Conventional Treatment or Natural Treatments for Managing Psoriasis?

I have had psoriasis for over 55 years. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and scaling of the skin. Did you know there are two types of treatments for psoriasis, it’s either conventional or it’s natural? The conventional one is most likely with a doctor and the natural one is more of a holistic, self-administered path. I have tried them both.

The difference between conventional and natural treatments

Conventional treatments are all different kinds which several different medications at once. This is determined by how bad your psoriasis is. Your doctor will examine you for the type of psoriasis you have, where you have psoriasis and the size of your patches. They will provide a treatment plan and may give you a few options to try out and you see what works for you. The medicine you get might work and then it might not. You will have to try different ones. I call this trial and error.

Types of conventional treatments

Of course, conventional treatment is often more expensive, and you are required to see the doctor often. Here is a list of the most common types of conventional treatments for psoriasis today:

• Over the counter medications
• Retinoids and immunosuppressant drugs
• Steroids
• Light therapy and phototherapy
• Systemic treatments
• Biologics

Medications used to treat psoriasis

Retinoids drugs are the most commonly used in combination with ointments, shampoos, and creams. Other treatments like steroids and biologics can be effective. The treatments require a prescription and must be monitored under a doctor’s care. These are usually used in severe psoriasis cases when other treatments stop working or don’t work at all.

Topical treatments and light therapy

Topical treatment is very common. You apply a cream or an ointment to the affected areas. Another popular conventional treatment option is light therapy or phototherapy. Here a combination of natural ultraviolet light and artificial ultraviolet light by slowing the growth of cells. Sunlight is also very good as vitamin D from the sun reduces inflammation.

Alternative and natural treatment options

Natural treatments are more of a lifestyle change and it takes dedication, commitment, and practice to see the full benefits. Natural treatments will not have the side effects that conventional treatments have.

Dietary changes

Changing your diet does work in some psoriasis cases but there’s not enough scientific evidence for doctors to go on record and say there’s a link. But there is substantial proof changing your diet can lessen the severity of inflammation, pain, overall weight health, joint health and reduce itching during outbreaks. Keeping your body hydrated is also good.

Common natural remedies used to manage psoriasis symptoms

While this holistic approach is not centered around prescriptions there are “plant-based” products that are used under the natural treatment method. Sunlight and light therapy (using sun only) have also shown positive results with the natural, holistic approach.
The following is a list of the most common natural remedies for psoriasis and offer the most holistic approach:

• Anti-inflammatory diet and lots of water
• Reduce stress and rest
• Exercise, yoga and stretching
• Natural based creams, avocado cream or Oregon grape extract
• Acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine

Vitamins and supplements

Since there is a correlation between the gut and psoriasis, taking probiotics is highly recommended and probably the most widely practiced form of natural treatment. Some people take pure vitamins, fish oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acid, raw dairy products. Foods high in fiber, zinc and vitamins A and D are especially important to someone with psoriasis. There’s no reason you can’t adopt some form of natural and conventional treatments together but some people who do not want to rely on prescriptions utilize these natural remedies.

The biggest difference between natural and conventional, is natural is using more nature-based healing and focuses on a lifestyle change; many do not want to adopt due to restrictions. Conventional is using medications and strategic therapies that need to be supervised by a doctor.