What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that results in itchy, raised, and scaly plaques with a thick, red, bumpy base. These plaques are difficult to treat because they form when skin cells multiply ten times faster than normal due to systemic inflammation. Commonly, these plaques appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk, though they can develop anywhere on the body. Factors such as stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, cold and dry weather, and skin injuries or infections can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
Managing psoriasis flares can be supported with various natural approaches to help maintain the health and longevity of your skin.
Oregon Grape (Berberine)
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), also known as berberine or barberry, is commonly used as a topical cream to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. This natural remedy has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness of psoriatic plaques. The cream is made from the leaves and stems of the plant and may cause a mild burning sensation when applied.
In a clinical trial, 84% of patients reported a good to excellent response to Oregon grape cream for their psoriasis. When compared to standard treatments, 63% of patients found Oregon grape to be as effective or better. Another study observed improvement in patients with mild to moderate bilateral psoriasis within one week of using Oregon grape cream, with the treated side showing similar or better results than the control side.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, known for its cooling and soothing properties, is effective for various skin conditions, including psoriasis. According to the Mayo Clinic, a topical cream with at least 0.5% aloe can be used to treat mild psoriasis flares. Applying the cream one to three times daily for five days can reduce inflammation and help clear up the flare. Taking breaks between applications may be necessary to prevent skin irritation.
In a clinical study, patients aged 18 to 50 with an average history of psoriasis of eight and a half years were treated with aloe vera extract cream. The treatment significantly reduced lesions, redness, and swelling, with a lowered Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. By the end of the study, 83.3% of patients treated with aloe vera were considered healed, compared to 6.6% with placebo, demonstrating substantial clearing of psoriatic plaques and a decrease in PASI scores to an average of 2.2. Aloe vera also offers anti-aging benefits when applied to the skin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as in algae. These healthy fats are known for their heart health benefits, such as lowering triglycerides and blood pressure, and their anti-inflammatory properties can also aid in managing psoriasis.
A clinical study showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplements, when used alongside topical treatments, significantly reduced PASI scores in psoriasis patients. Omega-3 supplements helped alleviate scalp lesions, itching, redness, scaling, and swelling of the affected areas.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the main anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, can be applied topically to soothe psoriasis plaques or taken orally to reduce systemic inflammation. Native to India and Indonesia, curcumin has been used since ancient times as a spice and perfume. It works by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 in keratinocytes, the primary cells in the outermost layer of the skin.
Keratinocytes play a crucial role in psoriasis by secreting chemokines and cytokines, leading to further activation of immune cells and amplifying inflammation. Psoriatic keratinocytes also proliferate more quickly than normal, causing rapid skin growth and the thick, scaly buildup characteristic of psoriasis plaques. Curcumin helps reduce these inflammatory processes, making turmeric a beneficial addition to skincare routines for those with psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make turmeric an excellent anti-aging herb, promoting overall health and longevity when used in creams and supplements.
Capsaicin
Changes in the skin's vascular system are evident in psoriasis and may significantly impact the disease. A clinical study evaluated the effects of topically applied capsaicin, known for inhibiting skin vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), on moderate to severe psoriasis.
The study found that capsaicin significantly improved psoriasis plaques more than a control, nonmedicated cream. There were notable reductions in scaling and redness where capsaicin was applied. Although nearly half of the patients experienced burning, stinging, itching, and redness upon initial application, these symptoms diminished or resolved with continued use.
Oats
An oatmeal bath can be soothing for inflamed psoriatic plaques. Oatmeal has been proven to reduce itching and swelling, thanks to omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Studies show that avenanthramides, active components in oats, can inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines and histamine, key factors in the inflammation of psoriasis.
Use colloidal oatmeal, which dissolves in hot water and won't clog your drain. Start with 1/2 cup (4 ounces) and gradually increase to 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) in a warm bath. Adding essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or bergamot can provide additional relief, but avoid applying them directly to plaques. Be cautious exiting the tub, as the oats can make the water slippery.
After bathing, pat yourself dry gently to avoid irritation. Apply a mild moisturizer like coconut oil, which helps seal in moisture and provides additional anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe psoriatic plaques.
Vitamin D
While vitamin D deficiency doesn't cause psoriasis, it has been linked to increased flare-ups and can interfere with immune function and skin health. Both oral and topical vitamin D can help manage psoriasis symptoms. Taking vitamin D supplements can boost the immune system, which is beneficial for managing this autoimmune disease. When applied topically, vitamin D can slow cell proliferation, helping to thin psoriasis plaques.
You can also boost your vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure—15 minutes daily for fair skin and up to 30 minutes for darker skin—and from dietary sources. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, as well as fortified foods like certain dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.
Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, it's important to have your doctor monitor your levels to prevent an unhealthy buildup, known as hypervitaminosis D or vitamin D toxicity. This condition, usually caused by excessive supplement intake, can lead to a buildup of calcium in the blood, causing frequent urination, weakness, and potential kidney problems. It is unlikely to result from diet or sunlight exposure alone.
Key Takeaways
There are many natural ways to treat psoriasis, from herbs like turmeric and Oregon grape to supplements such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The soothing effects of aloe, the anti-inflammatory properties of oats, and the vasodilation inhibition by capsaicin cream each provide unique and effective alternatives for relieving psoriatic plaques.
Trying each remedy one at a time can help you determine which works best for you. Once you've tested them individually, you might decide to combine the ones that were most effective to create a personalized psoriasis treatment plan. Regardless of your approach, these natural remedies should offer much-needed relief from itchy, inflamed psoriatic plaques.