Sometimes you just need to take a break from the heavy creams and medications. For those times when your psoriasis flair-ups aren't as intense, try these simple home remedies to curb the itchiness without the side effects.
Remember to always check with your doctor before trying any new treatments as some things may not combine well with existing medications.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Rinse
A few times each week, work a little apple cider vinegar into your scalp in the shower. Be sure to rinse it off well so that it doesn't leave residue.
Don't use this if your scalp is bleeding or cracked - the vinegar will burn.
2. Get Outside
Research shows that the sun's ultraviolet B rays can help fight psoriasis. Doctors recommend 5-10 minutes a day and remember to always cover up the areas that aren't affected by psoriasis with sunscreen.
3. Get Salty
Add a little Dead Sea salt or Epsom salts into a tub of warm water. Soak in the tub for about 15 minutes and then use a thick moisturizer to seal in the water.
4. Get Spicy
Apply a Capsaicin ointment to the patches of dry, flaky skin. Capsaicin is a chemical found in hot peppers that gives them that spicy kick. You can find it in over-the-counter creams. It has the potential to reduce redness and inflammation as well as the itchy irritation - after an initial intense burning sensation.
5. Tumeric
It's anti-inflammatory properties may slow down the inflammatory enxymes associated with psoriasis. In one 2015 study, the yellow spice was found to have possible benefits that contributed to the improvement in the size, redness, thickness and scaling of psoriasis lesions.
6. Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
There are plenty of brands of shampoo to choose from that feature the astringent tea tree oil. This could help relieve psoriasis on your scalp.
7. Aloe Vera
Not only is it fabulous for sun burns, it also has been shown to improve psoriasis. Use a gel or cream with 0.5% Aloe Vera for the best results.
Do you have any home remedies that you swear by? Share them with us in the comments below!
