Are there any natural treatments for psoriasis?

Natural skin care: The skin is very sensitive, and a good marker for many aspects of health. Any skin condition can suggest imbalance in diet, sleep or how one handles stress. Addressing these issues can help, as can staying hydrated. Specific treatments include topical vitamin d, evening primrose oil (essential fatty acids), and burdock root. Please be aware psoriasis can be more serious than just a skin problem.

Coal tar: Coal tar (available as a shampoo or cream or ointment) can smell and stain, but can be effective treatment for psoriasis in some people. No prescription is needed.

Yes: Psoriasis is an immune system disorder and most treatments are aimed at suppressing the immune system to improve the condition. A natural substance that suppresses the immune system is sunlight. Some patients tell me that vitamin c and vitamin e topically and orally help. Vitamin d is often incorporated into prescription creams. Recent studies have shown excess weight contributes to psoriasis.

Diet: 5 per cent of people with psoriasis are allergic to wheat according to a study in the british journal of dermatology. If wheat is avoided in sensitive individuals psoriasis will clear completely in 3 months. No herb or vitamin is consistently useful in psoriasis although a few people will respond to fumaric acid used in europe etc.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis treatments fall into 3 categories: topical (applied to the skin) – mild to moderate psoriasis phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) – moderate to severe psoriasis systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) – moderate, severe or disabling psoriasis while each of these therapies is effective, there are also drawbacks.

Try these: 1. Moisturize skin using unscented creams or ointments. Avoid lotions & gels. They contain alcohol that drys skin & stings going on. 2. Bathe in warm water - it's preferable to showering. Try some bath salts. 3. Get some but not too much sunshine 4. Add vitamin d if your levels are low 5. Quit smoking. You will still need the help of a great dermatologist.