With anything you should definitely consult your physician before taking matters into your own hands. However, once you have the sign off from the MD, put these plans into practice before making a beeline for the doctor's office.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. It may be hereditary as about one-third of people with psoriasis have one or more relatives with psoriasis.
The way it works is that T-cells invade tissues and release keratinocytes, which go into overdrive. The base layer of skin moves to the top of the dermis and then sheds skin as it normally does – once a week. Symptoms include flaking, thick silvery or red patches, and inflammation. Caution: an injury to the skin can create psoriasis patches anywhere on the body or at the injury site. Other triggers include infections such as strep throat, cold and dry climates, smoking and stress.
Home treatments are generally convenient and avoid the hassle of traveling with an apparent flare-up. Some people are very self-conscious of psoriasis signs. The following home treatments come with a warning: caveat emptor (buyer beware). So be careful and cognizant of allergies or other conditions that may preempt the use of a treatment.
• Daily fish oil supplements or two servings of salmon and other fatty fishes a week. Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a powerful antioxidant. Studies have demonstrated that fish oil boosts the immune system and since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it makes sense that omega-3 fatty acids will make a difference. But a big no-no is mixing fish oil with blood thinners. It increases the risk of bleeding.
• Yoga is good for stress relief and chronic pain. It also has the benefit of teaching deep breathing techniques, meditation and muscle strengthening exercises.
• Some early studies on shark cartilage suggest that this mixture of protein and carbohydrates can relieve some symptoms of psoriasis. Warning: if you have diabetes, shark cartilage is not for you. Talk to your dermatologist especially if you are already taking calcium.
• Gluten-free diets have been the focus of multiple studies having to do with the connection between a celiac disease and the increased risk of psoriasis. In people sensitive to gluten, gluten equals inflammation. And psoriasis is an inflammatory disease. That means no wheat, barley or rye.
• Water, lots and lots of water. Our bodies are 90 percent water and proper hydration keeps skin from getting too dry. Using a humidifier during winter may help your skin condition.
• Dead Sea salts give many people relief from skin burning and itching. Before buying Dead Sea salts, check the label carefully to make sure it's authentic. Add a quarter cup to warm or tepid water and soak for 15 minutes. Always pat yourself dry, no rubbing.
Hives
Hives are little welts that itch, sting or burn. They can be found on any part of the body and vary in size. Hives are common. Sometimes they will spread and meld into a larger array of welts. They can last for a few minutes or days. The flare-ups can happen at any time, and the cause is elusive. Use similar treatments as when dealing with psoriasis.
Eczema
Eczema is a noncontagious series of conditions that cause inflamed, itchy skin and small blisters that can ooze and weep. It will crust over in thickened plaques of skin. The cause is not defined but theorized to be stress, irritants, and climate. Doctors also believed it to be caused by a combination of factors like abnormal functioning of the immune system, genetics, and defects in our skin barrier that allows moisture out.
Eczema is likely hereditary. Having relatives who have had asthma, or seasonal allergies has been shown to be a major risk. A surprising find is that children born to older women, seem to have a higher incidence of eczema. Childen are more likely to get eczema if they in colder climates, are in higher social classes and live in urban with higher pollution levels.
Home treatments for mild eczema are tepid-water compresses followed by simple air evaporation, followed by a moisturizing cream or lotion.
• Coconut oil sinks into your skin and fills intercellular spaces created by the loss of moisture. Apply coconut oil to affected areas and let it dry.
• Fish oil like n-6 and n-3 fatty acids is rich in components for proper skin functioning.
• Chamomile tea is a known anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and healing drink. Put four tablespoons of dried German chamomile flowers in a cheesecloth bag. Hang it from the faucet when the bath is half full. Fill tub. Soak for about 10 to 15 minutes, then moisturize.
• Try jojoba oil if coconut oil doesn’t work for you. It deeply penetrates the skin and most closely replicates oils from our skin’s natural oil, or sebum. Massage into affected area, at least three times a day.
Rashes From Plants
Rashes from poison ivy, oak or sumac affect about 50 percent of people in North America. Expect swelling and redness, followed by blisters in 12 to 72 hours. The first thing to do, within ten minutes, is to flush the area, which removes 50 percent of the toxins. Don’t use soap, it will spread the poison. Unfortunately, an outbreak can last up to two weeks and treatment is primarily about symptoms.
Easy home remedies that treat the symptoms of poisonous plants are:
• Cold compresses ease swelling and reduce pain and itching. Hold the compress on the rash for 15 minutes throughout the day.
• Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties. Break open a stem and spread the gel directly on rash to stop burning. If you don’t have a plant, aloe vera gel is available in stores.
• Oatmeal baths provide relief from that burning itch. Fill a tub with warm water and add a cup of uncooked oatmeal. Soak as long as desired.
• Topical lotions like calamine, topical steroids or oral antihistamines are also effective.
Prevention is key. Learn to recognize the poisonous plants in your area so you can avoid them. Poison oak is generally found west of the Rockies while poison ivy is native to the east.