Very few of the apple cider vinegar skin remedies out there are based on any scientific foundation. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It’s true that people have historically used apple cider vinegar for a variety of conditions for hundreds of years, but there’s just no science behind a lot of those practices. [6] X Research source There isn’t any good evidence that vinegar will prevent infections, either. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
The topical medications doctors prescribe for psoriasis are all designed to slow skin cell growth, reduce inflammation, and minimize plaque buildup. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Apple cider vinegar has no influence on skin cell growth or plaque, and it can actually cause inflammation in rare cases. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Don’t do this if you’re diabetic. Consuming apple cider vinegar can alter your insulin levels. [16] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Doing this several times a week may reduce your itchiness and irritation. Do not do this if you have open wounds, cracked skin, or your scalp is bleeding. [18] X Research source
Topical creams and ointments reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and moisturize your skin. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source [21] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 30 September 2020. You can buy medical-grade creams that have been clinically tested. [22] X Expert Source Heather Richmond, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020. Try applying thick emollient lotions throughout the day, especially within the first few minutes of a shower. [23] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 30 September 2020. Avoid buying them from unknown websites on the internet. [24] X Expert Source Heather Richmond, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020. If their price is extremely low compared to their retail price, they may not be worth buying. [25] X Expert Source Heather Richmond, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020. Light therapy involves exposing your skin to high levels of UVB light for a few minutes. This stunts the growth of skin cells, which are the cause of those obnoxious rashes. [26] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Oral medications and injections help to suppress inflammation, or keep your immune system from overreacting. [27] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
It may take a bit of trial and error to find the best treatment for you. It can be irritating to spend so much time trying treatments that don’t work, but rest assured that psoriasis is very treatable once you find the best combination for you.
Soaking your skin in Epsom salts may help alleviate psoriasis discomfort. [30] X Research source [31] X Expert Source Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 16 August 2021. This can become a vicious cycle if your psoriasis causes you stress. You see the skin patches, they stress you out, and then the stress makes things worse. Do your best to remind yourself that psoriasis is exceptionally common, and it will go away. If you don’t treat it like a big deal, it will disappear sooner than you can imagine!
You could also use a product that contains salicylic acid or coal tar. [34] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source These are less popular options for psoriasis, though.