Home Remedies for Psoriasis

by Peter Hutch

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. In psoriasis, patches of red, thickened skin with silvery scales develop, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. These areas can be itchy and painful. The areas usually involved are the elbows, knees, and the skin behind the ears, the trunk, and the scalp. The disease may also affect the underarms and genital areas.

Psoriasis is a disease in which the skin cells run amok. Normally, skin renews itself in about 30 days—that's the time it takes for a new skin cell to work its way from the innermost layer of skin to the surface. In psoriasis, that cell reaches the top in just 3 days, as if the body had lost its brakes. The result is raised areas of skin called plaques, which are red and often itchy. After the cells reach the surface, they die like normal cells, but there are so many of them the raised patches turn white with dead cells flaking off.

Using the power of light has brought relief to some psoriasis sufferers. A homeopathic physician can advise on the proper way to administer ultraviolet light treatments at home, including how to set up the necessary equipment and how long the treatments should last. UVB sun lamps are easy to find and purchase, but they do have to be operated with care. Too much exposure through multiple treatments in a short period of time may cause the psoriasis to worsen rather than alleviate the condition.

Necessary in improvement of both strength and range of motion, the right kinds of exercise can be very beneficial for psoriasis. As inflamed joints must be taken into account when talking about exercise, exercises that are gentle and non-impactive on the joints are preferred. Cycling, tai chi, and swimming (especially in heated water) are excellent forms of exercise for psoriasis. As stretching and range of motion are equally important in an exercise program, the practice of Tai Chi is especially beneficial, as it encompasses both of these elements.

Use moisturizer. Blot your skin after bathing, then immediately apply a heavy, ointment-based moisturizer while your skin is still moist. For very dry skin, oils may be preferable they have more staying power than creams or lotions do and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from your skin. During cold, dry weather, you may need to apply a moisturizer several times a day.

Lecithin is also considered a remarkable remedy for psoriasis. The patient may take six to nine lecithin capsules a day-two or three capsules before or after each meal. If taken in the form of granules, four tablespoonfuls may be taken daily for two months. The dosage may be reduced thereafter to two tablespoons.

Cabbage leaves can be used in form of compresses. They can be applied on the affected area after removing the thick veins and washing them thoroughly.

Bitter gourd is considered valuable in treating psoriasis. In 1-cup fresh bitter gourd juice, add a tsp of limejuice. Drink it sip by sip on an empty stomach everyday for about 4-6 months.