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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffMany alternative therapies are available to treat psoriasis, including special diets, creams, dietary supplements and herbs. Some people claim these therapies are helpful in treating psoriasis, but most haven't been proved effective.
Some alternative therapies are deemed generally safe, and may be helpful in reducing signs and symptoms such as itching and scaling.
- Aloe vera. Taken from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, aloe extract cream may reduce redness, scaling, itching and inflammation. You may need to use the cream several times a day for a month or more to see any improvements in your skin.
- Capsaicin cream. Applied to the affected areas several times a day, capsaicin cream — an extract from chili peppers — may ease itching and reduce the severity of psoriasis. You may experience a burning sensation with the first few applications. Be sure to wash your hands afterward, so you don't accidentally rub the cream in your eyes.
- Fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis, although results from studies are mixed. Taking 3 grams or less of fish oil daily is generally recognized as safe and you may find it beneficial.
If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapy to treat psoriasis, consult your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific alternative therapies.
- Gudjonsson JE, et al. Psoriasis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2983781. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_psoriasis.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Bodemer AA. Psoriasis. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/117935134-4/796383039/1494/116.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50073-9_3554. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Questions and answers about psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/psoriasis/psoriasis.htm. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Fluhr JW, et al. Emollients, moisturizers, and keratolytic agents in psoriasis. Clinics in Dermatology. 2008;26:380.
- Feldman SR, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of psoriasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Feldman SR, et al. Treatment of psoriasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- Capsicum. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- Fish oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Traub M, et al. Psoriasis: Pathophysiology, conventional and alternative approaches to treatment. Alternative medicine review. 2007;12:319.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 29, 2009.
- FDA statement on the voluntary withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. market. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01992.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- FDA approves new drug to treat psoriasis. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm183851.htm. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
