Psoriasis: Manage your symptoms with these home remedies
Psoriasis appears owing to a problem in one's immune system. It causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin due to inflammation and can be too daunting to deal with. Thankfully, certain natural and home remedies can mitigate your symptoms and offer you relief. However, consult a doctor before using them. Also, these remedies are not a replacement for medical treatments.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has a rich amount of lauric acid that works well against psoriasis happening on the scalp. With its moisturizing properties, it removes dryness and eliminates scales or flakiness. All you have to do is, take a few drops of coconut oil and massage it deep into your scalp three to four times a week. Wash with a mild, hair-friendly shampoo.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is another fantastic home remedy for psoriasis as it is blessed with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Per a study published in 2015, this oil when diluted with coconut oil can keep your skin and scalp nourished, hydrated, and smooth. This keeps scaly formations at bay. Mix a few drops of lavender oil in one teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it.
Apple cider vinegar
National Psoriasis Foundation says that apple cider vinegar can offer respite from itching and irritation caused by psoriasis as it has natural antiseptic agents. The folks at this foundation suggest applying it "directly over the scalp several times a week" for better results. You can also dilute it in water and then apply it over the affected area. Once done, rinse with water.
Turmeric
Various studies have shown that turmeric can cut down on psoriasis formations. One of them included 34 participants who applied turmeric to the affected area for nine weeks and found a significant drop in their symptoms. In another study, 650 participants applied curcumin gel to their psoriasis lesions and found relief. Curcumin is an active component in turmeric and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe vera
If it is a skin-related condition, it's no surprise that aloe vera can help manage it. Loaded with soothing and anti-inflammatory compounds, it can reduce itchiness, redness, scaling, and flakiness on the scalp and skin, keeping psoriasis away. For this to work, simply squeeze out some fresh gel for aloe vera leaves and apply it to the affected area twice a day.
