Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. Rather than the usual month-long cycle, people with psoriasis produce new skin cells in a matter of days, which leads to a buildup of cells on the surface. This buildup forms plaques that can look red, scaly, itchy, and sometimes silvery.

While there is no cure for the disease, there are treatments that can help. Though pharmaceuticals like topical steroids, over-the-counter topicals, and systemics (biologics and immunosuppressives) can help to significantly reduce or alleviate symptoms, there are some at-home treatments that can help too. 

Keep reading to learn more about which natural and at-home remedies may help to manage your psoriasis symptoms. 

How Home Remedies Can Help With Psoriasis

Many people use home remedies as a complementary therapy to their main treatment plan, which can include topicals (steroidal or non-steroidal), phototherapy, and/or systemics (including oral, biologic, and biosimilar treatments). 

Like many chronic conditions, it can take some time to find the right treatment or combination of treatments that work for your unique psoriasis symptoms and history.

If the first remedy you try fails to bring you relief, don’t be discouraged. Another type of home remedy may work better to soothe your symptoms. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many home remedies are best used alongside medical treatments and not as a substitute for prescribed therapies, especially for more severe cases of psoriasis.

Best Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Many people use at-home remedies to help manage their psoriasis symptoms. 

To qualify as one of the best home remedies for psoriasis, we’ve only included examples of home remedies that are evidence-based and have some scientific literature to back up their claims of managing or treating psoriasis symptoms. 

Moisturizing with Natural Ingredients

Moisturizing is an essential part of any psoriasis treatment plan. Regularly applying a psoriasis-friendly moisturizer, lotion, or natural oil, particularly after bathing, can help to keep skin hydrated. 

When searching for a psoriasis-friendly moisturizer, you want to pick an item that is free of fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals. But some other natural ingredients may help to soothe your psoriasis symptoms:

• Coal tar: Coal tar is derived from coal and has been used to treat psoriasis for over 100 years.
•  Shea butter: Shea butter comes from the shea tree, a plant indigenous to Africa. Research shows that moisturizers combining shea butter with salicylic acid can help to soothe psoriasis symptoms.

Oatmeal Baths

Colloidal oatmeal is a type of oatmeal that is finely ground and dissolves completely in water. Research shows that it has anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties that can help treat psoriasis.

You can add colloidal oatmeal powder to your bath or apply it topically using a cream with 1% colloidal oatmeal.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends soaking for no more than 15 minutes every day if you have psoriasis.

Aloe Vera Gel

A small amount of research suggests that the gel of the aloe vera plant, a succulent grown in subtropical regions around the world, may reduce redness and scaling from psoriasis. 

Turmeric for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Turmeric is a spice whose active ingredient, curcumin, may help to reduce the oxidative stress of psoriatic lesions, improve the skin barrier, and alleviate psoriasis symptoms. 

Though you can add the spice to many different types of dishes, researchers believe that consuming it in supplement form may improve its absorption and bioavailability.  

Dietary Adjustments

Many experts believe that nutrition can play a complementary role in the management of psoriasis.

Though there isn’t one comprehensive diet that will cure or prevent psoriasis, there is some evidence to suggest that the following dietary changes may reduce inflammation in the body and help to alleviate symptoms:

• Limit the intake of saturated fatty acids (from sources like red meat and dairy).
• Replace saturated fat intake with polyunsaturated fats from the omega-3 family (from sources like salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, and walnuts). 
• Increase dietary fiber intake (from sources like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes).
• Consume more sources of antioxidants (from fruit and vegetables like berries, nuts, and leafy greens).
• Limit simple sugar and alcohol intake.

Some researchers suggest that other diets may also have a positive effect on psoriasis, including:

• A low-calorie diet
• A gluten-free diet
• A vegetarian diet
• A Mediterranean diet

Finally, if you’re taking psoriasis medication, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider on which dietary changes are right for you. 

Stress Management & Lifestyle Changes

Stress is a common trigger for many people with psoriasis. 

Though the link between stress and psoriasis is not well understood, some controlled studies have found that stress management techniques, including relaxation, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavioral and cognitive stress management can be effective strategies for managing psoriasis.

When to See a Doctor for Psoriasis

If it’s your first time experiencing psoriasis-like symptoms, reach out to a doctor for help.

It’s also a good idea to reach out to your provider if you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms that aren’t responding to treatment, whether natural, pharmacological, or both.