Anyone who has ever had to deal with the pain, annoyance, and, yes, ugliness of psoriasis knows that it can have a substantial effect on quality of life, not to mention that it is no picnic to be seen with it when in public. Besides that, there’s no easy getaway from this chronic inflammatory disease typically accompanied by red, scaly plaques on the skin as well as the persistent itching and pain that go with it.
There is no known cure for psoriasis, a reality that really hit when a sufferer first discovers how difficult it is to get a good night’s sleep or even to concentrate because of the persistent distraction of the pain. It is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, trunk, and knees and often brought on in people with a psoriasis vulnerability by infections, cuts, bruises, and even some medications. The condition can go away and then come back from time to time, apparently going through cycles that can flare for weeks or months. It also comes in a variety of types, such as inverse psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, and nail psoriasis.
The origin of this awful skin condition is still somewhat of a mystery, but is believed to involve an immune system disorder in which infection-fighting cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. Genetics and environmental aspects could be a factor, but the good news – especially for others in the vicinity – is that psoriasis is not believed to be contagious.
4 Natural Remedies for Psoriasis
Scientists and health experts have identified a number of supplements and other nutrients that have shown success in at least mitigating psoriasis symptoms, and we present summaries of four of those below. As always, be sure to discuss use of any of these with your physician or other healthcare professional who can help you navigate their use of them if you plan to add any of them to your regular regimen.
Fish Oil. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA and can be found in foods such as salmon or shellfish. If that kind of fare doesn’t often make it to your dinner plate, they are readily available in various types of supplements such as capsules, liquid, or pills. Because the omega-3’s are anti-inflammatory, they make a worthy opponent to the inflammation of psoriasis.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9). A protein known as homocysteine, when found in your blood in high levels, can be a factor in giving rise to the inflammation of psoriasis. It is believed that such a high level of homocysteine is related to low levels of B9 in your diet. This folic acid can also bolster your body’s ability to manufacture red blood cells, in the process helping all of your cells to function properly.
Vitamin D. One of vitamin D’s fortes is its ability to boost the body’s manufacture and maturation of new skin cells, which can help thwart psoriasis.
Turmeric. Thanks to turmeric’s status as an antioxidant (and the provision of its active compound curcumin), it can work to assist in taking the edge off the inflammation and skin cell damage attributable to psoriasis, making the condition more tolerable.
Unsightly skin blotches are one thing, but red, scaly plaques can not only be unsightly over various areas of your body, they also are ordinarily quite itchy and painful. If you suspect you have contracted psoriasis, your first order of business should be seeing your physician or healthcare professional to get a proper diagnoses. It is a chronic condition that can come and go, but there are medical treatments available to you as well as over-the-counter supplements described above that are worth your checking into. Just be sure to discuss your possible use of any of them with your healthcare professional.