How To Naturally Manage Dry & Inflamed Scalp Psoriasis
Have you ever noticed scaly red patches on your scalp? If so, you may be among the 2 to 3% of Americans with psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that presents itself on the skin, as well as in the joints. And if you’ve ever experienced this type of flare-up on the scalp, you know it can be quite the challenge to learn how to live with it, while not allowing it to control your every hair move. We consulted with experts to get the lowdown on scalp psoriasis and the natural remedies you can take to help manage your condition.
Before Stopping Psoriasis Treatment Talk With Your Dermatologist
Because psoriasis is a lifelong disease, its understandable that you may want to stop treatment at some point. Alwaystalk with your dermatologist before you stop treatment.
Some treatments can be stopped immediately. Others need to be discontinued slowly to prevent psoriasis from worsening .
When psoriasis rebounds, it may become a more serious type of psoriasis. A person who had plaque psoriasis may suddenly have pustular psoriasis or erythrodermic psoriasis.
The best way to prevent a rebound is to talk with your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can tell you whether you can stop the treatment abruptly or slowly. Sometimes, the best approach is to gradually switch to another treatment.
Get Rid Of Psoriasis Naturally
As a naturopath, Ive helped thousands of patients beat their psoriasis naturally, all without drugs. The Psoriasis Program was created by Dr. Eric Bakker N.D, who created the ultimate psoriasis program after 26 years of clinical practice. The Psoriasis program is a series of 12 self-help books aimed at allowing those with mild, moderate or severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis to effectively treat themselves at home without having to resort to harmful pharmaceutical drugs.
Before I explain in more about the causes of psoriasis, the and symptoms of psoriasis, etc., I would first like to explain to you in more detail about the 5-stage Psoriasis Program. As I mentioned, the Psoriasis Program has been designed to be a series of 12 detailed self-help books that all build on each other, and while you can just read these books at any point, it is probably best that you read them in the sequence I have outlined from 1 to 12. Please take notes or underline what is important to you and feel free to write in your booklets, this is your Psoriasis Program, so highlight what is important to you.
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Acupuncture Benefits For Psoriasis
Acupuncture may help treat psoriasis in several different ways. Its an effective stress reliever and stress is a common trigger of psoriasis flares. It can also help relieve pain, especially in cases of psoriatic arthritis.
More research is needed in this area. But some anecdotal evidence does suggest that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for psoriasis.
This includes potentially having the ability to reduce symptoms or lead to psoriasis remission.
Research on the topic includes the following:
- A 2016 overview of literature claimed that acupuncture treatment for psoriasis could be effective with minimal side effects.
- A 2017 review of 13 randomized trials states that acupuncture-adjacent treatments, such as acupressure, could be considered as a complementary therapy for treatment of psoriasis and encouraged additional research. Acupressure is a highly satisfactory complementary therapy that can demonstrate a clinically significant decrease in self-rated pain and anxiety scores. This may be helpful for reducing psoriasis triggers like stress.
- A 2004 study of 80 participants saw a 91.3 percent effectiveness rate in alleviating psoriasis symptoms after just five acupuncture sessions.
- One
During an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist will ask about your pain and symptoms and examine any problem areas.
Acupuncture needles are sterile and as thin as a strand of hair.
But it may not help everyone.
Unwind With Lavender And Calendula
Not many antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents are known for helping you relax, but thats the magic of lavender essential oil. You can also add calendula oil to the mix , along with a carrier oil, and apply directly to the scalp.
Just remember to only add a few drops of essential oil to each tablespoon of carrier oil you use, and do a patch test first to make sure you dont have a sensitivity to those particular oils.
Some potential carrier oils:
- avocado oil
- jojoba oil
Sadly the science here is still a little lacking, so make sure to do your homework and chat with a derm before oiling up.
Another option that doesnt involve topical application: Since stress makes psoriasis flares worse, you can sit in a quiet room with dim lighting, some lavender oil in the diffuser, and just chilllll. This may not affect your psoriasis in the short term, but it could help the flare go away faster. And, bonus points for caring for your mental health.
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What Does Scalp Psoriasis Look Like
It can be challenging to decipher the difference between standard-variety dry scalp, dandruff, and psoriasis. According to trichologist Eva Proudman, it’s best to visit an expert for an accurate diagnosis, but there are some telltale signs to self-diagnose at-home.
For starters, if you’re experiencing a scalp that feels tight and itchy with small, dry flakes of skin in the hair and your hair is dryer than normal, you most likely have a dry scalp. If you see flakes that are small white or gray scales that fall onto your clothes, but your scalp looks and feels oily, chances are you’re dealing with dandruff.
Now if you’ve checked those two boxes off the list and you’re still wondering if you have scalp psoriasis, Proudman suggests checking for circular, uniform areas of darker, redder skin that is visibly a different color from the rest of your scalp. If these patches are covered with dry, whitish-silver scales and cannot be easily removed, that is a sign of psoriasis. This is especially true if you remove the scales and see bleeding points on the scalp.
“Sufferers of scalp psoriasis report itching, tight uncomfortable scalp sensations, and often the knees and shins are also affected,” Proudman says. Bottom line: Psoriasis patches are attached to the scalp and often raised with a rough texture. It’s not flaky or loose and often has scales that aren’t easy to remove.
Other Lifestyle And Dietary Modifications
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist. It can prevent dry skin before it starts. Sensitive-skin moisturizers are also great at keeping your skin supple and from forming plaques.
Avoid soaps and perfumes which have dyes and fragrances in them. Sure, they can make you smell great but they also can inflame psoriasis.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, making sure to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in carotenoids such as mangoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash, as well as leafy greens and tomatoes.
Fiber is important in maintaining a healthy colon. The fiber binds to colon toxins, and aids in their elimination. In addition to foods rich in fiber such as raw fruits and vegetables, you can also take psyllium seeds daily.
Psoriasis also with celiac disease and the gluten protein found in the grains wheat, barley and rye. While scientific research has not yet determined that gluten causes psoriasis, many psoriasis patients have benefited from eliminating gluten from their diets.
The National Psoriasis Foundation also lists nuts, high quality chocolate and cranberries as functional foods for treatment of psoriasis.
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Find A Friend Who Shares Your Goals
Its always nice to spend time with friends, but having a workout buddy is about more than companionship. Exercising with a friend is a great way to keep you motivated to stay on track. Youll be less likely to skip a walk or run in the park if youre meeting someone. Plus, exercising with a buddy can be fun! If you can find someone who has a similar fitness level, you can even set goals together.
The Quick Start Guide
The second book I have written in the Psoriasis Program series is called the QUICK START Psoriasis Guide, and it will give you many quick solutions, summarizing the Psoriasis Program without having to wade through hundreds of pages of information looking for quick solutions.This guide will explain what to do and tell you which booklets to read at what stage of the Psoriasis Program. Read the booklets of interest to you, and it is best to read them in a sequence but some of the information in some booklets may be more relevant to you than others.
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Wet Dressings And Warm Baths With Salts Or Oats
Baths and showers can be relaxing, but those that are too long or too hot can strip the skin of its oils, and this can make psoriasis worse.
Some people find that a warm bath containing colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts is soothing and relieves symptoms.
According to , an oatmeal bath or a wet dressing can reduce itching, and a warm bath containing a suitable bath oil can help moisturize the skin.
In 2005, researchers found evidence that Dead Sea salts might help with dry skin. Volunteers immersed a forearm in water with a 5-percent concentration of magnesium salts, the most common minerals in the Dead Sea, for 15 minutes.
The participants skin barrier function improved, their skin hydration was better, and they had reduced roughness and inflammation compared with the control group who used tap water instead.
After bathing, applying an appropriate moisturizer while the skin is still damp can help prevent moisture loss.
Natural Home Remedies To Cure Psoriasis
Now that we are done discussing conventional methods of treating the disease, it is time to explore natural avenues of easing the symptoms, as well as some no-nonsense tips that will make home management of the disease a piece of cake.
- Vinegar The itchiness caused by thick psoriatic plaques can be maddening. If you cannot function well with that nagging itch at the back of your mind, you can try a vinegar bath to help ease the itchiness. Simply fill your tub with lukewarm water, and pour 1-2 US cups of pure apple cider vinegar.
Regular apple cider vinegar from the grocery is fine you do not have to buy more expensive varieties. Soak for a few minutes until your skin absorbs the lukewarm vinegar infusion. Feel free to shower afterward to remove the vinegary smell.
If the smell doesnt bother you, or if it is very mild, feel free to just rinse off. Some patients use this technique at night before going to bed. The mild smell of the vinegar will probably not cause any serious problems, since you are going to rinse off after a long soak.
Pure apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly to the affected skin. To make things more convenient, pour a small amount of pure apple cider vinegar to a plastic/glass spray bottle.
When your skin feels itchy, spritz a small amount on tips of your fingers, and apply gently on the affected skin. Remember: dont scratch or pick at the plaques!
Things Youll Need
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Answer From Penile Psoriasis Patient :
Dietary changes are a must. Its tough at times yes, but worth it. And STRESS is a huge trigger, so try your best to keep stress at the minimum. Eat as organic as possible. Possibly try a liver detox if you can. Get a complete blood panel to see what you may be deficient in. Try natural first. And if after a few months you have no results, you may need to consider something alternative.
Honestly, I know you are done with this and want relief fast, but try the Dead Sea soaks, the aloe, depending on what the blood panel reveals depends on what supplements to take. Hydrate. Lemon water helps. Since you are having these issues in such a sensitive area, I wouldnt reccomend ACV. That would hurt too much.
As far as topicalscreams, ointments, etc. Try to use ointments with as many pure ingredients as possible.Ive had Psoriasis since I was 16, am now 51 a lot of those popular lotions, ointments, and creams have so many additives it can make your symptoms worse. Id start with good old petroleum jelly. Pure. No scents. Since youre seeing a dermatologist already, the ball is in your court as to what you feel would be right for you.
Remember: what works for one may not work for another.
And what may have worked months ago, may not work this time. Thats been my personal experience with topical steroids. Ive never been on biologics, as I get similar results from the sun, natural ointments, dietary modifications etc. This is a tricky disease.
How Can I Heal Psoriasis If It’ S On My Scalp Is Burning
Apple cider vinegar can help relieve itchy scalp psoriasis. Massage your scalp several times a week. If your head burns, use a mixture of half water and half vinegar. Or rinse your scalp after the vinegar dries to avoid irritation.
What does dandruff look likeHow do you make dandruff?For each glass of water, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir well.Apply to the hair and massage into the scalp.Rinse your hair well.Can you stop dandruff?Here are nine proven home remedies to stop dandruff and make your hair smoother and healthier. Ideal for fish and chips, vinegar is also surprisingly effective against dandruff. Choose apple cider
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Still Believe In A 12
My advice is to steer clear of any health programs that promote instant psoriasis cures in reality there is no such thing as instant when it comes to restoring as well as maintaining good health. This is similar to obtaining an instant PhD I have seen advertised online for five hundred dollars, and certain people will unfortunately fall for such scams for the instant things in life. Whenever you act in haste it often follows that you may well have to repent at your leisure.
It takes time to develop outstanding health because good health is based on the foundation of learning and implementing on how to lead a healthy and balanced life. Hopefully may be aware, developing outstanding health and recovery from psoriasis takes time because first you will need to learn some basic theory, and then there is the practice of adopting and implementing these healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. The main thing is to do the best you can, and even if you dont entirely eliminate your chronic psoriasis, small but sustained improvements in your lifestyle and dietary habits as outlined in the Psoriasis Program will almost certainly bring about considerable improvements in your psoriasis, along with any other health problems you may.
How Can I Heal Psoriasis If It’ S On My Scalp Treatment
Apple cider vinegar can help relieve the itchiness associated with scalp psoriasis. Try applying organic apple cider vinegar to your scalp several times a week. You can dilute apple cider vinegar with water 1:1. To avoid irritation, rinse the skin after application.
Dandruff shampoo for color treated hairDoes dandruff shampoo actually work? It is clear that dandruff shampoos are effective for many. But often the shampoo can stop working or make dandruff worse by leaving traces.What is the best dandruff control shampoo?Selsun Blue Maximum Strength Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is ideal for treating dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, eczema and ringworm. It is specially
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Natural Remedies For Psoriasis
Psoriasis has no known cure to date. However, there are many options for managing this skin condition. Proper management of psoriasis will reduce the frequency of flare-ups and the severity of symptoms.
The following are the different natural remedies that have been used by many for the relief of psoriasis symptoms with good results:
On the other hand, too much exposure to sunlight and the use of tanning beds should be avoided as they emit Ultraviolet A light, which can cause damage to the skin and raise the chances of the skin becoming cancerous. Therefore, before commencing sunlight as a remedy to your psoriasis symptoms, speak with your doctor for advice and more direction.
Heres My Diet And The List Of Products I Use:
Nothing sold in a convenient store, all that is garbage.
No beef or cured pork.
No white bread.
Coffee thats diluted with an inch of milk. When Im at home, I use coconut milk.
IPAs and hard ciders are the only alcohols that dont trigger my psoriasis. I have read online other people who say IPAs do not cause outbreaks either. If I drink a Bud or Coors or whiskey, my skin gets bad immediately.
I drink one to two cups of detox tea a day.
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Massage Therapy Is A Great Way To Relieve Stress
Some people find that stress triggers their psoriasis symptoms. Massage is a great way to reduce stress. In addition, clinical trials have shown massage therapy might be beneficial in treating some types of chronic pain , which can often accompany psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. If you dont want to go for a professional massage, ask your partner to rub or knead your muscles and other soft tissues to help you relax. Avoid using any massage oils that will irritate your skin, such as those with fragrance, and be careful not to lift or remove scales.