Psoriasis Healing Baths

For so many of us, when we think of someone relaxing, we see the image the media has sold us. A candlelit bath with flowers afloat. Not for me. It has taken me a long time to grow accustomed to a bath being a treat.

Showers are my go-to as they just seem to be less painful. In my head, my skin did not enjoy a good soak in the tub. What I know now, is that it was just the wrong kind of product going into the water. In recent months, I have come to enjoy a soak, my skin benefits and my soul sings.  Not only have I come to enjoy them, but I have found a way to help them benefit my skin greatly. 

Bathing with psoriasis

Soaking in a warm bath for 15 minutes can help loosen scales and help reduce the itching and inflammation caused by psoriasis. It is important to note that it takes more than just a tub of water to make this process work. The right mindset makes all the difference. If you don't have it, not to worry, I am almost sure that you will find it along the way.

Candles or soft lighting, this is a real thing guys, softer light helps us unwind. Water to drink, believe it or not, while you are in a tub full of water you could get thirsty. I like to add some cucumber and lemon to mine. It is refreshing and yummy. Music, this is not for all of us, I like to load a bath playlist. I also leave my phone where I cannot reach it. An audiobook will also do just fine.

Even if your bath only lasts for 15 minutes, make it count. Being a single mom with a tight schedule. It can often take some doing to pull this off. Let me give you the low down on my favorite healing baths.

Oatmeal bath

My knowledge of this is credited to my aunt, who ran these baths many days and nights for my cousin who has eczema. Take a stocking. Leaving the toe part intact. Snip the tip off, around where the ankle would be or a little higher. Walk to the kitchen and fill the tip with about 1.5 cups of oatmeal. 

Give it a gentle shake so that it all settles at the bottom, where the toes would have been, and tie a sturdy knot in it. Steel-cut oats are great, rolled oats too, Important reminder: do not use quick-cooking oats. Once the plug is in, drop the oats sachet into the bath and run the hot water.

You will soon see the water turning milky and smelling wonderful. I like to allow it to seep in the hot water for about 10 minutes before cooling the water down with cold water. Soak in the bath for as long as what you have time for. The oats water will help relieve the itching and burning.

Epsom salt bath

Always be careful when using essential oils as they could aggravate the skin like any other product.  If your skin gets angry get out immediately and rinse off.  Run the hot water and add your salts and aromatherapy oils.

Allow time for the Epsom salts to dissolves properly. this will ensure you do not sit down on a grainy texture.  Once you have added your cool water to bring the temperature down. Lower yourself into the bath and soak, allow the salts to work their magic.

• 1.5 cups of Epsom salts
• 3 drops of tea tee oil
• 3 drop of lavender or peppermint oil

Always remember to moisturize well after a bath, as your skin might dry out a little from the salts and or hot water. I would not recommend doing this kind of bath every night. I do it once or twice a week.

A good way to relax

Though baths can’t cure your psoriasis, they're a good way to relax. They might help ease the stress that can trigger a flare. Enjoy the time out, if only for a while.