fully understood, but it seems effective. It has been used for over 100 years as a natural remedy for psoriasis and other itchy skin conditions.
You can find this ingredient in shampoos, creams, and oils available over the counter or by prescription. It may relieve itching and inflammation, so your skin has a chance to heal. Coal tar can also slow down your skin’s cell-turnover rate, reducing scaliness and dryness. You’ll notice that products with coal tar have percentages listed on them. This will indicate how potent the concentration of coal tar is. If you’re unsure which to choose, ask your doctor first.
You must take some extra care when using products with coal tar. It can make your skin more sensitive and susceptible to sunburn. It also works on your skin for about 24 hours after application. For this reason, limit your sun exposure when using coal tar for psoriasis.
Mahonia Aquifolium
Mahonia aquifolium (also known as Oregon Grape) is an antimicrobial herb that may help reduce inflamed areas of your skin. It tends to work best if you have a mild or moderate case of psoriasis. It can alleviate swelling, redness, and pain. Mahonia aquifolium may also slow the speed of your skin’s cell turnover. This can reduce the scaliness that psoriasis causes.
Mahonia aquifolium comes in oil, cream, and tincture form. Tinctures should be taken in small doses of less than a teaspoon a few times a day. Look for a cold-processed tincture; these have the highest concentrations of beneficial compounds. Use oils and creams topically over your psoriasis plaques for best results.
Mahonia aquifolium is an alkaloid. As such, check with your doctor to ensure it won’t interfere with your other medications before you begin using them.
Epsom Salts
You may find that taking a bath in Epsom salts can help your psoriasis. This may work because Epsom salts contain magnesium, which has been found to reduce inflammation. Magnesium is a natural mineral that can help a variety of processes at the cellular level. Research shows that this results in improved skin barrier, improved skin hydration, and less skin inflammation for dry skin disorders.
If you are taking an Epsom salt bath, you’ll want to use a moisturizer after the bath. Doing so can help to seal in the benefits of the salts. You should make sure you use a moisturizer specifically made to help people with psoriasis.
Tumeric
Some people have found that eating turmeric can relieve psoriasis symptoms. It is thought that turmeric may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize your flare-ups. The research has not yet demonstrated a clear benefit, but it’s a safe spice for you to consume in moderation so that you may try it.
You can add this spice to your food or take it in pre-made supplement capsules. This spice works well in rice, curries, and vegetable dishes. Add a teaspoon or two to each recipe to start.
What To Keep in Mind When Using Natural Remedies for Psoriasis
These natural treatments all aim to reduce the discomfort associated with psoriasis. They mainly do so by relieving swelling and smoothing the itchy, scaly patches of skin. There is good news, as many people with psoriasis reported success using these remedies. However, there haven’t been many clinical studies done to verify that these treatments work.
There’s a low risk of side effects when using most of these remedies. However, they can cause you some discomfort. Talk with your doctor before using any of these natural remedies for psoriasis. If one of these items worsens your psoriasis or causes other irritation, you should stop using it.
Resource Links:
- “Coal Tar” via American Academy of Dermatology Association
- “Epsom Salt Baths for Eczema, Psoriasis and Acne” via Epsom Salt Council
- “Psoriasis” via Mayo Clinic
- “Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Mahonia aquifolium for the Treatment of Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis” via Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
- “Integrative Approaches to Care” via National Psoriasis Foundation
- “Psoriasis” via StatPearls
- “A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a commercial Aloe vera gel in the treatment of slight to moderate psoriasis vulgaris” via Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
- “Review of the mechanism of action of coal tar in psoriasis” via Journal of Dermatological Treatment
- “Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin” via International Journal of Dermatology
- “Use of Curcumin in Psoriasis” via Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
