11 Ways to Treat Psoriasis at Home

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a recurring skin condition caused by flakey, red patches on the skin. Psoriasis is not an allergic reaction — in fact, it starts from deep within your immune system, in your white blood cells. When these cells accidentally become active and set off other immune responses, psoriasis can flare up. Episodes commonly happen to people when they’re stressed out.

How do you treat psoriasis at home?

Unfortunately, there’s no permanent cure for it, and you should always discuss treatment options first with a healthcare professional, if possible. But you can manage symptoms at home with these effective treatments. Here are the best ways to remove the itch and get that inflamed skin calm again.

1. Take an Epsom salt bath

There’s nothing like some good ol’ magnesium sulfate to calm that psoriasis down. It’s soothing and can help you shed those itchy scales. Also, what could be more calming than a warm, cozy bath? Make sure the water isn’t too hot, and soak for around 15 minutes. Moisturize afterwards to seal in the potent water.

2. Eat more fatty fish or take fish oil supplements

Go pescatarian and your skin will thank you for it. Fish oil is known to overall boost your immunity, and you can get it either from pills or by eating your weekly serving of salmon or albacore tuna. Fish oil also reduces the risk of heart disease, which people with psoriasis are prone to.

3. Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a common treatment for those experiencing scalp Psoriasis. It comes from a plant native to Australia, but you can find it in health food stores, mostly in essential oil or shampoo form — whatever you prefer.