Having an itchy, dry skin is no fun. And it's much less so when it comes paired with inflammation and bleeding. These are all part of having psoriasis, an incurable autoimmune condition in which the skin is red, scaled, and intensely itchy. If you have it on your scalp, it can lead to hair loss if it's untreated.
Luckily, there are several treatment options for those afflicted with the disease. A dermatologist can prescribe various oral medications, injections, or ointments to heal the affected skin, but there are also a few remedies you can try at home for some much-needed relief.
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1. Keep the affected area as clean as possible with shampoos, creams, and bath oils that contain tar or salicylic acid.
2. Dietary supplements like fish oil (both ingested or applied on the skin) has been known to help psoriasis sufferers. Rubbing vegetable or olive oil on rough patches can also loosen up the flaky skin and smooth out problem areas.
3. The air in your home can get extra dry once winter sets in and those heaters start blasting. Keep your skin moisturized by getting a humidifier, applying moisturizer for sensitive skin, and drinking lots of water to fight off dryness from the inside.
4. Speaking of sensitive skin, make sure that all your beauty and body products are labeled as such. You don't want to irritate your skin even further by applying ingredients that will trigger a bad reaction.
5. Try to stay away from hot showers, but don't shy away from a warm bath with Epsom salt, oils, or even milk to soothe irritated, itchy skin. Apply moisturizer or aloe gel as soon as you pat yourself dry and cover any psoriasis patches with plastic wrap to really trap in the moisture. Just be sure to change the wrapping often so the skin doesn't become soggy.
6. A healthy diet can help in treating your psoriasis so go for colorful fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty oils, and a variety of nutrients to keep your body nourished. Avoid fatty red meats, dairy products, refined sugars, and processed foods that might cause inflammation.
