Other names for Psoriasis

Autoimmune skin disorder
Chronic skin plaques
Psoriatic dermatosis

Synopsis of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling, redness, inflammation, and thick plaques that often itch or crack. It typically affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, though it can appear anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it is often cyclical—flaring up for weeks or months and then subsiding. It’s triggered by immune system dysfunction and influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Though incurable, many natural and conventional therapies can reduce flare frequency and intensity.

Types:

• Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris): Most common type with raised, scaly patches

• Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots, often after infections

• Inverse psoriasis: Smooth, red lesions in skin folds

• Pustular psoriasis: White pustules on red skin, usually on hands/feet

• Erythrodermic psoriasis: Rare, severe form causing widespread redness and scaling

• Psoriatic arthritis: Joint inflammation in those with skin psoriasis

Common Causes:

• Genetic predisposition (family history)

• Immune system dysfunction triggering overactive skin cell turnover

• Triggers like infections (especially strep), skin trauma, or stress

• Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium)

• Alcohol, smoking, or poor diet

Severity Causes:

• Chronic stress or sleep deprivation

• Excess weight or metabolic syndrome

• Cold, dry weather or skin injury

• Inflammatory diet (high sugar, processed foods)

• Lack of sun exposure or vitamin D deficiency

When to See a Doctor:

• Rapidly spreading or worsening plaques

• Painful cracking, bleeding, or infected skin

• Signs of joint pain or stiffness

• Emotional distress, depression, or social withdrawal

• Symptoms not improving with home care or becoming disabling

Natural remedies for Psoriasis

Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce systemic inflammation and improve skin barrier function. Regular intake may decrease plaque thickness and itchiness.

Vitamin D (topical or oral): Regulates skin cell growth and modulates the immune response. Many people with psoriasis have low vitamin D levels.

Aloe vera gel: Provides cooling relief and helps soothe red, itchy, or cracked skin. Promotes moisture retention and skin healing.

Turmeric: Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, both key contributors to psoriatic flare-ups.

Oats (colloidal): Used in baths or compresses to relieve itching, scaling, and irritation. Gentle and soothing for inflamed skin.

Magnesium: May help reduce skin inflammation and improve sleep. Magnesium salts (e.g., Epsom salt baths) can relieve pain and itching.

Probiotics: Balance gut microbiota, which plays a role in regulating systemic inflammation and autoimmune responses.

Moisturization and sunlight: Using thick, fragrance-free moisturizers and getting moderate sun exposure (10–15 min daily) can improve mild symptoms.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Psoriasis

Agrimonia pilosa
Alfalfa
algal oil
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Andrographis
andrographolide
apigenin
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
astragalin
Aureobasidium pullulans
avocado
babchi
baicalein
baicalin
Baikal Skullcap
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
bee propolis
beta-glucan
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium longum
birch
black currant
black walnut
Borassus aethiopum
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butyrate triglyceride
caffeic Acid
cannabidiol
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Chinese salvia root
chirata
Cistus
Cnidium
cod liver oil
copaiba oil
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
emu oil
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ethyl linoleate
European Elder
ferulic acid
Ficus religiosa
fish protein
frankincense
fumaric acid
gallic acid
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
Glucosylceramide
Glycolic acid
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
gooseberry
gotu kola
green tea
Hellebore
henna
hyaluronic acid
Hyperoside
isoliquiritigenin
jojoba oil
Kaempferol
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Ledebouriella
lingzhi
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
liverwort
loquat
luteolin
Lycium
magnesium
Marine fat
Marshmallow
melaleuca alternifolia
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mucilage
Mulberry
Naringenin
Nettle
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
perilla
PhosphatidylGlycerol
phospholipids
Piperine
Polypodium
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rockweed
Rubia cordifolia
Salmon Oil
Sanguisorba
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
seaweed
Semecarpus anacardium
Slippery Elm
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
sunflower
Tea Tree Oil
Thuja
turmeric
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Walnut
wheat grass
Withanolides
Xanthone
Xanthophyll
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc