Sunlight and tea tree oil are examples of natural remedies for psoriasis.
Natural remedies for psoriasis can bring relief to itchy and scaly skin. Psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to increase their production at a faster than normal rate. The excess skin cells then accumulate and develop into a thick layer of dead, dry skin that appears on the skin as red patches.
Psoriasis is usually a chronic condition. A person who has psoriasis may have periodic flare-ups that last for several months. Then the skin may clear up for a while. There are a number of alternative treatments available that can serve as a natural cure for psoriasis. Many of the alternative options are relatively easy to use.
Sunlight as a Psoriasis Natural Cure
The UV rays from the sun can be a very effective psoriasis natural cure. Light from the sun slows down the function of the T cells within the skin. T cells produce cytokines, which are substances that cause inflammation. Exposure to the sun blocks the production of cytokines. This stops inflammation.
For best results, a person who has psoriasis should stay out in the sun for at least 10 minutes daily. It can take up to six weeks of sun exposure for a person to have noticeable results. It is still necessary to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Sunscreen that offers an SPF protection of 15 or more is recommended.
Baths as a Natural Cure for Psoriasis
A warm bath can also be used as a natural cure for psoriasis. Putting some vegetable oil into bathwater to help soften dry skin and relieve itching. A person who has psoriasis should not stay in the tub for longer than 10 minutes.
Long baths can dry out the skin and make the psoriasis symptoms worse. For the best results from this treatment, a person should relax in the tub for about 5 minutes. Then pour about three tablespoons of vegetable oil into the bathwater and stay in the tub for another 5 minutes. The vegetable oil will help lock moisture into the skin.
Another way to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis is to take a vinegar bath. Vinegar also works well as a natural cure for psoriasis. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to cool bathwater. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which kills bacteria. Remember not to stay in the tub for more than 10 minutes to avoid drying out the skin.
Essential Oils as a Dry Skin Treatment
Many people with psoriasis report that tea tree oil works well as a dry skin treatment. Putting a few drops on the affected areas at least four times a day. It can help reduce itching and soften the dry skin patches. Tea tree oil can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun, so it’s especially important to use sunscreen on the affected areas.
Flaxseed is also among the effective natural remedies for psoriasis. The reason is that flaxseed is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats help inhibit arachidonic acid, which is a chemical that causes inflammation and is naturally found in the body. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements also contain omega-3 fatty acids.