Psoriasis is a chronic irreversible skin disease. In cases when the multiplication of cells gets accelerated, the skin becomes thick and gradually it turns to a scaly dry red or silver skin lesion. Seasonal effects may change the condition from mild to severe or vice versa. The predominance of this skin problem is not gender and age-specific. A high incidence rate is observed in those who are having diabetes mellitus, high levels of blood cholesterol, and CVD (cardiovascular diseases). It is a non-communicable disease. The severity of psoriasis varies from individual to individual. The symptoms may be sometimes just a mild rash but in moderate to severe cases, the condition becomes worsen and can be characterized by red scaly skin lesions followed by itching and inflammation which may get spread throughout the body. Psoriasis is due to the overactivity of the immunity system and lymphocytes (one type of white blood cell) affected by inflammatory chemicals. Psoriasis mostly spread at the upper surface of the skin and knee, elbow, palm, and sole of the feet. Genital organs and the scalp are the primary affected part. Different psoriasis home remedies are tried and tested by people to get relief.
How Do You Get Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is common in adults and is mostly linked to heredity. Some gene factors specifically the Interleukin-23 receptor and IL12B are involved in the generation of psoriasis. Other than these, some factors can trigger the symptoms and or even worsen the condition. These triggering factors include
Skin Laceration
Skin laceration can provoke psoriasis as the site of the wound and surrounding tissues may get affected by psoriasis. Prolonged untreated skin laceration or wound that is not curable within a certain time may increase the chances of psoriasis which is common with a diabetic patient.
Mental Stress
Mental stress due to occupational load or emotional anxiety accelerates the condition. An unbalanced lifestyle like excessive smoking and alcohol consumption aggravates the symptoms.
Environmental Factors
Seasonal changes can cause psoriasis, mainly dry, and less humid weather triggers the condition.
Chronic Infection
The sudden onset of psoriasis in early childhood is due to an infection caused by strep bacteria. A sore throat with a high fever is the symptom of this bacterial attack which initiates psoriasis. The chances of getting psoriasis with HIV positive person is more compared to HIV negative person.
Extensive Daytime Outdoor Activity
Prolonged exposure to sunlight damages the skin tissues. The harmful UV ray increases psoriasis, though morning sunlight is beneficial for treating psoriasis.
Pharmaceutical Products
Pharmaceutical products including painkillers (diclofenac, ibuprofen, and aspirin), sympatholytic medication especially beta-antagonistic medication (adrenalin), lithium (beryllium), calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) and anti-malarial (quinidine, mefloquine) may cause psoriasis. Sometimes even withdrawing steroidal drugs worsen the situation.
Natural Cures for Psoriasis
Some natural psoriasis home remedies which are easily available and effective to fight psoriasis are discussed below:
Aloe vera
Mostly, all skin care natural products contain aloe vera. Traditionally aloe vera is used for treating different skin conditions and helps in improving skin health. Aloe vera extract is well established as a psoriasis home remedy and has even been scientifically proven to stop the frequent reoccurrence of psoriasis symptoms, restrict the conversion of mild to moderate or severe psoriasis, and even improve the severe condition. It is better to obtain fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant itself. The aloe vera plant is easily available, it is better to plant aloe vera in your garden. Freshly break the Horney leaf of aloe vera and locally apply the gel to the affected area. We already discussed that diabetic patients are more prone to psoriasis. Aloe vera juice help to lower blood sugar level and prevent psoriasis. Commercially, aloe vera gel and juice both are available in the market.
Turmeric
For improving skin complexion, turmeric is an age-old recipe. Evidence from different clinical studies and a specific publication reported in the journal ‘Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology’ stated that turmeric is a better treatment for psoriasis. Turmeric can reduce skin cell proliferation and restrict unwanted skin tissue development which is the prime cause of psoriasis. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties due to the presence of curcumin, which is the active constituent of turmeric. Curcumin naturally boosts wound healing capacity by antagonizing the NF-kB which causes inflammation. For treating psoriasis, make a turmeric paste by thoroughly mixing it with water and thinly apply to the affected area. Cover the area with a piece of cloth and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash it with warm water. It is also advisable to add turmeric to your diet; if possible, consuming raw turmeric or turmeric juice gives better results. Turmeric is one of the most popular psoriasis home remedies.
ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)
ACV is a good psoriasis treatment, as it alters the Ph level of the blood. The amazing fact about ACV is that though it is acidic by metabolism, it increases the Ph level and turns to alkaline. It is always preferable to eat alkaline food in case of a psoriasis attack. Drink apple cider vinegar which acts against the scaly skin of psoriasis. Topical application also reduces the itching symptoms. Direct application of ACV at the affected area with hot condensation is useful, as the acidic solution counteracts the itching.
Sandalwood Pack
From ancient times sandalwood is an effective treatment for skin problems. Psoriasis symptoms can be controlled by a sandalwood pack. To prepare this pack, you have to take one teaspoonful of sandalwood and one teaspoonful of camphor powder. Mix both these powders with rose water and prepare a consistent pack that is easily applicable to the skin. Topical application at the affected site gives a cooling and soothing effect and reduces irritation. This is one of the exclusive psoriasis home remedies.
Chili Peppers
In psoriasis, the blood vessel inside the skin’s cutaneous layer becomes dilated. Chili pepper contains capsaicin which makes chili hot. Capsaicin constricts the blood vessels and it also blocks neurological transmission by constricting the nerve endings. Both these mechanisms help to reduce the redness and pain or itching sensation in the affected area. The use of capsaicin in dermatology is scientifically proven. Several ointments and creams containing capsaicin are now available in drug stores for treating psoriasis.
