Psoriasis is a skin condition that mainly affects the legs, arms and trunk of the body though it can occur anywhere. Psoriasis is Greek for ‘itch’ and the most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis though there are other forms such as scalp, nail, inverse and arthritic. 90% of patients have plaque psoriasis which looks like scaling, red patches, thick plaques, itching, flaking. It makes sufferers feel they have to cover up all the time, and feel a lack of confidence and self esteem.

How a person actually develops psoriasis is still being researched but it is known it runs in families, and that there are a combination of genes that if triggered into activity will make the immune system incorrectly attack healthy skin cells and makes the generation of new skin cells a lot faster than in other people. In those with psoriasis new skin cells are made and then die every 3 to 4 days, in the rest of people it is 28 to 30 days. This causes the scaling, flaking, and thick plaques where old skin has not had time to shed before new skin is forms over it.

Though there are a few things that doctors know can trigger psoriasis into flaring up there is no way to predict what trigger will cause it, and sometimes it never does. Trauma, infections, injury to the skin, medications and stress are all potential triggers. Because it is such a mystery still there is also no actual cure for it. Any psoriasis treatment you end up choosing will be about managing this chronic skin condition so you can live your life. Here are some things that may help from home.

When treating psoriasis remember to keep yourself hydrated. Drink six to ten glasses of water each day and find a good moisturizer to use after every bath. This will keep your skin hydrated and supple to help prevent cracking. For the itching try baking soda. Mix some water with some baking soda and apply it to the patches of psoriasis with a clean piece of cloth. Apple cider vinegar is also good for the itching and calms inflammation. Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of water then use a cloth to apply.

Calendula oil will soothe the itching, you will need 2 cups of dried calendula flowers, a teaspoon of vitamin oil and a quart of extra virgin olive oil. Gently warm the olive oil over a low heat and stir in the flowers. Leave for 24 hours uncovered and just stir occasionally. Then strain and push the oil out of the flowers. Add in the vitamin E oil and rub into the psoriasis patches. Or for scalp psoriasis rub in some olive oil leave for a few minutes then wash your hair with whatever medicated shampoo you use for the condition.

Wondering what medication can help you in scalp psoriasis treatment? Also, check out more info on psoriasis diets.