Psoriasis is a form of inflammatory disease where skin cells are rapidly produced, causing symptoms such as bright red scaly patches and flaky scalp. The condition is not infectious and may be treated through a range of practical, nutritional and herbal approaches.
Self-Help Treatment for Psoriasis
There are many different ways to help reduce psoriasis-related symptoms and help make the difficult days of living with the condition more bearable. In 1,001 Health Remedies, Browne et al. (2007) highlight key approaches to psoriasis treatment, to include the following:
- sunlight – helps reduce skin inflammation
- vegetable oil in bathwater – helps seal moisture into the skin
- vinegar in a cool bath – relieves itching
- ground oatmeal in a bath for itch relief
- chamomile cream – reduces inflammation, soothes flaky skin
- tea tree oil – relieves itching, softens psoriasis patches
- petroleum jelly – softens skin, removes scaly patches
- flaxseed oil – reduces inflammation
- Avoid razors; use electronic shavers instead.
- Keep hair short.
- Use T Gel shampoo.
- Regular exercise helps reduce stress triggers.
Omega-3 Fish Oils Help Treat Psoriasis
A very well-researched approach to the treatment of psoriasis include taking omega-3 fish oil supplements or ensuring one has plenty of omega-3 in the diet, through eating oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer (2010) identifies that omega-3 fish oils benefit psoriasis sufferers, as follows:
- anti-inflammatory effect
- damps down psoriasis lesions
- helps reduce itching
- improves scaling
- helps reduce skin redness
Lakin et al. (2006) in Healing Supplements, recommend taking 3000 mg of omega-3 fish oil supplements each day as an anti-inflammatory for psoriasis treatment. One of the best natural sources of omega-3 fish oils are found in salmon, making it a worthwhile addition to one's diet.
Natural Ways to Treat Psoriasis
Further ways to help treat those affected by psoriasis include a range of natural herbal approaches and supplements. Brewer (2010) acknowledges additional ways to treat psoriasis, as follows:
- aloe vera gel – wound-healing, anti-itching properties
- Dead Sea mineral salts/mud – topical treatment to improve symptoms
- gotu kola – soothing cream
- milk thistle/globe artichoke extracts – improves production rate of new skin cells
- selenium – reduces severity and progression of psoriasis
As highlighted above, psoriasis is an inflammatory disease which affects the skin, causing flaky scalp, and red, scaly skin patches. Key ways to treat psoriasis, include milk thistle extract, globe artichoke extract, aloe vera gel, omega-3 fish oils, tea tree oil and flax seed oil. Stress can also trigger episodes, making it important to try stress-reduction activities, such as meditation and relaxation, and take regular exercise.
Sources:
Brewer, S. (2010) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements London: Constable Robinson
Browne et al. (2007) 1,001 Home Health Remedies London: Reader's Digest
Lakin et al. (2006) Healing Supplements London: Reader's Digest
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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