Introduction:
How to soothe psoriasis naturally? – “Doctor, I’ve attempted various creams… is there any natural option that would actually help?”
This is something I hear nearly weekly in my clinic.
Psoriasis, while it produces visible skin changes, does not only relate to changes in appearance; there is a constant itching feeling, anxiety when in public, and continuous frustration with frequent recurring flare ups. Therefore while medical treatments are in many cases necessary, I frequently guide my patients toward natural support options that help calm the skin and also assist in improving the overall quality of life.
I’m going to take you through the recommendations that I usually make, based not on science or theory, but based on what truly helped others manage their psoriasis.
Understanding Patients Experience
One example of an actual, relevant scenario, would be a 28-year-old patient of mine, who came in very close to the summer months, who has a passion for travelling, however, she avoids travelling due to flare ups that keep occurring.
Some of her main concerns are:
- “My skin becomes very dry and itchy when I am in public.”
- “I experience an increase of stress during my travels, which will cause my flare ups to increase.”
- “I do not want to be reliant on medications.”
Rather than cause her to change everything all at once, we implemented gradual changes of simple natural alternatives into her daily routine. With just a few weeks into the new routine she began to notice:
- Less itching
- Softer sores
- Fewer flare up triggers
The key to seeing results for her was not based on relying on one particular remedy, but rather a combination of several very simple, consistent habits.
1. Your skin’s first line of defense is hydration
I tell every one of my patients: “If you can only do one thing, moisturize.”
Dry skin will not just lead to scaling, but also irritation.
I typically recommend that they use natural products to help with hydrating:
- Coconut oil will give deep hydration
- Olive oil will give nourishment
- Moisturize immediately after taking a bath, because this helps to keep the moisture in.
2. Therapeutic baths are gentle yet effective
One of my patients once said: “Bathing is the only time my skin feels calm.”
This is because the right type of bath can:
- Soften plaques
- Reduce itching
- Calm inflammation
I will also recommend that they add:
- Oatmeal
- Epsom salts
But be sure to keep the bath water lukewarm; hot water will worsen dry skin.
3. Controlled amounts of sun exposure are nature’s therapy
In moderation, sunlight can be a natural treatment.
I usually recommend:
- 10-15 minutes of sunlight before 10 AM
- Avoiding the harsh midday sun.
Sunlight helps promote skin cell turnover and gives your body the vitamin D it needs to keep your immune system in balance.
4. Dietary choices to help reduce inflammatory responses
Diet is an important part in managing inflammation, and I think many people forget this. A 3 year old with inflammatory fingernails was able to reduce signs of flare-ups by doing just two things:
- Reduced processed foods from his diet.
- Added fruits and vegetables and omega-3-rich foods to his diet.
When I see patients, I sometimes tell them this:
“Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, and your diet should work to reduce our inflammatory response.”
5. Stress Management – an often overlooked cause
In almost every instance I have worked with a psoriasis patient while they were having an inflammatory flare-up, stress has been a contributing factor. A 28-year-old had experienced flare-ups prior to going on a business trip and prior to going through the wedding process.
We made additions to her routine to include the following:
- A 10-minute breathing exercise twice daily.
- Light yoga/stretching before/after work.
After 6 weeks, she noticed a significant reduction in the number of flares from what she previously experienced.
Even the smallest of stress management changes can have a positive effect on psoriatic flare-up symptoms.
6. Hydration comes from the inside
Most people only concern themselves with their external skin care. But I tell my patients frequently: “Your skin is a reflection of your internal health.” Drinking an adequate amount of water will help you to maintain healthy skin by:
- Keeping your skin elastic
- Keeping it from drying out
- Keep hydrated all day long.
7. Natural calming remedies
Some natural ingredients can help with problematic skin when applied correctly:
- Aloe Vera has a cooling effect and can reduce redness.
- Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and may help to relieve many conditions.
Although I suggest testing new products with a patch test, all-natural remedies are the safest option.
8. Avoiding regular irritants
Occasionally, what you are using can cause your skin to irritate not necessarily what you are missing. Many patients I have seen improve simply by changing the type of soap they were using to a more gentle soap, switching from using products with fragrances to using a more gentle skincare regimen. Making small adjustments can eliminate additional irritants from your skin.
9. Lifestyle balance, the long-term solution
Using natural remedies to achieve great skin is not about finding quick solutions or fixes; it is about being consistent.
Patients who usually obtain great long-term results will:
- Get adequate amounts of rest
- Be regularly active
- Not smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol.
These lifestyle choices help your body fight against inflammatory responses.
Know More:
Conclusion:
To summarise, natural methods for alleviating psoriasis are not a cure-all, but are still incredibly beneficial assistance. As I always tell my clients: “You do not have to do it all at the same time. Starting small, remaining consistent and paying attention to what your body tells you is crucial.” You can feel better with the appropriate blend of skin products, lifestyle changes and stress management techniques and have a greater sense of confidence in yourself.
When it comes to serious psoriasis symptoms, remember: it is always a good idea to couple natural strategies with advice from your doctor.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural treatment instead of medical treatment?
No. Natural treatment combined with physician-prescribed medical treatment often produces the best possible outcomes.
2. How long does it take for me to see results?
Most individuals see results within 1-2 months of beginning routine use of natural treatments.
3. Is coconut oil safe to use on a daily basis?
Coconut oil is generally regarded as safe and effective for keeping your skin moisturized.
4. Is there a relationship between stress and the symptoms of psoriasis?
Yes; stress is a common trigger for worsening psoriasis symptoms and should be managed appropriately.
5. Can diet affect my ability to manage the symptoms of my psoriasis?
While diet will help to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis, it is usually not sufficient to manage symptoms on its own.
6. Are herbal treatments always safe?
Not necessarily; always perform patch tests on new herbal treatments, and obtain guidance and advice from qualified professionals before beginning any herbal treatment regimen.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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