10 Do-It-Yourself Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Some natural treatments may help relieve the constant itching and pain of psoriasis.
By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD  January 31, 2020
Whether it’s from a friend, a colleague, or a psoriasis support group member, you may frequently
hear about a natural or complementary psoriasis treatment and be tempted to try it. These do-it-
yourself remedies, when used alongside your traditional psoriasis treatment, may offer temporary
relief from some psoriasis symptoms, which can range from itchy, flaky skin associated with
mild to moderate forms of psoriasis to the irritation that occurs when you have a more severe
form of the disease.
The fact is, however, that there's little scientific evidence to suggest that psoriasis home remedies
work, says Stefan C. Weiss, MD, a dermatologist at the Weiss Skin Institute in Boca Raton,
Florida. Still, you may find at least temporary relief by following some of these suggestions —
and, as Dr. Weiss points out, it won't hurt to try. Just be sure to consult with your doctor first.
Potential home remedies may include modifications to your diet — such as drinking more water
and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables — that are good for your general well-being, along
with improving your psoriasis and relieving some of its symptoms.
Many people believe that activities such as yoga can relieve psoriasis flares and pain by reducing
stress, which is known to trigger symptoms. “It’s impossible to avoid all stress in our lives,”
says Colby Evans, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, Texas, and a member of the board of trustees
of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)
But stress-management techniques — whether it’s prioritizing daily tasks, getting enough sleep,
or connecting with support groups — can relieve a lot of those psoriasis-triggering feelings.
People also believe that Dead Sea salt baths can alleviate the itching and burning associated with
psoriasis.
Then there are spices and supplements that may provide anti-psoriasis benefits. Despite the lack
of scientific evidence, psoriasis patients have reported some success with healthy oils like those
found in avocado, coconut, fish, and flaxseed. Tea tree oil can relieve symptoms of scalp
psoriasis when used in specially formulated shampoos. Besides its dietary benefits, olive oil can
be applied to the scalp and hair, and it can help loosen skin flakes associated with
psoriasis. Apple cider vinegar may also help relieve the itch associated with scalp psoriasis.
Whatever the home remedy, it’s important that you discuss treatment options with
your healthcare providers. Do-it-yourself therapies should not be used as a replacement for your
prescribed medications and treatments, but they may be helpful additions to your overall
psoriasis management regimen. Check out these ideas for treatments that you can talk to your
doctor about.
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1 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: Don’t take fish
oil if you’re on blood thinners — it can raise your risk of bleeding.
2 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 (such as neck or back pain), which can often accompany psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis. If you don’t 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.
3 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.
4 Shark Cartilage May Offer Relief at a Price
Research is inconclusive, but some preliminary studies suggest that shark cartilage — which
contains a mixture of protein, minerals, and carbohydrates and is available in powder or pill form
— can help relieve symptoms of plaque psoriasis. However, shark cartilage can be costly, and
you may find relief with other, less expensive psoriasis home remedies. Women who are
pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid shark cartilage. If you have diabetes, it may be off-limits
because it can lower blood sugar levels. Always talk to the dermatologist helping you manage
your psoriasis before starting a shark cartilage regimen. And you should be especially careful if
you take calcium supplements, because taking calcium along with shark cartilage may lead to an
overload of calcium in your blood. 
5 Diet Modification: Eat Better, Feel Better
According to a review published in 2017 in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, people with
psoriasis have an increased risk of celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten — a
protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — causes inflammation that can damage the small
intestine. That connection may explain why some people with psoriasis report that eating
a gluten-free diet helps them feel better. While following a gluten-free diet is essential if you
have celiac disease, there’s little evidence that supports removing gluten from your diet if you
don’t. “Anecdotally, it works,” Weiss says, “but it has never been proven scientifically.” If a
gluten-free diet makes your psoriasis feel better, however, that’s great. Talk to your doctor or a
registered dietitian before starting a gluten-free diet.
6 Fight Inflammation With Turmeric, Supplements
Some people with psoriasis have found relief with turmeric as a natural psoriasis treatment.
Turmeric is part of the ginger family; you’ll find it in foods such as curry powders, mustards, and
cheeses. Other supplements that have been tried for psoriasis home remedies include evening
primrose oil, milk thistle, and oregano oil, which are available in various forms, including
capsules and teas. Though a few people report some success with turmeric and other
supplements because of their anti-inflammatory properties, keep in mind that there are no
scientific studies to back up these claims, Weiss cautions.
7 Drink Water to Keep Skin Hydrated and Healthy
Here’s 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.
8 The Healing Benefits of Dead Sea Salt Baths
People with psoriasis have traveled to the Dead Sea, which borders Jordan, Palestine, and Israel,
for centuries to soak in its salty water and experience its healing benefits. Though adding Dead
Sea salts to your bath at home isn’t quite the same — “You’re not in the 100-degree dry heat that
the Dead Sea provides as well,” Weiss says — many people find that Dead Sea salt soaks can
help alleviate their itching and burning. To try this natural treatment, add a quarter cup of
authentic Dead Sea salts (check labels carefully) to bathwater that is warm to tepid and soak for
about 15 minutes. Be sure to apply a moisturizer soon after the bath, because the salt can dry out
the skin and worsen any scaly plaques.
9 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.
10 Eat a Diet With More Colorful Fruits and Vegetables
One of the easiest things you can do for your psoriasis is to eat a lot of fresh fruits and
vegetables. Be sure to include a variety of colors when planning meals — variety ensures that
you won’t miss any important nutrients. Colorful fruits and veggies contain disease-
fighting antioxidants and are rich in fiber, which makes you feel fuller and less likely to overeat.
When you have psoriasis, you need to maintain a healthy weight so that any medication will be
more effective. In addition, current research suggests that psoriasis patients are at increased risk
for heart disease and stroke. A balanced diet packed with fruits and vegetables can lower this
risk.