Home Remedies

Options to Try at Home

If you suffer from psoriasis, it is important to follow your doctor’s skin care instructions faithfully. However, there are some at home remedies that you can try to help reduce your symptoms.

• Fight the urge to pick at your scales. This may cause new ones to form.
• Soak patches in warm, not hot, water. When scales are plumped with water, gently remove whatever will come away easily with a loofah sponge or pumice stone.
• Apply moisturizers to trap water in the skin. Petroleum jelly or cooking oil will do the job inexpensively.
• If you suspect flare-ups are triggered by stress, consider using a stress management technique such as yoga or meditation.
• Keep the skin moist. Use a mild soap and apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and skin products that contain alcohol.
• Use a cool mist vaporizer to add moisture to your bedroom.
• For itching, take a cold water bath with a cup of apple cider vinegar. Another tip for reducing the itch is to place a bag of ice against the affected area.
• Seal off - apply a small amount of cortisone cream then seal with tape or saran-wrap (only good for small areas).

These remedies may help alleviate some symptoms. Again, before you try any treatment, also check with your health care professional to see if it is the right treatment for you.