10 Do-It-Yourself Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Eating a couple of servings weekly of salmon, albacore tuna, and other fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, the hallmark of psoriasis. In addition, studies have suggested that people with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease. Eating fatty fishes can help decrease your risk of heart disease and improve your psoriasis symptoms. But evidence that fish oil supplements may help with heart health is not conclusive, as noted in a 2023 briefing in the journal JAMA Cardiology, since detailed scientific trials to assess the effectiveness of supplements are lacking. One word of warning: Don’t take fish oil if you’re on blood thinners — it can raise your risk of bleeding.

Some people find that stress triggers their psoriasis symptoms. Massage is a great way to reduce stress. In addition, clinical trials have shown massage therapy might be beneficial in treating some types of chronic pain (such as neck or back pain), which can often accompany psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. If you don’t want to go for a professional massage, ask your partner to rub or knead your muscles and other soft tissues to help you relax. Avoid using any massage oils that will irritate your skin, such as those with fragrance, and be careful not to lift or remove scales.

Like massage, yoga is a great stress reducer. Stress reduction may help relieve the pain and itch of psoriasis plaques. Yoga also may improve your range of motion if you have psoriatic arthritis. The NPF recommends devoting 15 to 20 minutes a day to yoga exercises, which involve some meditation as well as breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. You may want to take a class to learn the basics and then practice yoga at home, where you might feel more comfortable during psoriasis flares.

Research is inconclusive, but some preliminary studies suggest that shark cartilage — which contains a mixture of protein, minerals, and carbohydrates and is available in powder or pill form — can help relieve symptoms of plaque psoriasis. However, shark cartilage can be costly, and you may find relief with other, less expensive psoriasis home remedies. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid shark cartilage. And if you have diabetes, it should be off-limits because it can lower blood sugar levels, cautions Mount Sinai. Always talk to the dermatologist helping you manage your psoriasis before starting a shark cartilage regimen. And you should be especially careful if you take calcium supplements, because taking calcium along with shark cartilage may lead to an overload of calcium in your blood.

According to a review of research, people with psoriasis have an increased risk of celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — causes inflammation that can damage the small intestine. That connection may explain why some people with psoriasis report that eating a gluten-free diet helps them feel better. While following a gluten-free diet is essential if you have celiac disease, there’s little evidence that supports removing gluten from your diet to help with other conditions, including psoriasis. “Anecdotally, it works,” Weiss says, “but it has never been proven scientifically.” If a gluten-free diet makes your psoriasis feel better, however, that’s great. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting a gluten-free diet.

Some people with psoriasis have found relief with turmeric as a natural psoriasis treatment. Turmeric is part of the ginger family; you’ll find it in foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. Other supplements that have been tried for psoriasis home remedies include evening primrose oil, milk thistle, and oregano oil, which are available in various forms, including capsules and teas. Though a few people report some success with turmeric and other supplements because of their anti-inflammatory properties, keep in mind that there are no scientific studies to back up these claims, Weiss cautions

Here’s an easy natural psoriasis treatment you may not have thought of: Drink water. Drinking plain water helps keep you hydrated, and when you have psoriasis, being well hydrated will keep your skin from getting too dry. Your body is up to 60 percent water, and you need to constantly replenish it. Using a humidifier is another easy psoriasis home remedy that will help keep your skin moist, especially in winter.

People with psoriasis have traveled to the Dead Sea, which borders Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, for centuries to soak in its salty water and experience its healing benefits. Though adding Dead Sea salts to your bath at home isn’t quite the same — “You’re not in the 100-degree dry heat that the Dead Sea provides as well,” Weiss says — many people find that Dead Sea salt soaks can help alleviate their itching and burning. To try this natural treatment, add a quarter cup of authentic Dead Sea salts (check labels carefully) to bathwater that is warm to tepid and soak for about 15 minutes. Be sure to apply a moisturizer soon after the bath, because the salt can dry out the skin and worsen any scaly plaques.

For centuries, many cultures have used tea tree oil to treat skin problems and infections. The oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant, which grows in Australia. When applied to the skin, this psoriasis treatment is said to help remove dry, dead cells. “While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis, some people report it works,” Weiss says. However, he cautions that it can cause an allergic reaction in others.

One of the easiest things you can do for your psoriasis is to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to include a variety of colors when planning meals — variety ensures that you won’t miss any important nutrients. Colorful fruits and veggies contain disease-fighting antioxidants and are rich in fiber, which makes you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. When you have psoriasis, you need to maintain a healthy weight so that any medication will be more effective. In addition, research has shown that psoriasis patients are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. A balanced diet packed with fruits and vegetables can lower this risk.