Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to malfunction and creates new cells at an accelerated pace. As the skin cell life cycle is ramped up, older cells don’t have a chance to slough before new ones are pushing through. This battle creates painful lesions and inflammation that can appear anywhere on the body, but most frequently on the joints like knees and elbows. Psoriasis can rest dormant until triggered, but once triggered, a painful flare-up is hard to avoid. The following list has seven treatments to ease the pain of flare-ups and hopefully give you more and more time between episodes.
7. Ice Packs
Psoriasis flare-ups can be intensely hot and itchy. For quick relief, use ice packs to numb the unhappy nerve endings. For a similar effect, keep your favorite moisturizer in the fridge so you will be ready to ease a flare-up. While psoriasis isn’t inflammation in itself, it can cause inflammation of the skin. Ice packs can also help reduce the painful inflammation around your lesions.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is incredibly cleansing, moisturizing, and gentle on the skin. These properties make it a perfect bath treatment for those with psoriasis. For a soothing oatmeal soak, fill a cheesecloth with half a cup of oatmeal and two tablespoons of honey, then submerge into your hot bath. The phytochemical saponin in the oatmeal will remove dirt and oil while the oats and honey moisturize your skin. After the bath rinse with warm water, gently pat dry, then use your favorite moisturizer to seal in all the good stuff.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerhouse health ingredient that has numerous benefits. Add turmeric to your diet to reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, support mood, protect organ functions, and much, much more. By reducing inflammation, you can ease some of the pain that surrounds a flare-up. Turmeric shows excellent promise as a topical treatment for plaque psoriasis because of its effect on skin cell production. Ask your doctor about the potential benefits of a topical turmeric treatment.
4. Olive oil
Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer that can keep skin soft and hydrated. When psoriasis causes the skin to be rough and scabby to the touch, try using a few drops each of olive and oregano oils to nourish, cleanse, and protect the skin. Use the mixture 2-3 times a day for softer, better feeling skin.
3. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt can relieve itching and remove scales, plus it is an excellent source of magnesium. Soak in a warm Epsom salt bath for 25 minutes, four times a week. If you have scalp psoriasis, be sure to soak your head too! Gently pat dry after your soak and seal in the nutrients with your choice of lotion.
2. Nuts
Nuts packed with Omega-3 fatty acids are likely to reduce the hormonal distortion that causes psoriasis and therefore improve the condition of your skin. Nuts and other foods rich in Omega-3s can enable collagen to reduce the overproduction of skin cells and decrease the effects of psoriasis.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
It seems like apple cider vinegar can treat anything, and psoriasis is no exception. Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of the body, detoxifying the skin, and helping restore cell production to more normal levels. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and drink twice daily to effectively balance your pH. Pair oral consumption with a topical treatment. Mix honey and apple cider vinegar for a powerfully hydrating cleanser that reduces puffiness, eliminates harmful bacteria, and leaves your skin clean and moisturized. For scalp psoriasis, mix equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Spritz your hair
and cover it with a towel for around 15 minutes, twice a week, for the best results.
