Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It typically affects the outside of elbows, knees or the scalp, thought it can appear anywhere. It can be itchy, burn and sting, which can leave patients in discomfort. There are many treatments out there for psoriasis, however there is no cure.

Those with psoriasis struggle to find treatment plans that work best for them. Finding relief from the skin condition can be hard, but many have found great success in using various at-home, herbal remedies. These natural options provide a way to reduce redness, and relieve pain, itching and burning. Try these different options out to see what could possibly work for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar

To help relieve scalp itch, apple cider vinegar may be a great way to go. You can buy a bottle of apple cider vinegar at your local grocery store and apply it to your scalp several times a week. Some people feel a burning sensation, so try diluting the vinegar with water on a 1-to-1 ratio to prevent this from happening. Others have found rinsing the solution once it has dried also helps to prevent irritation. If this works for you, you will see results within a few weeks. However, if your scalp is cracked or bleeding you will want to skip this remedy. The vinegar will only further irritate your skin.

Dead Sea Salts

If you have psoriasis throughout your body, a warm bath filled with Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts will help. Try adding a quarter cup of salt to bathwater and soak for about 15 minutes. Be sure to apply moisturizer once you are done to help keep skin hydrated. The soak should help alleviate the itching and burning of scaly plaques.

Aloe Vera

Aloe plant gel is known to be helpful for sunburns, and it can help with psoriasis too. Gel from the plant can be applied to the skin up to three times daily and research shows that it can help reduce redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. If not using an actual aloe plant, look for medicated creams that contain at least 0.5 percent aloe. Please note, however, that taking aloe in tablet form shows no benefit and can be dangerous.

Tea Tree Oil

This has been a solution to psoriasis for centuries and many report it has great benefits, despite there not being scientific evidence to support the use of it. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant which grows in Australia. When applied to the skin, this treatment is said to help remove dry, dead cells. Many people find using shampoos with tea tree oil helps best. Be careful, though, as many are allergic to it.

Oats

One of nature’s best skin soothers, many individuals with psoriasis report finding relief with the help of oats. Try applying an oat past or taking a bath in oats to relieve itchy skin and reduce redness.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that is frequently studied for it’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can take turmeric concentrated in pill or supplement form or if you like curries, adding it liberally to your food. The FDA considers 1.5 to 3.0 grams of turmeric per day to be safe. However, we suggest that you consult with a naturopathic practitioner for help in determining the correct amount for you.

Diet Modification

One of the best things you can do for your psoriasis is to modify your diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are filled with disease-fighting antioxidants. When you have psoriasis, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight so that your medication will be more effective. In addition, research suggests that psoriasis patients are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Keeping fruits and veggies around will help to lower this risk.

Drinking plenty of water is also an important diet choice for those with psoriasis. Drinking water helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from getting too dry. In addition, using a humidifier is a good home remedy that will keep your skin moist, especially in winter.

Studies have also shown that people who have celiac disease may be at a higher risk for psoriasis, in part because gluten can cause inflammation. Even if you don’t have celiac, a gluten-free diet may work for you.

Stress Reducing Activities

Many find that stress is a huge trigger for their psoriasis symptoms. To help combat this, pick activities you enjoy that are known to have stress-reducing properties. Yoga is a great way to relieve built up anxiety and stress. Devote 20 minutes a day to yoga exercise, which involve some mediation as well as breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. Yoga also helps to relieve the pain and itch of psoriasis plaques while improving your range of motion if you have psoriatic arthritis. Another stress-reducing activity would be getting a massage. Clinical trials have shown massage therapy may be beneficial in treating chronic pain, which often accompanies psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

It can be tough to find the treatment plan that works for you. Psoriasis can be a stubborn disease, but it does not have to run your life. Try out these natural, at-home remedies to fight the irritation and itchiness of psoriasis.