Psoriasis
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:
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Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris): Most common type with raised, scaly patches
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Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots, often after infections
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Inverse psoriasis: Smooth, red lesions in skin folds
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Pustular psoriasis: White pustules on red skin, usually on hands/feet
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Erythrodermic psoriasis: Rare, severe form causing widespread redness and scaling
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Psoriatic arthritis: Joint inflammation in those with skin psoriasis
Common Causes:
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Genetic predisposition (family history)
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Immune system dysfunction triggering overactive skin cell turnover
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Triggers like infections (especially strep), skin trauma, or stress
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Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium)
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Alcohol, smoking, or poor diet
Severity Causes:
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Chronic stress or sleep deprivation
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Excess weight or metabolic syndrome
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Cold, dry weather or skin injury
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Inflammatory diet (high sugar, processed foods)
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Lack of sun exposure or vitamin D deficiency
When to See a Doctor:
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Rapidly spreading or worsening plaques
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Painful cracking, bleeding, or infected skin
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Signs of joint pain or stiffness
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Emotional distress, depression, or social withdrawal
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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
ajoene
alfalfa
algal oil
aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bamboo
benegut perilla (proprietary)
berry flavor
beta-carotene
Beta-Glucan
beta-tocopherol
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
biotin
black currant
black garlic
black walnut
blueberry
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butyrate triglyceride
camu camu
catechins
cauliflower
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
endo-peptidase
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
exo-peptidase
fish protein
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
green bell pepper
green tea
heartwood
hesperetin
hesperidin
hyaluronic acid
immunoglobin G
knotweed
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lentinula edodes mycelia
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
magnesium
marshmallow
mixed carotenoids
monolaurin
nattozimes
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
palmitoleic acid
perilla
phospholipids
pine bark
pomegranate
purified silver
quercetin
resveratrol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
silicon
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
threonic acid
tocotrienols
tomato
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
watercress
wheat grass
mulberry
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
typhonium
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
morus
sunflower
ferulic acid
amber
birch
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
peach
melaleuca alternifolia
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
18 carbon alkyl
18-Hydroxyeicosahexaenoic Acid
16 carbon alkyl
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
3-Ketosteroid
5 alpha-furost-20(22)-en-12-one-3 beta
5-Campestenone
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta, 5alpha-triol-6-OH
algal oil
Ashwagandha
Amber
Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Aminomonosaccharide
Alkylamide (unspecified)
Aloe Polysaccharide
Argan tree
Alpha-Humulene
Alpha-terpineol
Ankaflavin
Azelaic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
Arsenic
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Amino Acid Chelate
alpha bitter acids
Auricularia
Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercetin
American Pawpaw
Alpha-glycans
Ammonium glycyrrhizinate
Algal Oil
Arsenic
Aucubin
Algae (unspecified)
Andrographolide
Aloe vera
Avocado
Almond Oil
Agaricus blazei
Ashitaba
Alkaline (unspecified)
Astragaloside IV
Aspergillus
Amentoflavone
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Apigenin
Avenacoside
Alpha Lipoic Acid
alpha-carotene
Alkoxyglycerols
Aureobasidium pullulans
Axocopaque
anthocyanin
anthocyanidins
Andrographis
Agrimonia pilosa
Aloe
Allyl Mercaptan
Alpha-keto-boswellic acid
Alpha-pinene
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Arecoline Hydrobromide
Acemannan
Apple
Aspergillus terreus
Algal protein
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Astaxanthin
Algalin
Alliin
anthocyanosides
Alpha acids
Ananain
Argan nut oil
Arisaema
Assam Indigo
Atlantic Cedar
Australian Sandalwood
Alantolactone
Apocynin
Arctiin
Astragalin
Bee Propolis
beta-carotene
Barberry
Baker's Yeast
Borax
Bee Pollen
Bifidobacterium infantis
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium (various species)
Bergenia Pacumbis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Benzopyran
bergenin
beta-zeacarotene
Betulinic acid
Blepharis
Brassica
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
Bog Bilberry
Bifidobacterium (mixed)
Burdock
Barleria
Blueberry (unspecified)
Blue-Green Algae
Baicalein
Bisabolene
Bisabolol
Blakeslea trispora
Blend (Mineral)
beta-lactoglobulin
Broccoli
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Basidiomycota
Benzoic acid
Birch (unspecified)
Borate
Boswellia
Blueberry fiber
Blue Wiss
Bacillus (mixed)
Blue-Green Algae
Banyan
boysenberry
Bacosides (mixed)
Boron (various)
Boswellia
Blackberry
Blueberry
Bifidobacterium breve
Benzoin siam
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacillus subtilis natto
Borassus aethiopum
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus Coagulans
Bacteria Blend
Black root
Bamboo
Bifidobacteria
Black Currant
bilberry
Beta Glucans
Bacillus
Biotin
bacoside
Boswellic acids
Baicalin
Bovine (unspecified)
Blue Green Algae
Bacosine
Bacopasaponin (unspecified)
Blue-Green Alage
Bergenia
Beet nitrate
Boron picolinate
Cinnamon
Caffeic Acid
Capric Acid
Centella triterpenes
cherry (unspecified)
Coral
Caffeic acid analog
Cinnamomum tamala
California chia
Cucurbita
Carnosine
Calycosin
Catechins (unspecified)
Cryptoxanthin
Cod Liver Oil
Coriolus mushroom
Costaria costata
Cnidium
caffeoylquinic acids
Cactus
Caprylic Acid
Cynomorium
Candelilla wax
Cyanidin
Cod Liver Oil
Cichoric acid
Commiphora gileadensis
Cannabinol
Cockroach
Cereal grass
Chinese Chive
Commiphora (unspecified)
Cruciferous
Caffeoylquinic acids (unspecified)
Cannabigerolic acid
Catechins
carotenoids
Copper Yeast
Carotenoids
Catechin
Centella asiatica
Cinnamic Acid
Ceramide
Cabbage palm (not specifed)
Citral
Cycloastragenol
Chinese pond turtle
Cassia (unspecified)
Cistus
Catechin (unspecified)
Copper picolinate
Chinese Club Moss
Chirata
Curcumin
Crinum latifolium
Cannabidiol
Copper
Copper Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Chrysin
Coumaric acid
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
Cystoseira canariensis
Cystine
Ceylon Spinach
Ceramides
Copaiba Oil
Crypthecodinium
Crioceras
Calcium 2-aminoethylphosphate
Caratuberside
Carboxylic acid
C-Phycocyanin
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dye Indigo
DIVI-DIVI
Diatomaceous Earth
Diiodothyronine
Delphinidin
DHEA
DL-Methionine
Dimethylresveratrol
Docosanoic acid
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Diterpene (unspecified)
Daphne
Docosapentaenoic acid
David's Milkberry
Diosmetin
Dendramine
Dipeptide
European Elder
Ethyl Esters (unspecified)
Emulsion
Elk antler
Epigallo catechin
Echium Oil
Earthworm
Emu Oil
EGCG
Eucalyptus
Ergosterol
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Ergostanol
Epigallocatechin
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Ethyl Linoleate
Elenolic acid
Ellagic Acid
epicatechin
Eriodictyol
Eugenol
Evening Primrose oil
Ecklonia
Fiber Blend
Fruit & Vegetable Blend
Ferulic Acid
Flax
Fenuside
Flavanol (mixture)
flavan-3-ols
Flower Pollen
Fumaric Acid
Fulvic Acid
Frankinsense
Frog
Ficus religiosa
Flaxseed Oil
Flosin B
Fish roe oil
Fatty Acid Esters (Unspecified)
Flavanones
Fish
Fern
Flaxseed
Ficin
Fish Liver oil
Flavones (various)
Fiber (unspecified)
Fish
Flavanones (various)
Flavonols
Fish protein
Fruit acid (mixed)
Ferulic acid derivative
Flavans
Fish Oil
Fish (including shell)
Frankincense
flavanols (various)
Flavones
Fish peptides (unspecified)
Fish (including shell)
Gallic Acid
Guggullipid resin
green algae (unspecified)
Geraniol
Glycolic acid
Grape
Glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
Glucosinolate
Gotu Kola
Gallate (unspecified)
Glycophospholipid
Glycosaponin (unspecified)
Glutathione peroxidase
Goat milk protein
Green Tea
Glandular Tissues
glycyrrhizic acid
Glucosinolates (unspecified)
Gland (mixed)
Grapeseed Oil
Glyceryl monolaurate
Galium (unspecified)
Glucosylceramide
Glyceride (unspecified)
Glycolipids
Glycosylceramides
Green tea antioxidant (unspecified)
Galactooligosaccharides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Gerovital H3
Glucosinolate (unspecified)
Glycetein
Glycyrrhizinic acid
Glycerol monolaureate
Glutathione
Glycyrrhizin
Ginkgolic acid
Ginsenosides
Glabridin
Haematococcus pluvialis
Hydroxycinammic acid
Horn
Horn
Histidine
Heneicosapentaenoic acid
Hyperoside
Haliotis
Hydroxycinnamic acid
Hellebore (unspecified)
Hyperimmune milk peptides
Henna
Hyaluronic acid
Hydroxyphenylethanols
Hydrogenated lecithin
Hemp oil
Hydrogen peroxide
Hyaluronic Acid
Immunoglobulin G
Interferon gamma
Isoalantolactone
isoliquiritigenin
Iridoid glycosides
Indian Cassia
Indian Frankincense
isoquercitrin
Isovitexin
Isomers (unspecified)
immunoglobulin
Jojoba Oil
Krill Oil
Krill
Knotweed (unspecified)
Kaempferol
Kale
Knotweed
Krill
Kaempferol
Kefir
Lycium
Linolenic Acids
Loquat
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus delbrueckii lactis
Lactobacillus pentosus
Ledebouriella (unspecified)
L-Gluthathione
Linoleic Acid
lettuce
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus (various species)
Lichen Oil
Lactoperoxidase
Linseed Oil
Lauric acid
Linolenic acid
Legume protein
Limonene
Lycopene
Ligustrum
Laminara
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus fermentum
Linolenic acid (unspecified)
Lignan (unspecified)
Lotus (unspecified)
Lentein
Lauric acid
Lysozyme
L-Histidine
Luteolin
Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Lily
Lactoglobulin (mixed)
Lymph
Lactoperoxidase
Liverwort
Lipoic Acid
Laminaria
Lactoferrin
Labdanum
Laminara
Lignin (unspecified)
Lycopene
Mixed Carotenoids
Mannanoligosaccharides
Mum
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Myrcene
Marine fat (unspecified)
Mimosa pudica
Mucilage
Marine Protein
Magnesium borate
maritime Pine
Marine oil (unspecified)
Mannans
Maitake Mushroom
Marine lipid (unspecified)
Mangostin
Mangostanol
Marine fat
Magnolol
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Nettle (mixed)
Neoxanthin
Naringenin
N-acetylneuraminic acid
N-Acetyl Neuraminic acid
Night-Blooming Cereus
Nutritional Yeast
Nettle (unspecified)
Noni fiber
Oligopeptide (unspecified)
Olive
Orange (unspecified)
Omega-6
Ovotransferrin
Oligosaccharides
Oleic Acid
Omega-3 fatty acids
Orchid
Oleanolic acid
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Ox
Organic Greens
Omega Blend
Oldenlandia
Orchid tree (unspecified)
Osthol
Osthole
Octyl Glycerate
Pomegranate
Polyphenol (unspecified)
Piperine
Purslane
Perilla Oil
P. nigraclens (unspecified)
Phenolic diterpenes
Polysaccharide peptide
Phaeophyceae (unspecified)
Plankton (unspecified)
PolyLipid delivery
Pangamic Acid
Procyanidol
Procyanidin (unspecified)
Phospholipid (unspecified)
Polar Lipids (unspecified)
Praying mantis
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
Panax Pseudoginseng
Piperin
Plant ester (unspecified)
Proanthocyanidins
punicalin
Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)
Plant oil (unspecified)
Polyunsaturated Fat
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
phosphatidyl inositol
Polypodium
Proanthocyanidin
Pine
Psyllium (unspecified)
Palm (unspecified)
Pollen
Pomegranate Oil
PhosphatidylGlycerol
Porcine (unspecified)
Phthalides
Paraffin wax
Pig
Petunidin
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
phospholipid
Parthenium
Persimmon
Punicalagins
Proanthocyanidin (unspecified)
Polypodium leucotomos
Palmitoleic Acid
Phellodendron Bark
Paeoniflorin
Porcine (unspecified)
Probiotic (unspecified)
Phyllanthus fraternus
Polygonatum cirrhifolium
Perperine
Punicic acid
peanut
Pycnogenol
Phospholipids (unspecified)
Pine (unspecified)
Pig
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phycocyanins
Punicic acid
Pollen (unspecified)
Pomegranate protein
Quillaja
Quercetin
Rice Bran
Rubus (unspecified)
Royal Jelly
Raspberry (various)
Rosabin
Red Alage
Red Algae
Raspberry (unspecified)
Reginin A
Rockweed (unspecified)
Raspberry
Red seaweed (unspecified)
Rasperries (mixed)
Rubiaceae (unspecified)
Red Raspberry
Resveratrol
Reishi
Sichuan Pagoda Tree
Silkmoth
Schizochytrium Oil
Sodium Butyrate
Spirostan-5A-Diol-6-one-3-one
Snail
Spleen
Secoisolariciresinol-diglycoside
Sarsaparilla
Sodium Bicarbonate
Selenium ascorbate
Smilax
Sanguisorba
Safflower
Silkmoth
Salmon Oil
Stinging Nettle
Sacchoromyces (unspecified)
Sweet Almond
Sulforophane
Sea Cucumber
Syringic acid
Streptococcus (mixed)
Slippery Elm
sage oil
Saccharomyces cerevisae
Sea vegetable (unspecified)
Sesame Oil
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Seleno Methionine
Superoxide Dismutase
Sphaeranthus indicus
Shiitake
Surfactant
Semecarpus anacardium
Sea Cucumber
Seal
saponins
Sarsaparilla (mixed)
Scopoletin
Sesame Oil
Silver
Suspension matrix
Sulfur
Saponins (unspecified)
Sea Lettuce
Shiitake Mushroom
Stearidonic acid
Scurfy Pea
Sargassum
Silver (usp)
Sulfate (unspecified)
Sulfatase
Sulphur
Triterpene (unspecified)
Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids
Tetra-Hydro-Iso-Alpha-Acids
Trigalloyl glucose
Tripeptide
Tyrosinase
Thuja
triterpenic acid (unspecified)
Turtle
Tamarix (unspecified)
Transfer Factor
Triterpene Glycoside (unspecified)
Transforming growth factor beta
Thymol
Tree Peony
Tree Nut (unspecified)
Turmerone
Thymic peptides
Theaflavin
Torula Yeast
Taraxasterol
tripeptide (unspecified)
Tropical oil (unspecified)
Tea Tree Oil
Triterpene Saponin
Trehalose
Thuja plicata
Tall Kale
Tomatoe
Triterpenoid (unspecified)
Tylophorine
Tremella (unspecified)
Urea
Ursolic Acid
Ursane-type triterpenoid
Unsaturated fatty acid
Vitamin D2
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin D (mixed)
vegetable oil
Vegetable fat (unspecified)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (beta tocotrienol)
Vitamin E
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)
Vitamin E (beta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols
Vitamin E (tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (tocotrienol unspecified)
Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (delta tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed)
Vegetable Oil (unspecified)
Vitamin E (beta and delta tocopherols)
Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (gamma tocopherol)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin A (not specified)
Vitamin A (vitamin A Palmitate)
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
Vitamin E (alpha tocotrienol)
Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
Vitamin E (tocopherol not specified)
Vegetable Fat
Vitamin E (delta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Vitamin D
Vitamin B3
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin B3 (various)
Verbascoside
Vitamin B3 (mixed)
Velvet
Vitricin
vegetable oil
Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Vitamine E (mixed tocotrienols)
Withanolides
Wheatgrass
Walnut Oil
Walnut (unspecified)
White Mustard
Wool
walnut
Xanthophyll
Xanthophyls
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthone (unspecified)
Xylooligosaccharides
Yeast
Zeaxanthin
Zinc Picolinate
Zinc alpha-ketoglutarate