12 home remedies for treating psoriasis

 Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune skin condition in which the immune system triggers the overproduction of skin cells. Some home remedies may help relieve symptoms.

Psoriasis causes a person to develop scaly patches of skin called plaques. Plaques usually appear on the elbows, knees, and scalp, but they can develop anywhere on the body.

Before using home remedies, it may be a good idea to speak with a doctor. Home remedies tend to work best when people use them alongside medical treatment.

Home remedies

Using home remedies alone or with medical treatment may improve psoriasis symptoms.

People with psoriasis may use complementary approaches because medical treatment was unsuccessful or had side effects.

However, some home remedies may interact with medications, so anyone thinking about using them should speak with a doctor first.

It is also important to monitor psoriasis symptoms to ensure that the remedies are not causing them to get worse.

1. Exposure to sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can sometimes improve the appearance of the skin when a person has psoriasis. People should expose their skin gradually and for brief periods.

The sun’s UVB rays are beneficial for psoriasis symptoms as they can slow the growth of affected skin cells.

It is essential to put sunscreen on all exposed skin, including plaques, as sunburn can worsen psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) advises using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Some medications can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Not everyone should use sunlight to treat psoriasis. The NPF advises speaking with a doctor before exposing skin to the sun.

Those with a family history of skin cancer may need to stay out of the sun and seek other treatments.

2. Capsaicin

Capsaicin, a component of red peppers, has demonstrated the ability to fight inflammation.

A study from 2020 suggestsTrusted Source capsaicin may be an effective psoriasis treatment.

People with psoriasis may use a capsaicin cream to treat skin plaques. This may initially cause a burning sensation and inflammation, but capsaicin may help nerves in the treated area become less sensitive to inflammation with further application. This can lead to less scaling, itching, and pain.

A more recent study suggests people could use capsaicin as an alternative to topical psoriasis treatments containing steroids. The study found that capsaicin application to affected areas created a protective effect that reduced the body’s ability to send signals, known as cytokines, for more inflammation.

Capsaicin creams are available online, in pharmacies, and in health food stores.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria present in yogurt and fermented foods. People can also consume them in supplements.

Having the right balance of bacteria in the body may help the immune system. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, and research suggestsTrusted Source probiotics may be helpful in managing psoriasis symptoms.

A 2019 review studyTrusted Source found that the gut microbiome — the collective genomes of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that live in the digestive system — is essential to skin health and may prevent psoriasis outbreaks or stop them from getting worse.

A 2020 review went further, suggestingTrusted Source that a depleted gut microbiome may play a role in triggering psoriasis.

There is insufficient research in this area, and people with psoriasis should check with a doctor before taking supplements to ensure it is safe.

Source: Medical News Today