From the Guidelines
Natural remedies for psoriasis, such as topical vitamin D agents, fish oil supplementation, and moisturizers, can be effective in managing symptoms and should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. According to the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures 1, topical therapy with vitamin D agents is effective for the treatment of psoriasis. Additionally, fish oil supplementation has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful as a monotherapy for psoriasis 1.
Some key natural remedies for psoriasis include:
- Moisturizing regularly with products containing aloe vera, tea tree oil, or coconut oil to reduce dryness and scaling
- Taking daily warm (not hot) baths with Epsom salts, colloidal oatmeal, or Dead Sea salts for 15 minutes to help remove scales and reduce itching
- Applying topical apple cider vinegar (diluted 1:1 with water) to affected areas to help with itching, though this should be avoided on cracked skin
- Dietary changes, particularly an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, while reducing inflammatory foods like processed items, dairy, and red meat
- Stress management through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, as stress can trigger flare-ups
- Moderate sun exposure (10-15 minutes daily) to slow skin cell growth due to UV light's effects, but sunburn must be avoided
These natural approaches work by reducing inflammation, slowing excessive skin cell production, and strengthening the skin barrier. While these methods may help manage symptoms, they should complement rather than replace medical treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Nonmedicated moisturizers, such as creams, ointments, lotions, gels, etc., can also be used as part of a general treatment regimen for patients with psoriasis to help reduce itching and desquamation 1.
From the Research
Natural Ways to Treat Psoriasis
- There are several natural ways to treat psoriasis, including:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of psoriasis 2, 3, 4.
- Indigo naturalis: Topical application of indigo naturalis has been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis 3.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of psoriasis 3.
- Dietary modification: A healthy diet that includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of psoriasis 3, 5.
- Meditation and guided imagery: These therapies have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and improving symptoms of psoriasis 3.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of psoriasis 3.
- Fish oil: Fish oil supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of psoriasis 3, 4.
- Vitamin D: While oral vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for prevention or treatment of psoriasis in adults with normal vitamin D levels, it may be beneficial for patients with a deficit in plasma vitamin D levels 5.
- Selenium and zinc: These supplements have been shown to be beneficial for psoriasis patients 5.
- Botanical species: Certain botanical species, such as Dunaliella bardawil, Tripterygium wilfordii, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, and HESA-A, have been shown to be beneficial for psoriasis patients 5.
Key Findings
- A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly reduced the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and improved symptoms of psoriasis 4.
- A systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine therapies for psoriasis found that indigo naturalis, curcumin, dietary modification, fish oil, meditation, and acupuncture were the most effective therapies 3.
- A review of nutritional strategies for psoriasis found that weight loss combined with a healthy lifestyle, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and selenium and zinc supplementation were beneficial for psoriasis patients 5.