Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the skin cells rapidly accumulate on the skin’s surface. This results in red, inflamed, flaky, and itchy patches on the skin. The patches are usually seen on knees and elbows, however, people affected by the condition may have to deal with scales on their face, neck, lower back, feet, hands, and scalp. The condition can be managed through foods, natural remedies, and treatment options.

Causes
The precise cause of psoriasis is not yet known, but research suggests two contributing factors:

Genes: People with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it.
Immune system issues: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, i.e., it develops when the immune system misidentifies its cells as invaders and starts attacking them. The T cells or the white blood cells start attacking the skin cells resulting in this condition.

Symptoms
The two most common symptoms of psoriasis are:

Red patches: Red, flaky, and itchy patches are common among patients. In some cases, the flakes can look like silvery scales or dandruff.
Cracked and dry skin: Dry skin is yet another common sign seen on parts of the body like knees, elbows, lower back, soles of the feet, palms, and face. If left untreated, the cracked skin can serve as an entry point for germs and infections.

Treatment options
The mode of treatment for the condition can vary depending on the type of psoriasis. Two main treatment approaches for the disease are systemic and topical options. Topical treatment involves the use of ointments, gels, and other topical solutions to manage the skin condition and its symptoms. This option can be recommended for treating mild to moderate symptoms. On the other hand, the systemic approach involves the use of oral or injectable treatment options for symptom management. It is recommended for patients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Light therapy (or phototherapy) is another treatment option that uses exposure to ultraviolet light to help relieve symptoms.

Natural remedies
Home remedies play an important role in the management of the disease. Some natural, at-home remedies to help control the frequency and intensity of flare-ups are:

Aloe vera gel: Using aloe vera as a topical option can help reduce the redness, itching, and scaling. Its healing properties can effectively help people find relief from symptoms.
Turmeric: This is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and so adding turmeric to food while cooking can help in the management of symptoms.
Apple cider vinegar wash: ACV diluted in water can be sprayed onto affected areas for relief.

Additionally, adding Epsom salt to bath water is another easy remedy. One should soak in this water for 15–20 minutes. However, one should consult a healthcare professional before opting for these remedies, as patients can be allergic to certain ingredients.

Foods to eat and avoid
Foods with anti-inflammatory properties are effective in symptom management. Foods like flax seeds, olive oil, tuna, spinach, kale, and fish all contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that relieve inflammation. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can also help with the condition.

It becomes important for psoriasis patients to observe their body’s reaction to the food they eat and avoid trigger foods. Patients are usually advised to avoid gluten, dairy, spices, coffee, and processed foods as they can aggravate the symptoms.