Psoriasis lesions cause inflammation and itching.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and lesions on the skin. Psoriasis can strike at any age, although it is most common between the ages 15 and 35. Over 150,000 new cases of psoriasis are diagnosed each year, and the exact cause is unknown. There is no known cure, but there a number of home treatments and remedies that may give relief from symptoms.
Diet and Supplements
Edgar Cayce is remembered more today as a psychic, but he was also a strong proponent of holistic medicine. He made several recommendations about adjusting diet to relieve symptoms of psoriasis that have received some support in articles published in the British Journal of Dermatology and the Alternative Medicine Review.
Cayce recommended a diet based largely on fresh fruits and vegetables, with at least six to eight glasses of pure water daily. Eliminate foods such as red meat, fried foods and carbonated or alcoholic beverages, as well as any dairy products that are not low fat. He also believed that tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and potatoes aggravate psoriasis. Limit coffee, spicy foods, shellfish and tropical fruit such as mango and pineapple. Drink a cup of slippery elm bark tea in the morning and a cup of yellow saffron tea in the evening.
Topical Treatments
Use a topical treatment of apple cider vinegar to ease inflammation and itching. Combine one gallon of water with one cup of unfiltered vinegar, including the "mother," a stringy substance made up of cellulose that also contains beneficial bacteria produced during the fermentation process. Soak a washcloth in the liquid and apply directly to the skin. The combination may also be used to soak affected fingernails or toenails.
A baking soda solution can also be soothing. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with one gallon of water. Apply to the skin with a soaked washcloth.
Aloe vera may also help clear psoriasis plaques. Split open the leaves and smear the gel directly onto the affected areas. Soften and remove psoriasis plaques by applying oils to the skin. Either olive oil or mineral oil may be beneficial. Add two teaspoons to warm bath water. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp. Massage warm olive oil into the scalp to loosen psoriasis plaques, then wash as normal.
Cover psoriasis lesions to help remove them. There are over-the-counter patches available, but plastic wrap from the kitchen can also be used. Apply prescribed medication or moisturizer before covering the area with wrap. This helps keep moisturizers in place longer and works medications into the skin. Confirm with your doctor before using a wrap to make sure that it is safe with the medication used.
Tags: also used, psoriasis plaques, baking soda, gallon water, inflammation itching