What is psoriasis and how to treat it with the top 5 natural ways?
There are quite a number of life challenges that can be caused by psoriasis. As they result in severe dryness, with scaly appearance with extreme pain. Having such sensitive skin it is difficult to find skincare products that are good for the skin. As they have extremely sensitive skin and that is why they have to be careful as there are maximum chances of triggering their skin problems.
It is always better to know the easy, effective as well as safe methods to ease down the aggravated symptoms of patients with psoriasis. Today, in this article you are going to learn how you can handle some of the symptoms at home or how to help them with these easy steps.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is basically an autoimmune skin disorder that causes your skin to produce skin cells in excessive form. In comparison to regular skin cells, this causes the development of new skin cells to occur 10 times more quickly. This results in extreme growth of skin red bumpy patches and is covered with white scales. It can affect any part of the body including the knees, lower back, elbows, or even the scalp alone.
It is usually seen that Psoriasis appears during early adulthood and is seen in a few cases only. In, some cases it affects only a few parts of the body while in some severe cases it can even cover the whole body part.
Sometimes, the inflammation caused by this skin disorder can also affect the organs as well as tissues. In fact, one in every three patients with psoriasis might also develop from psoriatic arthritis resulting in stiffness as well as pain in the joint.
Some of the symptoms seen between the ages of 15 and 25, can be seen in adult males, females, and children as well.
What Types of Psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis depending on the affected area of the skin but here are some common types of psoriasis:-
Plaque psoriasis
It is one of the most common types of psoriasis which results in inflamed as well as patchy skin causing itching and pain. Caucasian people are more capable of having this type and they appear as silvery white patches of dead cells. The color of the skin might appear as a bluish color with thick skin.
These plaques can be seen anywhere covering the knees, elbow, scalp, and torso. It generally appears in the symmetrical form and is often seen in nail psoriasis.
Guttate Psoriasis
Almost 8 percent of the total population suffers from this type of psoriasis and it leads to small as well as round papules. These papules are mostly caused inflammation of the skin and affect the legs as well as arms. But it can also affect the parts like scalp, ears, and face as well.
It can develop easily and suddenly as it is commonly seen after a throat infection caused due to streptococcus. Other common triggering factors could be having sinus, tonsils, stress, or any kind of injury to the skin.
Scalp Psoriasis
Almost 45 to 56 percent of the people having psoriasis suffer from scalp psoriasis as well. Scalp psoriasis is the indicator that you might have psoriatic arthritis as well. This could commonly lead to itching as well as flakiness of the scalp.
What are the Natural ways to control the aggravated symptom?
There are no specific treatments for skin problems but there are some home remedies that could help in reducing the skin problems. Here are some of the things that you can do.
Turmeric
Turmeric has one active ingredient known as curcumin and it is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its property, it has been found quite effective in reducing any kind of inflammation from the skin.
According to studies published in 2018, it has been found that curcumin in itself is effective in treating psoriasis. Furthermore, it has been said by the studies of 2021 that curcumin reduces the aggravated symptoms of psoriasis.
Ingredients:-
Honey
1 teaspoon Turmeric
How to use:-
The turmeric should be brought to a boil in four cups of water before simmering for ten minutes. After that add some honey to it. Then let it cool down and apply that paste to your affected parts.
Aloe Vera
Traditionally Aloe Vera has been used for years and has been found effective in treating different types of wounds. Applying Gel to the skin can have a calming effect and assist in reducing inflammation.
According to the studies of 2018 it has been found that people applying Aloe vera have seen positive results in their skin condition. Aloe vera should only be used externally; internal use should be avoided.
Ingredients:-
Aloe Vera
Lavender Oil
How to Use:-
Just take some fresh leaves of Aloe Vera and cut the thorns from the side. Then cut the leaves from between and scrape out the aloe vera gel and apply that gel directly to your affected part.
You may even mix in a few drops of lavender oil if you're putting it on your scalp. After 20 to 25 minutes, leave it on the scalp and rinse with a gentle wash.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is helpful in soothing the itching as well as burning sensation especially if you have scalp psoriasis. Apple Cider Vinegar is packed with anti-bacterial as well as germ-killing properties which makes it effective in giving a soothing effect to the scalp.
Even NPF has said that apple cider vinegar should be applied twice and you can even add water to it in order to dilute it. According to a 2021 International Journal of Dermatology article, apple cider vinegar has antioxidants that may treat wounds.
Ingredients:-
2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
Half a cup of water
How to Use:-
Simply combine the appropriate amount of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water. Utilizing a Q-tip, apply the mixture, and let it air dry. After 20 minutes rinse it and use cold water.
Tea Tree Oil
Studies have shown that tea tree oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial as well as anti-inglammatory properties making it safe for psoriasis. It is also seen that tea tree oil helps in reducing swelling.
Ingredients:-
Olive Oil
How to Use:-
Just take one drop of tea tree oil and add half a drop of olive oil in order to dilute it. Apply that mixture directly to your skin and then avoid going out in sun.
Epsom Salt
A warm bath of Epsom salt can help in reducing inflammation and removing flaky scales which are common in psoriasis. The magnesium content in it helps in aiding and relieving the itching.
Ingredients:-
One teaspoon of Epsom Salt
Shampoo or Soap
How to Use:-
Just mix the Epsom salt into your shampoo and apply it to your scalp. Or use soap and mix the salt into it. Then wash your affected parts. Dab it with cold water and then apply a good moisturizer to the skin.
How to Avoid Flaring up of Psoriasis?
It is very important to know the flaring up causes and then always look out for an alternative for it. Here are some of the top tips.
- Always use food moisturizer, especially thick as well as oily like for example petroleum jelly.
- Try using Humidifier and always keep the skin moisturized enough. Try avoiding them from getting dry.
- It has been noted that weather puts a great impact on psoriatic patients. For some people, the symptoms are aggravated in hot weather while for some in cold weather. Always keep track of which one is making your symptoms worse.
- Avoiding going out in the sun according to studies on NFT UV Rays can flare up the inflammation.
- Avoid any kind of cutting or scrapping of the skin for example avoid any kind of acupuncture or tattoo making.
- Reduce getting stressed as it might cause you to flare up the symptoms.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes as it could lead to more flare up and inflammation as well.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a disease that has no proper treatment and could lead to more severe problems as well. If you have the severe type then always remember to visit the doctor and if it's mild then you can apply these home remedies. All the above-mentioned methods can help you to reduce the symptoms of flaring up.
Always remember that if you have some kind of bruised skin then avoid applying any kind of harsh full ointment. However, always choose to test the home remedies before applying them to your whole skin.
FAQs
Q. Can Psoriasis spread from one person to another?
Ans. No, Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder and is not contagious at all. You can get in contact with the patient who has psoriatic skin.
Q. What type of food should be avoided by people with psoriasis?
Ans. Diet plays an important role in patients with psoriasis as it can aggravate the symptoms. For them, it is important to avoid food that is high in sugar, fatty food, potatoes, tomatoes, and any kind of dairy product.
