Psoriasis is one of the more common, stubborn, and extremely painful skin conditions.
The symptoms of the skin are only superficial; it is still rooted in problems with the immune system.
This article systematically introduces the causes, symptoms, conventional treatments, natural treatments, dietary modifications, essential oil treatments, types of psoriasis, complications, etc.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes inflammation and crusting of the skin.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes inflammation and crusting of the skin.
Psoriasis is caused by a malfunction in the immune system involving a type of white blood cell called a T-cell.
Normal, healthy skin undergoes cell renewal about once a month, but when you have psoriasis, T cells are activated incorrectly and become overactive, leading to unhealthy swelling and rapid renewal of skin cells.
What are the causes of psoriasis?
Most doctors are not sure what causes psoriasis, but many naturopathic doctors have found the causative factor.
Causes of psoriasis include:
- An overactive immune system (psoriasis is an autoimmune disease)
- Poor dietary habits
- Abnormal permeability of the small intestine
- Increased number of T cells in the blood, dermis and epidermis
- Difficulty digesting proteins
- Emotional stress
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Poor liver function
If you want to beat psoriasis, you can see great improvements by following a healthy and healing psoriasis-related diet.
What is the Conventional treatment of psoriasis？
Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease and when it comes to conventional treatment, doctors consider the severity of the condition, the type of psoriasis, and the size of the plaques.
As stated before, most doctors are not sure what is causing psoriasis and if one treatment does not work and there are adverse reactions, the doctor will usually switch to another treatment.
Conventional treatment is often difficult and the most common treatments used today are vitamin A-like or immunosuppressive. (Please follow your doctor’s instructions)
In general, immunosuppressants are effective in treating psoriasis but can come with worrisome side effects.
Topical treatments are common and include applying a cream or ointment to the problem area.
However, when psoriasis is severe, your doctor may use systemic treatment, which means using prescription medications or injectable drugs.
Combination therapies for psoriasis use topical applications, light therapy, and systemic therapy, all of which have side effects that natural treatments like a psoriasis-related diet do not.
5 Natural Remedies for Psoriasis
Natural remedies aim to get to the root of the problem.
For many people, the combination of anti-inflammatory foods and a diet that cures psoriasis is one of the best ways to treat psoriasis naturally.
Some experts believe that psoriasis is actually caused by intestinal permeability, especially in the area between the duodenum and jejunum. As a result, the body eliminates toxins through the skin.
Simply put, psoriasis represents the body’s reckless efforts to cleanse itself. The following are some natural ways to help fight psoriasis.
Reduce Stress
Stress is also known to play an important role in psoriasis, which is why mind-body therapies and stress management can really help heal psoriasis naturally.
Prayer, meditation and hypnosis can all help.
In fact, studies have shown that people who meditated before receiving light therapy had better results than those who received light therapy alone.
Exercise and Drinking Water
It may sound too simple, but exercise and drinking more water are two simple and effective ways to treat psoriasis.
When taking a bath, you should never use water that is too hot, as this can make your skin even drier and inflamed.
Soaking in warm water containing dead sea salt, laxative salt or oats for 15 minutes can help remove scales and stop itching.
Be sure to apply moisturizer to your skin immediately after you have just taken a bath or shower, as this will seal in some of the moisture on your skin and help calm and heal the psoriasis patches.
Topical Treatments
There are three nature-based topical treatments that have shown positive results for psoriasis: Oregon grape cream (10%), avocado and vitamin B12 cream, and aloe vera cream (0.5%).
If you use Reliéva, a homeopathic ointment containing Oregon grape extract, it is effective and well-tolerated for people with mild to moderate psoriasis.
And a proprietary cream containing avocado oil and vitamin B12 may reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. The cream containing 0.5% aloe vera extract was superior to the placebo and had no side effects.
Homeopathy and Beyond
Homeopathy is another natural remedy to improve psoriasis. Studies have shown that homeopathic treatment of psoriasis patients can improve symptoms and overall quality of life.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can also help some people with psoriasis. In Chinese medicine, psoriasis is seen as a health problem caused by blood stasis.
If you are a fan of Ayurvedic medicine, you may want to try Panchakarma therapy, which consists of plant-based therapies and dietary changes designed to detoxify the body.
A vegetarian diet is also often recommended.
Related diets
The diet of psoriasis is crucial.
If there is a leak in the gut, then partially digested proteins and fats can penetrate the lining of the gut and enter the bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction.
If not repaired, it can lead to more serious health problems such as psoriasis, depression, anxiety, migraines, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue.
Studies have shown a link between abnormal small intestinal permeability and psoriasis.
A psoriasis diet can help heal the gut, thus ending the pain of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
9 Diets for Psoriasis
Want to know how to apply natural remedies to get rid of psoriasis?
As I’ve always said, diet is the foundation of health, and it’s no different for psoriasis. Diet is the number one way to not only treat progressive psoriasis but also to prevent it.
I also recommend these foods for those looking for a psoriatic arthritis diet.
Probiotic Foods
Eating foods rich in probiotics is a great way to aid digestion, remove toxins from your body, reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
Look for organic, unprocessed, cultured dairy products such as kefir, yogurt, and organic vegetables that give your body the beneficial bacteria and yeast it needs to be healthy.
There are numerous personal reports of probiotics for stubborn psoriasis that reported no response to conventional treatment.
One patient had psoriasis on his heels for about 10 years, and topical treatments did not work. He started taking probiotics and his heels became clean and free of psoriasis.
High-fiber foods
You can help keep your digestive system healthy by increasing your intake of high-fiber foods, which helps avoid constipation and keeps your natural detoxification process on track.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds are all rich in fiber.
High antioxidant foods
Similar to fiber-rich foods, antioxidant-rich foods include vegetables, fruits, herbs, legumes, and nuts.
When it comes to antioxidants, some of the top foods include goji berries, wild blueberries, pecans, cilantro, and kidney beans.
Antioxidant intake is especially important because people with psoriasis are at greater risk for cancer and heart disease.
Foods are rich in zinc
Zinc is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Some evidence suggests that zinc helps reduce pain and joint swelling in people with psoriasis.
Grass-fed beef and lamb, pumpkin seeds, kefir, and chickpeas are all great sources of zinc.
Foods are rich in vitamin A
Think orange, yellow and dark green vegetables. Adding these “winners” to your daily diet will increase vitamin A, which is essential for skin healing.
Hami melon, carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, kale, collard greens, and watermelon are all rich in vitamin A.
Wild fish
Salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are key to improving psoriasis.
Vitamin D has been clinically proven to help fight psoriasis.
If you have psoriasis, fish should be the new primary source of protein in your life, rather than meat and traditional dairy products.
Studies have shown that eating less protein-rich foods, mainly meat and dairy products may help relieve psoriasis flare-ups.
Raw Dairy Products
Raw milk is healthier than traditional milk. It is rich in vitamin D and enzymes that can treat psoriasis.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are anti-inflammatory and contain antioxidants. Curcumin, the active ingredient in a spice called turmeric, is known for its powerful health properties.
A 2012 scientific review specifically noted that turmeric is able to alter the expression of TNF cytokines, which play an important role in the initiation and persistence of psoriasis lesions.
This may be why patients find that turmeric helps reduce psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flare-ups.
Feel free to add turmeric to your food, keeping in mind that the FDA considers it safe to consume 1.5 to 3.0 grams of turmeric per day.
Aloe Vera
Used externally and internally, Aloe Vera is very soothing to the body, especially for the digestive system and skin.
During the psoriasis diet regimen, it is important to avoid processed foods, simple sugars, alcohol and traditional dairy products, traditional meats, margarine (hydrogenated oils) and fried foods.
A low intake of caffeine should also be maintained. For some patients, a gluten-free diet can help improve symptoms.
If you or your doctor thinks you may have a gluten allergy or any other type of food sensitivity, then food allergy testing or an exclusion diet list can guide you on what to avoid in your diet.
5 best dietary supplements for Psoriasis
If you want to know how to treat psoriasis naturally, a psoriasis-related diet is crucial, but supplements can also be very helpful.
Here are five supplements I recommend for psoriasis that are best.
- Hydrochloric acid capsules: help with protein digestion and reduce psoriasis flare-ups.
- Fish oilFish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal psoriasis.
- Vitamin D3: Low vitamin D levels may be associated with psoriasis.
- Silymarin: Silymarin helps promote liver detoxification and reduce cell growth.
- Probiotics: Probiotics improve digestion by increasing good bacteria and crowding out bad bacteria. Digestive problems have been linked to psoriasis.
Other home remedies that can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis include cleansing, bone broth, vitamin B12, and digestive enzymes.
In addition, 20 minutes of sunlight a day can greatly increase vitamin D levels, which can be a good treatment for psoriasis.
6 Essential Oil Remedies for Psoriasis
Essential oils for psoriasis relief include tea tree, lavender, frankincense, myrrh, and geranium essential oils to relieve skin inflammation and support the skin repair and healing process.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
When used to condition psoriasis, tea tree can prevent infection while reducing inflammation and stimulating the immune system to support skin health.
Scientific studies have confirmed the effects of tea tree essential oil in reducing psoriasis.
Lavender Essential Oil
Has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin while also promoting the growth and healing of new skin.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Has antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve stubborn psoriasis plaques.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Good for conditioning chapped, scaly, and cracked skin on psoriasis-affected areas.
Geranium Essential Oil
Very good at improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Also helps relieve stress.
Coconut Oil
It is not an essential oil, but as a carrier oil (vegetable oil) it is a good choice.
Before using essential oils, you should dilute them with coconut oil.
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is very mild, as well as moisturizing.
Essential oil recipes for psoriasis relief
Essential oil recipe reference: Dilute 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 3 drops of frankincense essential oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil (about 5 ml) and apply to the affected skin.
Using aromatherapy for psoriasis is also a good way to treat the condition. You can also scent these essential oils as a natural way to relieve stress.
Potential complications of psoriasis
Conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, depression, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis, uveitis (inflammation of the eye), and NAFLD.
Any overview of psoriasis would be incomplete without attention to the underlying mechanisms and issues associated with this condition.
Genetic susceptibility and the extreme behavior of the immune system combine to cause these unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful conditions.
Precautions for psoriasis
If you are already treating psoriasis with conventional treatments, check with your doctor before adding any supplements or other natural remedies to your treatment regimen.
Also, if you have any ongoing health problems or are taking medications, consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Some supplements and herbs may interact with commonly prescribed medications, such as blood thinners and birth control pills.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using any traditional or natural remedies for psoriasis.
When using essential oils for psoriasis, be sure to do a small patch test to ensure that you do not have an adverse reaction to any essential oils.
Also, be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. If you have sensitive skin, be more careful when using essential oils.
Conclusion
There are many natural home remedies that have been scientifically proven to improve psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an immune system problem, so anything you can do to improve your immune system will help improve the symptoms of psoriasis.
One of the best ways to get to the root of the problem is through a healthy, healing, anti-inflammatory psoriasis-related diet.
People with psoriasis may find that certain foods seem to trigger allergies, so tell your doctor to get tested for food allergies or make a list of exclusion diets.