If you have dry patches on your skin, itching, painful and red areas, you may be at risk of suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is a persistent autoimmune condition that causes the formation of raised, red areas on the surface of the skin, which can be both irritating and embarrassing. Considered without a definitive treatment, psoriasis typically appears and disappears in cycles throughout a person’s life, often causing scaly and uncomfortable skin rashes during times when the immune function is low or stress levels are high. It is believed to affect more than 3% of the population.
Doctors usually prescribe medications and creams to help reduce the appearance of red psoriasis patches on the skin, but these do not actually address the underlying problem or the autoimmune condition itself. Beneath the surface of the skin, psoriasis can cause skin cells to multiply at a very rapid rate, sometimes up to 100 times faster. This leads to a large number of skin cells reaching the outer layer of the skin and dying off (as all skin cells do), leaving behind a raised, red, scaly patch.
Experts still do not know of a way to put an end to this repetitive cycle, although research shows that improving immunity and treating sensitive skin locally with gentle, natural ingredients can alleviate symptoms. You might also be surprised to know that managing stress and your routine can help reduce psoriasis. For example, studies show that up to 80% of people with psoriasis report recent emotional trauma.
Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, a variety of lifestyle changes and remedies are needed to bring significant relief, especially if the autoimmune disorder has become severe and causes other symptoms such as joint pain and fatigue.
How to Naturally Treat Psoriasis Symptoms
1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Many people see significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms when they clean up their diets and increase their nutrient intake. Some of the best foods to help alleviate psoriasis symptoms and reduce autoimmune reactions include:
Probiotic Foods: raw cultured dairy (such as kefir, buttermilk, yogurt) plus pickles that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immunity.
Fiber-Rich Foods: fiber is found in almost all plant foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds/nuts.
Wild-Caught Fish: salmon, mackerel, sardines, and halibut are examples of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.
Foods Rich in Zinc: zinc is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Good sources include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, seeds, and legumes.
Foods Rich in Vitamin D and Vitamin A: brightly colored vegetables and fruits are the best sources of vitamin A, including leafy greens, berries, and broccoli. Research shows that vitamin A is essential for skin healing and acts as an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. Vitamin D supports the immune system and skin cells and can be obtained from eggs, raw milk, and certain mushrooms.
On the other hand, foods that can aggravate psoriasis symptoms and contribute to autoimmune reactions include:
Common Allergens: conventional dairy products and gluten can cause sensitivities or food allergies in the digestive tract that trigger inflammation. Many people with psoriasis have difficulty digesting A1 casein, a protein found in most cow’s milk. Instead, look for products made from cultured goat’s milk (such as kefir or yogurt) or cow’s milk that is labeled as A2 casein. Instead of consuming gluten-containing foods (all made with wheat, barley, rye), try gluten-free grains such as oats, buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa.
Meat from Conventional Farms: this tends to be lower in nutrients and higher in omega-6 fats, which can increase inflammation.
Hydrogenated Oils and Fried Foods: found in most packaged foods or fast food, these foods can be difficult to digest for people with psoriasis and are very high in omega-6, of which most people already get too much.
2. Use Natural Herbs and Supplements
The best natural remedies for psoriasis include:
Omega-3 Fish Oil (1,000-2,000 mg per day): reduces inflammation
Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU per day): low levels of vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency are associated with psoriasis
Milk Thistle (250 mg three times a day): helps promote liver detoxification and reduces cell growth
Probiotics (50 billion units daily): reduce autoimmune reactions and improve digestion by increasing good bacteria and eliminating bad bacteria
Adaptogenic Herbs and Vitamin B12: help the body cope with the effects of stress
Digestive Enzymes: stimulate nutrient absorption and can help reduce food sensitivities
Bone Broth: provides many nutrients, such as collagen and glucosamine, which repair damaged skin, digestive tissues, and joints.
3. Get at Least 20 Minutes of Sun Daily
Getting 20 minutes of sun daily, 3-4 days a week, can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms by increasing vitamin D levels. Research shows that vitamin D alters how cells grow and may help slow down skin cell production in people with psoriasis. This helps alleviate psoriasis symptoms such as thick skin and scaling. Additionally, vitamin D improves how the immune system functions and can reduce autoimmune reactions or inflammation.
4. Reduce Stress
Both emotional and physical stress can trigger the development of psoriasis or worsen psoriasis symptoms. People with psoriasis who use relaxation techniques and make an effort to reduce stress often notice improvements in their symptoms, which makes sense considering that psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are often exacerbated by stress due to how the fight or flight response affects the immune system, releasing higher levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines and contributing to hormonal imbalances.
5. Moisturize and Use Soothing Essential Oils
Psoriasis symptoms are usually worst when the skin is very dry and inflamed. Moisturizing the skin and using natural anti-inflammatory oils can alleviate symptoms such as redness, scaling, and pain. Depending on where the itching and scaling occur, moisture can be increased by using natural ointments, lotions, gels, foams, creams, and thicker ointments. Keep the skin hydrated by applying thick creams or oils, such as virgin coconut oil or raw shea butter.
Other options to help lock in moisture include petroleum jelly, almond oil, or virgin olive oil. Try to hydrate after a warm shower (avoiding very hot water), but be careful not to apply too much oil before exercising or in the hot months of the year, as sweating mixed with thick creams can worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, geranium, and tea tree oil can also soothe inflamed skin and support the healing process without the need for irritating prescription creams. Always perform a small patch test first to ensure you do not react negatively to these oils. Use a very small amount, as essential oils are highly concentrated. Mix three drops of lavender oil and three drops of chamomile oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub the affected area 1-3 times a day.
