Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the skin and joints. It is a chronic condition that currently affects about 2 percent of Caucasians in the United States.
It is identified by telltale red raised patches of skin that are usually scaly and frequently found on the tips of the knees, the head, and the elbows. They may also be located on the belly button, the ears, and even the back.
Psoriatic arthritis usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. However, it can strike earlier or later, depending on the person. Typically, men and women are affected equally.
In approximately 80 percent of the cases, the arthritis precedes psoriasis. In many patients, the diagnosis is difficult. Patients may suffer from arthritis for up to 20 years before the psoriasis appears.
There is no rhyme or reason for how quickly the condition will manifest itself. It may be that the arthritis appears before the psoriasis or vice versa. There is no predicting. There are many forms of the condition, and it may attack the eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, and more.
For this reason, many patients choose to treat only the symptoms that are affecting them at a given time and thus choose to treat their condition naturally.
Here are some of the more common natural remedies for psoriatic arthritis. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Some supplements can interact with other medications and your condition. Also, some supplements should not be taken if you’re breastfeeding or if you’re pregnant. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you have any mood disorders.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has long been known to relieve burns and skin conditions. According to research, it can also help reduce the redness associated with psoriasis and the scaling accompanying it. A variety of creams containing aloe vera are available today.
Important note: Taking aloe vera in tablet form has shown no benefits for reducing scaling skin and the pain of arthritic joints. In fact, studies suggest it may be harmful to health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It seems that apple cider vinegar appears everywhere you turn in the natural remedy realm and with good reason. This all-natural remedy can help relieve joint pain and do many other things to help the body stay well and heal.
You can sip it by adding one-quarter cup to a cup of warm water (add honey and lemon if the taste is too strong, and start slowly by adding one teaspoonful at a time until you work your way up to a one-quarter cup).
Use the organic or unfiltered type for best results. Some prefer to dilute it with one part water and one part apple cider vinegar to prevent the burning sensation on the skin when using it.
You simply mix it and dab it on the skin with a soft cotton ball or tissue. Some also state that it should be rinsed off after it dries to prevent irritation. If your skin is cracked or bleeding, try a different remedy, as this one will sting and cause more irritation.
Capsaicin
If you’ve ever wondered what makes chili peppers hot, it’s the capsaicin. This same ingredient is also added to many creams and ointments and can help relieve pain. Capsaicin blocks the nerves transmitting the pain.
It also helps reduce inflammation and the scaling and redness that accompany psoriasis. When applied, it may cause a slight burning sensation, but this will quickly disappear and be replaced with relief from the pain.
Capsaicin creams are readily available in local pharmacies and many grocery stores. You can also find them in health food stores. They are located in the same aisle as lotions and other pain relief creams.
Dead Sea Salts
Soak aching joints in Dead Sea salts. These salts are long renowned for their pain relief. Just 15 minutes may help slough off those scales and relieve the intense itching accompanying psoriasis. Always apply moisturizer after soaking to help smooth your skin.
The minerals in the Dead Sea salts are said to offer many benefits including pain and inflammation relief.
Epsom Salts
You can also soak in Epsom salts. Use warm but not hot water and soak in the tub for at least 15 to 20 minutes for best results. Again, apply a moisturizer after patting yourself dry with a soft, fluffy towel.
Epsom salts can also be used in a foot soak or on a cloth to lay over sore muscles. They are full of magnesium, which may help reduce inflammation and soothe painful joints.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal mixed with water into a paste is an excellent way to treat scaling and itchy red skin. Simply make a paste of oatmeal and water and apply it to the areas where your psoriasis is located. You can also find many great oatmeal creams on the market today.
You can also add oatmeal to a bath for an oatmeal soak. If you’re looking for an inexpensive remedy, this just may be it. Apply as needed and soak as required for some relief. When using the oatmeal in a bath, you may wish to tie it into a piece of cheesecloth.
When added to water, oatmeal can become gummy and thick, and you may find that it clogs your tub. Simply pour one half cup into the cheese cloth and tie it shut. Then, toss it in when you fill your bath. Use the tied oatmeal in the cheese cloth to rub on skin while soaking for extra benefits. Then, simply squeeze the water out and toss it out.
Turmeric
Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, it’s also said to help relieve psoriasis. Said to be able to alter TNF cytokine expression, it’s supposed to help ease the psoriasis as well as the arthritic flares.
It is found in supplemental forms and powder that can be added to your foods. You can find it in both your grocery store and health food stores. Added to foods, you should find relief in a short amount of time with this remedy.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil offers many antiseptic benefits and may be used directly on the skin. It can also be found in shampoos, creams, and ointments. However, a few people are allergic to the oil.
You can also combine it with carrier oil such as sweet oil, olive oil, or even coconut oil and then apply it to the scaling areas of your skin. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite carrier oil and then gently apply it directly to the scaling parts of the skin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been shown to offer some relief for arthritis and psoriasis. Many people lack Vitamin D. To increase your vitamin D levels, you can take supplements and spend a few extra minutes in the sun every day.
You can also find Vitamin D in a liquid capsule to pierce and rub on the skin. Some have actually claimed that this is very soothing to the scaling of psoriatic arthritis.
Oregon Grape
This antimicrobial herb plays an important role in the body’s immune responses. Studies have shown that it can treat mild to moderate psoriasis. Always use this under the guidance of a doctor, as it is a member of the alkaloid family.
Oregon grapes can be found in your local health food store and in the supplement aisle of most grocery stores.
Consider Avoiding Gluten
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is what gives bread dough its elasticity. It also tends to cause joint pain and inflammation. For some reason, this is more true as we age than when we are younger.
Perhaps our bodies forget how to digest gluten properly. Either way, avoiding products with gluten can help relieve the pain and scales of psoriatic arthritis.
If you’re feeling deprived because you’re removing gluten from your diet, take heart. You can still enjoy sourdough bread as long as it has risen for over seven hours. Many people have found great relief by simply removing gluten from their diets.
The skin conditions seem to fade away, as does the joint pain. Full results can take two to three weeks; however, you’ll notice minor results within hours of stopping gluten from your diet.
Avoid Processed Foods
Another thing to consider is staying away from all processed foods. Processed foods are often linked to inflammation and pain. Avoid trans fats as well as processed foods. Consider healthy alternatives such as canola and olive oils instead of trans fats.
Processed foods undergo many processes during their preparation, and many of these processes deplete the foods of their nutritional value. This, in turn, deprives your body of important nutrients and vitamins that may be protecting your joints.
For best results, learn to cook from scratch with all-natural, wholesome ingredients. Instead of boxed foods, read up on healthier recipes and make your own healthier version. You may be amazed at how healthy your skin becomes and how much pain you reduce.
Bromelain
If you enjoy pineapple, you’re in luck. Pineapple is full of many healthy enzymes, including bromelain. Bromelain has long been known to help reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help eliminate toxins and remove waste from your body.
Removing these toxins and wastes will make your skin clearer and less scaly. Those toxins and wastes often are excreted from your pores.
Just a few dietary changes are often all that is needed to find relief from the psoriasis portion of your psoriatic arthritis. Try drinking a glass of unsweetened pineapple juice daily and see if you don’t gain some ground on your pain and skin condition.
Devil’s Claw
Several studies have found that Devil’s Claw is very helpful in alleviating the pain and inflammation of psoriatic arthritis. It’s said to be as effective as any of the COX 2 inhibitors, but it doesn’t have the serious side effects of such inhibitors.
According to a study conducted in Germany, it is very similar in composition to Vioxx and treats pain and inflammation in much the same fashion without serious side effects.
Always check with your doctor prior to using Devil’s Claw. Many supplements will interact with other medications, so you want to be sure to avoid any interactions with medications that you may already be taking. Follow your doctor’s advice.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used to treat skin issues and pain; in fact, it’s been used for well over 2500 years in Asia. Ginger can help reduce nausea, arthritic pain, and the inflammation that often accompanies it.
Ginger works by reducing the number of prostaglandins that help create arthritis pain. Similar in composition to NSAIDs and other prescription medications, ginger doesn’t have any side effects as the medications do.
You can sip ginger tea or use an ointment containing it. Either way, ginger will improve your psoriatic arthritis.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is excellent for skin conditions. It’s soothing and nourishing to the skin and can help reduce inflammation and pain. It also helps lower high blood pressure and balance a healthier immune system.
Vitamin E has long been known to reduce scarring and treat skin conditions. Many people use it after a surgical procedure to help reduce scarring.
You can use vitamin E capsules, pierce them, and spread them directly on the skin, or you can buy creams or ointments readily infused with Vitamin E. Either way, it is very soothing and will help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Sugar
According to a recent Harvard study, sugar can worsen inflammation and pain. While there is little definitive evidence, it may be worth trying to cut back and see if that doesn’t help reduce the pain, inflammation, and skin scales of psoriatic arthritis.
Many people have allergic reactions to seemingly everyday foods. Eliminating specific food groups from the diet can surprisingly relieve skin symptoms and painful joints.
Protect Joints
Maintain a healthy weight and protect your joints by using gadgets to do simple tasks such as opening a jar or lifting heavy pans (use both hands for this task, not just one hand to protect your wrist joints). Learn to lift with your legs, not your back, and reduce wear and tear and strain on your joints.
Avoid excess strain on joints by babying them along the way. Also, when you have a psoriatic breakout, don’t pick at the skin or scratch the skin. This can open the skin up and allow bacteria and germs to enter and cause infections. Treat breakouts promptly with skin creams and the like for best results.
Exercise On A Regular Basis
Joints must be exercised for best results. Keep moving, even if you’re only walking or swimming. The more you move, the more your joints are used, which can help keep you mobile.
Many people mistake ache as a sign that they’re doing too much when, in fact, they need to be more mobile. It is amazing what a short walk can do for your health and your pain.
Following these tips may help to relieve your psoriatic arthritis. You may have to mix and match the above suggestions to develop your own personalized way of treating your condition. Always check with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
If you’re already on medications, you might find that they can interact with some of the above-mentioned supplements in a negative way. Your doctor is the best person to discuss these supplements with and the medications that you’re already taking. Never stop your prescription medications without first discussing it with your doctor.
Stopping any medication suddenly may cause other health issues, so you’ll want to talk this over with your doctor to help avoid any sudden health issues.
Resources:
https://www.psoriasis.org/treating-psoriasis/complementary-and-alternative/herbal-remedies
http://www.edgarcayce.org/are/blog.aspx?id=4089&blogid=445