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Some experts suggest that many common moisturizers may actually increase water loss in psoriasis, but studies are needed to confirm this. In the meantime, if moisturizers help relieve the condition, then patients should use them.
Alleviating Itching and Irritation
Capsaicin (Zostrix) is an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chili peppers. It is used to relieve arthritic pain and may help relieve psoriatic itching. Capsaicin should be handled using a glove and applied to affected areas three or four times daily. The patient will usually experience a burning sensation when the drug is first applied, but this sensation diminishes with use.
Dietary Factors
Folic Acid. Patients should be sure they get enough of the B vitamin folate (called folic acid in supplement form). Folate-rich foods include liver, asparagus, fruits, green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, orange juice, and yeast. Many breads and other commercial grain products are now enriched with folic acid.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in some fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit some patients with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.
Alternative Remedies
Patients with persistent psoriasis may be tempted to try alternative or untested treatments, including herbs and other nontraditional therapies. A number of traditional remedies include various herbs, but to date no clinical studies have been reported on these substances. No one should use any so-called natural or unproven therapies without consulting a doctor to be sure such treatment is not harmful and does not interfere with any standard medications being taken.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbal remedies and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means that manufacturers and distributors do not need FDA approval to sell their products. In addition, any substance that affects the body's chemistry can, like any drug, produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even deadly side effects from herbal products.
The following are special concerns for people taking natural remedies for psoriasis:
- Zinc pyrithione is sometimes used, but its effectiveness is doubtful. A number of so-called natural psoriasis products (Skin-Cap, Blue Cap, Miralex) that contain this compound, however, also contain prescription-strength corticosteroids. Such steroids have the same side effects as those in standard psoriasis agents. These products have been banned in the US and Canada, but similar untested medications are available over the Internet.
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica ) is sometimes applied in a cream for psoriasis. The oral form of the herb has serious side effects, however, including increasing the risk for miscarriage in pregnant women.
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