Psoriasis Creams And Other Topical Treatments
Ive been testing different topical psoriasis treatments on my hands, to see what helps and what doesn’t.
Calendula creams seems to calm the skin down, but it also made it tender and a bit sore. Comfrey salve and plantain salve made the skin more bumpy, red and oozing. I had to stop with both. I tried neem oil, but it stunk and didn’t seem to help.
Colloidal silver salve with aloe vera, plain CBD oil, EM-1 microbes and witch hazel all seem to help.
I’m not 100% sure about coconut oil this time around. Last time when I had psoriasis all over, it was one of the few things I could use. I coated my hands in it after working in the garden this week, and the next day I had blisters again. I’ll be carefully doing more testing.
I’m also taking Epsom salt baths 1-2 times per week to help with detox.
Medications That Treat Your Skin
Here are some common ways to treat psoriasis on the hands and feet and relieve your symptoms.
In addition to moisturizers, mild soaps, and soap substitutes, your doctor may recommend:
- Coal tar products, like creams, gels, or ointments, to slow skin growth and ease itchy, inflamed, or scaly skin
- Salicylic acid, a peeling agent that softens or reduces thick scales
- Corticosteroids, often creams and ointments
Combinations of these often work better than one treatment alone. Sometimes doctors suggest alternating or using topical corticosteroids with a type of vitamin D called calcipotriene. This medicine should not be used on the face, so be sure to wear gloves when applying to your hands and feet in order to avoid getting it on your face later.
Your doctor might have you use a corticosteroid under a type of dressing called hydrocolloid occlusion. This filmy layer bonds to the cream, helps keep skin moist, and can be worn for several days. Wetting your skin, rubbing on a corticosteroid cream and sealing it in with plastic wrap overnight also is helpful.
Home Remedies For Psoriasis: Do They Work
Every case of psoriasis is unique, so there isnt a single method for effectively treating the disease.
Along with discussing treatment options with your doctor or dermatologist, there are home remedies that you may find work well for you.
Here are eight home remedies that have shown some promising results in providing relief for psoriasis symptoms.
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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.
Fish Oil Can Reduce Inflammation Boost Immunity
Eating a couple of servings weekly of salmon, albacore tuna, and other fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, the hallmark of psoriasis. In addition, studies have suggested that people with psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Consuming fatty fishes or taking fish oil supplements can both help decrease your risk of heart disease risk and improve your psoriasis symptoms. Fish oil supplements are available over the counter in capsule form at many food markets and drugstores. Some studies have also found that fish oil can boost the immune system. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, so this natural psoriasis treatment could help improve symptoms. One word of warning: Dont take fish oil if youre on blood thinners it can raise your risk of bleeding.
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Here Are Natural Treatments And Home Remedies That May Help Soothe Psoriasis And Eczema Symptoms Including Dry Tight And Itchy Skin
Psoriasis and eczema are two separate skin conditions, yet, they share symptoms of dry, tight and itchy skin. Many people use products that go beyond their doctor-prescribed medications as a complementary method to manage the skin conditions. However, before considering any kind of treatment, its important to discuss it with your dermatologist and to try to learn more about the triggers of your psoriasis or eczema symptoms.
That said, here are 10 natural or home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms of these two skin conditions.
Can Psoriasis Move To My Hands
Yes, psoriasis can make an appearance on any part of your skin, including your hands and fingers. It can manifest as cracking, swelling, or blistering.
However, psoriasis is not spread by touch. And its not contagious. It can, however, be genetically linked. Having a family member with the disease may
Palmar and plantar psoriasis affect only the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. If youre experiencing psoriasis symptoms on your palms, you may have this form of psoriasis.
Between 12 and 16 percent of those living with psoriasis have this type.
This can be accompanied by pus-filled bumps on your hands. Treatment for this includes aggressive use of topical corticosteroids.
Psoriasis can also appear on fingers, knuckles, nails, and on the tops of your feet. Peeling and dryness can make using your hands for daily tasks painful and uncomfortable.
Symptoms in nails occur in about 50 percent of those with psoriasis. Symptoms in nails can include:
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What Injections Or Infusions Are Available For Psoriasis
Recently, a new group of drugs called biologics have become available to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They are produced by living cells cultures in an industrial setting. They are all proteins and therefore must be administered through the skin because they would otherwise be degraded during digestion. All biologics work by suppressing certain specific portions of the immune inflammatory response that are overactive in psoriasis. A convenient method of categorizing these drugs is on the basis of their site of action:
Drug choice can be complicated, and your physician will help in selecting the best option. In some patients, it may be possible to predict drug efficacy on the basis of a prospective patient’s genetics. It appears that the presence of the HLA-Cw6 gene is correlated with a beneficial response to ustekinumab.
Remove Dry Skin Cells By Applying Tea Tree Oil
For centuries, many cultures have used tea tree oil to treat skin problems and infections. The oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant, which grows in Australia. When applied to the skin, this psoriasis treatment is said to help remove dry, dead cells. While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis, some people report it works, Weiss says. However, he cautions that it can cause an allergic reaction in others.
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Are Psoriasis And Eczema Similar
Psoriasis and eczema have a similar appearance, but an experienced dermatologist can distinguish between the two using features such as the flakiness of the skin in eczema and the buildup of silvery scales in psoriasis.
Similarity: Both psoriasis and eczema cause a rash on the same body parts, such as the scalp and the hands. While these skin conditions are non-contagious, they may lead to infections.
Difference: Psoriasis occurs due to the overactivity of an individualâs immune system, speeding up the growth of cells. On the other hand, eczema is usually triggered by an allergy, skin barrier dysfunction, environmental issues, bacterial infection, among other contributing factors.
Yoga Can Improve Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
Like massage, yoga is a great stress reducer. Stress reduction may help relieve the pain and itch of psoriasis plaques. Yoga also may improve your range of motion if you have psoriatic arthritis. The NPF recommends devoting 15 to 20 minutes a day to yoga exercises, which involve some meditation as well as breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. You may want to take a class to learn the basics and then practice yoga at home, where you might feel more comfortable during psoriasis flares.
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Maintain A Healthy Weight
Another way to manage psoriasis is to maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity is a risk factor of inverse psoriasis and can worsen the condition.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis shows that weight loss through diet, exercise and calorie restriction can reduce the severity of psoriasis .
Losing weight can even make psoriasis treatments more effective.
To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on making little changes to your eating and exercise habits like:
- Cut back on high-calorie foods.
- Incorporate whole foods into your diet, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Eat more healthy proteins like beans and lentils.
- Reduce your intake of sugar and other processed foods.
- Be physically active and exercise at least 5 days of the week.
- Eat a healthy breakfast every day.
- Replace juice and soda with water infused with fresh fruit.
Additional Tips
Resources:
Dietary Supplements Or Spices
The medical community is still researching supplements and dietary changes . However, many people with psoriasis report fewer flares thanks to certain supplements.
Fish oil capsules and omega-3s from fish or other food sources could help. Turmeric, whether in a pill or supplement form or sprinkled in food, might also stop bouts of psoriasis. The spice, which is related to ginger, is a powerful antioxidant and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin D is also thought to be potentially helpful.
Just remember to consult a doctor before making any dietary changes. Your doc can also help you determine if supplements are right for you and which brands to purchase.
Friendly reminder: Most supplements are not FDA approved and can have sketchy sourcing, so its important to shop smart.
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Keep Your Hands Warm And Dry
Gloves can help prevent your hands from drying out when you’re outdoors during chilly weather. If you can, choose a style made of natural, soft fibers like cotton. They’re less likely to make psoriasis worse than gloves made of wool. Wash them with fragrance-free laundry soap and skip the fabric softener, which could make your hands itch more.
Dip Your Skin In An Epsom Salt Bath
Taking an Epsom salt bath can help soothe the itching and skin discomfort associated with psoriasis, while the warmth of the water can help soften and exfoliate the flaky patches.
This simple home therapy has provided a lot of relief to many users, but is devoid of any scientific backing.
How to use:
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Resolving Conflicts With Losing Loved Ones
Recently, I have been very conflicted/saddened by the thought of losing so many that I care for. My in-laws are aging. August has been working long hours at work and it’s taking a toll on his health. My siblings are dealing with more and more chronic health issues.
I’ve been working with my BodyTalk friend to work through some of my emotional baggage. I think it’s more than just loss of individuals, it’s a loss of self. We’re becoming the oldest generation, and that is a heck of a responsibility. So many times I’ve looked to elders for advice, and I’m not sure I’m ready to be the elder.
I have been using EFT to tap on my fears and sadness about losing those I love. I wont say they are completely clear, but the rush of emotions has calmed a bit.
Use Glycerin On The Lesions
Glycerin helps in healing the skin by stimulating cell growth. Moreover, its skin hydrating effect is similar to that of hyaluronic acid , which is one of the best skin moisturizers there is. Thus, glycerin can fare very well in the treatment of dry skin conditions like psoriasis, which has been corroborated by several studies.
How to use:
Apply generous amounts of glycerin to the affected areas and allow it to be absorbed by the skin.
Note: Aloe vera gel or natural plant-derived aloe vera can be used in place of glycerin.
Glycerin can deeply hydrate the skin, enhance its barrier function, and help alleviate psoriasis symptoms like skin dryness, thick leathery patches, as well as erythema or redness.
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Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A
For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.
Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.
This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.
Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.
Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Drink Water To Keep Skin Hydrated And Healthy
Heres an easy natural psoriasis treatment you may not have thought of: Drink water. Drinking plain water helps keep you hydrated, and when you have psoriasis, being well hydrated will keep your skin from getting too dry. Your body is up to 60 percent water, and you need to constantly replenish it. Using a humidifier is another easy psoriasis home remedy that will help keep your skin moist, especially in winter.
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Scalp Psoriasis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
Certain skin diseases look like psoriasis but actually fit another diagnosis. One example of this is seborrheic dermatitis, a red, itchy rash that appears most often on the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis seems to have roots in stress, genetic factors, a particular yeast that lives on skin, certain diagnoses or medications and cold, dry weather. Newborns, men and people with oily skin are at the highest risk of this particular form of dermatitis.
Dandruff is caused by seborrhea. Infants with the condition are often referred to as having cradle cap, as well as given an improper diagnosis of diaper rash when the redness occurs around the groin.
Like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis most often clears and flares throughout the lifetime. If you have symptoms of these disorders, see a dermatologist for a confirmed diagnosis and treatment options. Since seborrhea is not an autoimmune disease, treatment looks different although many of the same items and supplements on my psoriasis diet are similar for those with seborrhea.
Olive Oil For Psoriasis Remedy
Psoriasis is considered as one of the best home remedies as it contains emollient properties which help in preventing dryness and makes the skin supple.
Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidant properties which prevent the damage of healthy cells caused by free radicals. The anti-oxidants present in olive oil even aids in promoting normal skin cells growth.
Method 1: Olive Oil Remedy
Olive oil is a wonderful natural ingredient for treating all the symptoms of psoriasis such as scaly build-up of dead skin cells, inflammation and itching sensation due to excess dryness of skin.
Ingredients:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil- 1 to 2 tbsp.
Directions:
Method 2: Olive Oil and Milk Remedy
Intense itching sensation is one of the initial symptoms of psoriasis which makes the condition worse. To treat this itching sensation caused by psoriasis this combination of olive oil with milk works effectively.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil- 10 Drops
Directions:
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Permanent Cure For Psoriasis In Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an Indian ancient medical practice that is developed to cure health problems. Many researchers have found that ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis is proven very effective. In India, Ayurvedic medicine and process are originated 3000 years back.
In Ayurveda, Psoriasis occurs due to two doshas- Vata and Kapha. Before using ayurvedic medicine you need to make some dietary changes. Ayurvedic medicine is more effective when you avoid non-vegetarian food. You should also avoid food that is spicy, salty, or acidic.
Seek Guidance On Herbs And Supplements
Numerous herbs and supplements have been touted for ant-inflammatory properties that purport to help the immune system and fight inflammation yet both Dr. Gohara and Dr. Wechsler say there isnt enough research yet to know for sure. Be sure to talk with your dermatologist about dosage, drug interactions, and side effects before trying the following popular herbs and supplements that are commonly touted for psoriasis:
Fish oil or omega-3 supplements: According to a 2014 meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, there is moderate evidence that fish oils might benefit people with psoriasis.
Probiotics: A small study of 26 patients with psoriasis showed that a specific type of probiotic called Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 may help regulate inflammatory responses in the body. Beyond supplements, probiotics are found in yogurt and fermented foods.
Tumeric: This centuries-old spice is touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can be found in curries as well as supplement form. Studies have found that turmeric alters TNF cytokine expression, which for some, can help minimize psoriasis flares.
Mahonia aquifolium : Also known as barberry, this flowering plant native to North America has been studied in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
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