Skin • Psoriasis • Calmer skin
Natural Remedies for Psoriasis: What Helps, What Does Not
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, and flares can wear you down. Gentle skin care, avoiding triggers, and a few natural options can help alongside the medical treatment plan you build with your health care provider.
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Key points
- Thick, fragrance-free moisturizer every day is the most useful home step for psoriasis.
- Short, warm baths and showers protect the skin barrier. Long, hot ones dry it out.
- Small, careful amounts of sunlight can help, but sunburn makes psoriasis worse.
- Stress, smoking, alcohol, skin injuries, and cold, dry weather are common triggers.
- Most supplements have weak or mixed evidence. Weight loss has the strongest evidence among diet changes.
This page is general information, written by our founder. It is not medical advice.
What Psoriasis Is
Psoriasis is a long-term immune condition that speeds up the growth of skin cells. The extra cells build up into raised, scaly patches called plaques, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis tends to come and go in flares. It is not contagious.
Common Psoriasis Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Mayo Clinic lists these common symptoms (MayoClinic.org):
- A patchy rash, from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to large areas of the body
- Small scaling spots, more common in children
- Dry, cracked skin that may itch or bleed
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Pitted, thick, or ridged nails
- Swollen, stiff, or painful joints, which may be a sign of psoriatic arthritis
Symptoms often come in cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months and then easing. Knowing your own early symptoms helps you start treatment sooner and keep a flare small. On the head, psoriasis can look like stubborn dandruff at first.
Medication can reduce or clear psoriasis, but anything that irritates the skin can cause a flare, even while you use medication. That is why dermatologists pair treatment with good skin care and trigger control (American Academy of Dermatology). The natural steps below work best alongside, not instead of, the plan from your dermatologist.
Skin Care That Calms Psoriasis
Moisturize Every Day
Moisturizer helps reduce redness and itch, and it helps your skin heal (American Academy of Dermatology). Choose a thick cream or ointment labeled fragrance-free, and apply it within five minutes of a bath or shower, while your skin is still damp (American Academy of Dermatology). For very dry skin, oils or ointment-based products stay on longer than lotions. Mayo Clinic adds that you can apply an ointment before bed and cover the area with plastic wrap overnight, then wash away loosened scales in the morning (MayoClinic.org).
Take Short, Warm Baths
Long, hot showers dry the skin and can trigger a flare. Dermatologists suggest one bath or shower a day, showers of 5 minutes or less and baths of 15 minutes or less, warm rather than hot water, and a gentle cleanser instead of deodorant soap. Skip loofahs and washcloths, and pat your skin dry (American Academy of Dermatology). Mayo Clinic notes that adding bath oil, Epsom salts, or colloidal oatmeal and soaking for about 15 minutes may help loosen scales (MayoClinic.org).
Soothe the Itch Without Scratching
Scratching worsens psoriasis. Try a cool, damp washcloth or a cold pack, or keep your moisturizer in the refrigerator for a cooling effect. Over-the-counter anti-itch products with menthol or camphor tend to work well for psoriasis (American Academy of Dermatology). Products with salicylic acid or coal tar can soften scales, and a coal tar shampoo can help scalp psoriasis (MayoClinic.org).
Sunlight in Small Doses
Brief, daily exposure to sunlight can ease plaques for many people. But too much sun can trigger or worsen outbreaks and raises the risk of skin cancer. Ask your health care provider about the safest way to use natural sunlight, keep track of your time in the sun, and protect skin without psoriasis with clothing or a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher (MayoClinic.org). Even a mild sunburn can worsen psoriasis and cause new plaques (American Academy of Dermatology). Some medicines make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so check with your doctor first. For moderate to severe psoriasis, medical light therapy, often with narrowband UVB, is a first-line treatment (MayoClinic.org).
Find and Avoid Your Triggers
Triggers vary from person to person, so a little detective work helps. Common ones include (American Academy of Dermatology):
- Stress. Walks, yoga, slow breathing, and time for yourself all help. If psoriasis is weighing on your mood, talk therapy or a support group can help your mental health too.
- Smoking. Smoking and secondhand smoke can cause flares. Our guide to quitting smoking can help.
- Alcohol. Drinking daily, or often having more than 2 drinks in a day, can make psoriasis treatment work poorly or not at all.
- Cold, dry weather. Use a humidifier, dress warmly, and moisturize often.
- Skin injuries. Cuts, scrapes, bug bites, tattoos, and even shaving nicks can cause new plaques.
- Infections and some medicines. Ask the prescriber whether a new medicine could be making your psoriasis flare.
Diet and Psoriasis
No diet cures psoriasis, but eating well may lessen symptoms and lower the risk of related conditions such as heart disease (National Psoriasis Foundation). In 2018, the National Psoriasis Foundation reviewed 55 studies with 4,534 patients (Ford et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2018):
- Weight loss: strongly recommended for people who are overweight, using a lower-calorie diet. It had the strongest evidence of any diet change.
- Gluten-free diet: suggested only for people who test positive for gluten sensitivity.
- Specific foods and diets: low evidence overall, though a Mediterranean-style diet may be worth a try.
- Diet changes should always be used together with standard medical treatment.
Natural Treatments to Try at Home
Many people look for natural remedies for psoriasis to use alongside medical care. The National Psoriasis Foundation says natural options can help some people when used together with standard treatment, and it advises talking with your health care provider first, especially before taking any herbal remedy that could interact with your medications (National Psoriasis Foundation). Remember that “natural” does not always mean safe (NCCIH). Here is what is known about the most popular choices.
Oatmeal Baths and Mineral Soaks
Adding colloidal oatmeal, bath oil, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts to a warm bath helps some people remove scales and soothe itch. Soak for about 15 minutes, then apply a moisturizer or oil right away (National Psoriasis Foundation). There is no strong scientific evidence for oats, but many people report less itch and redness (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp Itch
Apple cider vinegar may help relieve scalp itch. The foundation suggests applying it several times a week, diluted one-to-one with water if it burns, and rinsing once it dries. Do not use vinegar on open wounds or on cracked or bleeding skin (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Capsaicin
Plain oils can work as an economical moisturizer for psoriasis, and coconut oil is a common choice for this (National Psoriasis Foundation). Some people find tea tree oil shampoos help scalp psoriasis, but there are no studies proving it works, and some people are allergic to it. Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, is used in ointments to block pain signals and may reduce redness and scaling, though more research on its long-term safety is needed (National Psoriasis Foundation). Test any of these on a small patch of skin first, and stop if irritation occurs.
Ayurvedic Medicine and Turmeric
Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional health system of India, uses herbal blends, diet, and cleansing practices. There is little good research on Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis. NCCIH warns that some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain lead, mercury, or arsenic (NCCIH). Turmeric, a spice used in Ayurvedic cooking, was reviewed in the dermatology guideline, but the evidence was too limited for a recommendation (AAD guideline).
How Home Remedies Fit with Medical Treatment
Home remedies work best for mild symptoms and as a support for medical treatments, not as a replacement. Mayo Clinic notes that alternative approaches such as applying aloe gel, special diets, and herbal products are not backed by strong evidence, but they are generally safe and might help reduce itching and scaling in mild to moderate psoriasis (MayoClinic.org). For moderate or severe symptoms, natural healing approaches alone are rarely enough.
Medical treatments for psoriasis fall into three main groups (MayoClinic.org):
- Topical treatments: corticosteroid ointments, vitamin D analogs, salicylic acid, and coal tar, applied to the skin.
- Phototherapy: controlled UV exposure in a clinic or at home.
- Oral and injected medicines: medicines that work throughout the body, including biologics, for more severe symptoms or psoriatic disease affecting the joints.
Home remedies can fit around all of these. Tell your healthcare team about every product you use, including teas, oils, and capsules, because some herbs make the skin more sensitive to UV rays and others may interact with prescription drugs (National Psoriasis Foundation). Good nutrition, steady sleep, regular activity, and stress relief support your overall health and may help symptoms settle. Psoriasis is also linked with other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression, so whole-body health habits matter as much as skin treatments (MayoClinic.org). Many people find that combining a few natural treatments with medical care gives the best results, and that the right mix of treatments changes over time.
A simple way to start: pick one or two home remedies, such as daily moisturizing and an oatmeal soak, use them for a few weeks, and track your symptoms with photos. If symptoms do not improve, or they get worse, talk with your health care provider about next steps.
Supplements and Herbs: An Honest Look
Many people with skin conditions try supplements, but there are few good studies, and many have design problems (NCCIH). The American Academy of Dermatology reviewed fish oil, vitamin D, turmeric, zinc, aloe vera, and other options and made no recommendation for or against them, because the evidence was lacking or conflicting (AAD guideline).
Omega-3 Supplements
Results are mixed. A 2019 analysis of 13 trials with 625 people found that these capsules did not significantly reduce psoriasis severity (NCCIH). Fish oil can thin the blood, so check with your doctor first, especially if you take warfarin or another blood thinner (National Psoriasis Foundation). Eating fatty fish such as salmon twice a week is a good choice for heart health either way.
Vitamin D
Prescription creams made from vitamin D, such as calcipotriene, are proven psoriasis treatments. Vitamin D pills are a different story. Research on them for psoriasis is small and limited, and too much vitamin D can be dangerous. Talk with your doctor before adding it (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Aloe Vera, Mahonia, and Indigo Naturalis
Some evidence suggests that the topical herbs Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) and indigo naturalis may help psoriasis, with a smaller amount of evidence for aloe vera (NCCIH). Aloe gel on the skin is generally well tolerated, though some people get burning, itching, or a rash. Aloe taken by mouth carries more risks (NCCIH). Test any new product on a small patch of skin first.
Dead Sea and Mineral Baths
Dead Sea climatotherapy, which combines mineral-rich water and sunlight, has been shown to help psoriasis (NCCIH). At home, a mineral or Epsom salt soak is a gentle option for loosening scales, but it is not the same as the full treatment.
A Note from Russ, Our Founder
In 2008 I was looking for answers to a health problem of my own, and I found an old pairing of sulfur and cream of tartar. I started Tarsul in 2010 so other people could use that simple two-ingredient mix without guessing at amounts.
People sometimes ask whether Tarsul can help psoriasis. It has not been studied for psoriasis, and I do not claim it does. Psoriasis can be tiring to live with. Gentle, steady skincare and good medical treatment make a real difference, and you do not have to figure it out alone.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you have psoriasis, see a dermatologist. It is especially important if you have joint pain or if your psoriasis covers a large area (American Academy of Dermatology). Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling can be a sign of psoriatic arthritis, which needs treatment early to protect the joints. Also get help if a flare spreads quickly, the skin becomes painful or infected, or home treatments are not helping. Today’s treatments, including creams, light therapy, and medicines that work throughout the body, can clear the skin for many people.
About Tarsul’s ingredients. Because Tarsul’s main ingredient is high in potassium, please talk with your doctor before using Tarsul if you have kidney problems or take medicines that raise potassium, such as some blood pressure pills or potassium-sparing water pills (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements). Swallowing large amounts of that ingredient has caused dangerously high potassium levels (Medical Journal of Australia, 2025). Details are on our ingredient safety page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natural treatment for psoriasis?
Daily moisturizing with a thick, fragrance-free ointment, short warm baths, small controlled amounts of sunlight, and avoiding your triggers help the most. For people who are overweight, losing weight has the strongest evidence of any diet change.
Can psoriasis be cured naturally?
No. There is no cure for psoriasis, natural or otherwise. Skin care, trigger control, and medical treatment can clear or greatly reduce plaques and keep flares less frequent.
Does fish oil help psoriasis?
The research is mixed. Some studies found benefit, but a 2019 analysis of 13 trials found that it did not significantly reduce psoriasis severity. Fish oil can thin the blood, so ask your doctor first, especially if you take a blood thinner.
Does sunlight help psoriasis?
Brief, regular sun exposure can improve psoriasis, but sunburn can trigger new plaques. Ask your health care provider how much sun is safe for you, and protect unaffected skin with sunscreen.
What foods should I avoid with psoriasis?
No single food causes psoriasis. Alcohol is a known trigger and can make treatment less effective. A gluten-free diet only helps people who test positive for gluten sensitivity. Some people notice their own food triggers.
Can Tarsul help psoriasis?
We do not claim Tarsul treats psoriasis. It has not been studied for psoriasis. The skincare and lifestyle steps on this page, plus medical care from a skin specialist, have much better evidence.
Tarsul and Your Daily Routine
Tarsul is two ingredients, cream of tartar and MSM, with no proprietary blend, made in San Diego since 2010. Read about our main ingredient and MSM, see dosage and ingredients, or see Tarsul capsules and powder.
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Sources
American Academy of Dermatology. Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?, Psoriasis: tips for managing, 8 ways to stop baths and showers from worsening your psoriasis, and 7 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis.
American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis clinical guideline.
MayoClinic.org. Psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment.
NCCIH. Skin conditions at a glance, Skin conditions and complementary health approaches, and Aloe vera.
National Psoriasis Foundation. Diet modifications.
Ford AR, et al. Dietary recommendations for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934-950.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Potassium fact sheet for health professionals.
Hyperkalaemic cardiac arrest due to cream of tartar ingestion. Med J Aust. 2025;222(11).
About this page — last reviewed October 2026
Written by Russ Guillemot, founder of Tarsul. Tarsul is a family-run dietary supplement company in San Diego, California, selling since 2010. We are not physicians, and nothing on this page is a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Where we cite research, we link to it so you can read it yourself.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.