Home Remedies For Psoriasis Relief

For most of us, and especially for me, the dreaded debilitating psoriasis itch can drive us crazy. There have been times when I have scratched holes in my skin to get a glimpse of relief. What is relief anyway? Showers can help temporarily and sleep is out of the question. It can be difficult just sitting still.

Happy to share what has worked for me

Throughout my years with psoriasis, there are times when a prescribed treatment did not give me the relief I needed. I have been offered (unsolicited) advice that held hundreds of natural or home remedies for relief. I have tried a few. Of course, some worked, and some didn’t.

As we all know, these tips are not going to work for everyone. If it doesn’t try something else. As always, talk to your health professional before starting anything new if you’re not sure. Let me share a few that have worked and provided me with much-needed relief over the years.

Oatmeal bath

Over 20 years ago, someone, I don't remember told me about oatmeal baths. It just didn’t seem right but it seems that this was the best-kept secret. Oatmeal is a great remedy for treating itchiness.

Oats have a natural ingredient that calms down irritation and itchiness. My very first oatmeal bath was so messy and well, looked so gross. I put 3 boxes of oatmeal in the bathtub. It was so messy! That said, it did help with my irritation. After a few tries and deeper research, I got better with my approach. I now make more of a thick paste for my baths with warm bathwater. Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.

Of course, psoriasis is different for all of us, and water can irritate our condition. If soaking in the tub is hard, try simply mixing oatmeal in warm water and letting it sit for a couple of minutes. After you get a thick paste, rub it gently on your skin and just chill for about 20 minutes. Take a gentle cool shower. You should feel so much better.

Olive oil

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and a great moisturizer. This is one of my most preferred home remedies for my psoriasis skin. I recommend using this on your whole body, including your scalp. I have been an oily mess for 50 years.

My parents used to put cow salve on me. This was over 50 years ago. That’s another whole story. I have come a long way since those days. Olive oil has a good feeling. It does not feel sticky and greasy. The emollient in it keeps the skin soft and hydrated.

I prefer applying olive oil on my skin before going to bed and washing it away in the morning. Leaving olive oil on my skin overnight loosens up the scales. For my scalp, I used lots of oil and massage it on the scalp for a few minutes. I just put on a plastic cap and wash the oil off the next day.

Petroleum jelly

I often joke that for the past 30 years, I should have brought stock in petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly has been a loyal item when it comes to my psoriasis management. It provides me with quick relief and makes my cracked skin feel and look so much better.

I recommend keeping petroleum jelly in every room in the house, in your car, and purse. It is packed with healing ingredients and keeps the skin moisturized. It actually creates a barrier on your skin, so your skin stays hydrated and soft. Try wrapping some plastic wrap around the dry areas. This will soften up the flakes. Leave it on overnight.