Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which areas of the body experience an overproduction of new skin, resulting in red, scaly patches. The main function of any psoriasis treatment is to break or halt the kind of overactive production of skin cells that occurs with psoriasis, an overproduction that leads to inflammation and the formation of plaque. There are a handful of effective natural cures which, over time, will bring relief and noticeable improvement, though one should remember that--unfortunately--psoriasis is still a chronic condition.
Phototherapy: Vitamin D Through Sun Exposure
When sunlight meets skin, the body responds by producing vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that helps alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. While it's not a good idea to spend long periods of time in direct sunlight, 15 to 20 minutes a day of sun exposure to the scalp, while wearing a sunblock of 15 SPF or higher on one's face and neck, can be highly beneficial. Getting sunlight to a scalp covered with hair may not be as easy or as effective as getting sunlight to a bare area of the body that is afflicted with psoriasis, but over time the sunlight can work its way towards the scalp.
For those with extremely fair skin who are nervous about sunbathing as a cure, vitamin D supplements can be purchased at supermarkets or drugstores at a very reasonable cost.
Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are not only extremely beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels, they are also excellent at decreasing the inflammation that comes with psoriasis. The Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil and flaxseed oil are good at combating psoriasis, and good for the skin in general, because they amplify the production of natural oils that human skin already produces. These natural oils keep skin smooth and supple by keeping skin lubricated. This lubrication, in turns, keeps the skin from becoming overly dry, one of the uncomfortable side effects of psoriasis.
The most Omega-3 rich foods are salmon and whole flaxseed (which can be ground), although these two foods are by no means the only way to incorporate Omega-3s into one's diet. Alternatively, fish oil and flaxseed oil can be purchased in pill form without a prescription.
Aloe Vera
For psoriasis, it's best to avoid aloe vera creams that are loaded with dyes and perfumes, as these extra and unnecessary ingredients can exacerbate the condition. One can purchase aloe vera plants at greenhouses, and extraction of the gel inside of the stalks is quite easy. The stalks from which the gel is extracted are hearty enough to heal and grow back. If you buy pre-extracted aloe vera gel, read the label carefully, and make sure you're getting nothing but 100 percent and no dyes, no perfumes or no additives.
With your fingertips, in a manner similar to working shampoo or conditioner into your hair, gently work the gel into the affected scalp area. Do this once a day for a few weeks and you will see results.
Tags: aloe vera, with psoriasis, dyes perfumes, fatty acids, natural oils