Psoriasis is basically a recurring autoimmune disorder that results in red, flaky skin patches. Although the signs of psoriasis are visible on your skin, it occurs from inside the body’s immune system. This condition results from a type of white blood cell specifically known as the T cells.
The T cells help protect the body from diseases and infection, but when these cells mistakenly become active, they cause other immune responses, leading to psoriasis.
Although psoriasis has no cure, different treatments are available to ease its symptoms. You can try the following home treatments to manage the symptoms of psoriasis or consult your doctor for private health checks in London.
Take dietary supplements
These supplements can help reduce symptoms of psoriasis from inside your body. Milk thistle, Oregon grape, fish oil, aloe vera, evening primrose oil and vitamin D are known to ease mild psoriasis symptoms.
Ensure you consult your doctor before you take a supplement to ensure it doesn’t affect the other medications you are taking or health conditions.
Prevent dry skin
If you experience psoriasis symptoms, make use of a humidifier to ensure the air is moist, as this will avoid dry skin. Using moisturisers for sensitive skin can ensure your skin remains smooth and soft, preventing the formation of plaques.
Use aloe
Research shows that irritation and redness resulting from psoriasis can be reduced by aloevera. A study in 2010 discovered gel from aloevera slightly more effective than 0.1% triamcinolone acetonic improving psoriasis symptoms.
Although the risks of aloe vera gel or cream are low, further research is required to prove that aloevera effectively relieves psoriasis symptoms.
Avoid fragrances
Many perfumes and soaps contain different chemicals and dyes which can irritate the skin. Even if they smell great, these perfumes and soap can make your psoriasis symptoms worse. You can opt for products with sensitive skin labels.
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Eat healthy foods
Your diet may have a huge impact in managing this condition, so try eliminating saturated fats, alcohol, red meat, and refined sugar from your diet to reduce the risk of food-triggered flare-ups.
Nuts, seeds, cold-water fish and foods containing omega-3-fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and manage psoriasis symptoms. Topical application of olive oil can also have a lot of soothing benefits. You can consider massaging your scalp with some tablespoons of olive oil while taking your bath.
Apple cider is considered a good body detoxifier, so drinking a few spoons or applying it to the plaques on your skin with a washcloth can reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Soak your body
Soaking your body in lukewarm water containing milk, olive oil, mineral oil and Epsom salt can soothe your itching, subside the plaques and scales. Having oatmeal baths is greatly beneficial in soothing psoriasis plaques.
Ensure your water is warm because hot water will lead to more irritation and also remember to moisturise after your bath.
Light therapy
This involves skin exposure to UV light under a doctor’s supervision. Ultraviolet light slows the skin cells growth which is caused by psoriasis. This light therapy is usually effective with frequent and consistent sessions.
You can also try staying in the sun for some time between 10 – 15 minutes to reduce plaques or use tanning beds. However, excess sunlight can worsen psoriasis.
Reduce stress
Chronic conditions, including psoriasis, can cause stress which may likely worsen the psoriasis symptoms. Try reducing stress and engaging in stress-reducing activities such as meditation and yoga.
Avoid alcohol
In most cases, alcohol triggers psoriasis. A 2015study showed that women who drank non light beer had a higher risk of psoriasis, and those who drank at least five non-light beers each week were twice likely to have psoriasis than women who did not drink.
Use turmeric
Herbs like turmeric have been found to have properties that help reduce flare-ups. You can take turmeric in supplement or sprinkled in meals or pill form to reduce your psoriasis symptoms. However, speak to your medical professional about the benefits of turmeric.
Quit smoking
Smoking may elevate the risk of this condition, and if you are already experiencing psoriasis symptoms, it may worsen the symptom.
Maintain healthy weight
Being obese or overweight makes the chances of developing psoriasis higher, and obesity often causes more severe symptoms of psoriasis. Some studies show that losing weight have proved improvisational psoriasis symptoms.
The following tips can help you lose weight.
- Take lots of protein and vegetables
- Reduce intake of refined carbs
- Exercise regularly
No one treatment works for everyone in reducing psoriasis symptoms, and some treatments may cause negative side effects for other underlying conditions. Although these home treatments may work for mild psoriasis symptoms, you may visit here or consult your doctor for a private medical check up in London and treatment if you have more severe symptoms.