Psoriasis

Psoriasis: Natural and Compounded Remedies for Skin Relief and Renewal

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory skin condition marked by red, raised plaques with silvery or white scaling. It commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and buttocks, and may also involve the nails, causing pitting, thickening, or yellow discoloration.

For many, psoriasis is manageable and mild, but around 15% of individuals may experience more extensive, painful outbreaks, sometimes progressing to psoriatic arthritis, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Understanding Psoriasis: What Causes It?

Psoriasis is caused by accelerated skin cell turnover—a process that usually takes 28 days is sped up to just 4–8 days in affected areas. This leads to layers of immature skin cells piling up on the surface, resulting in scaling, inflammation, and discomfort.

Key contributing factors:

• Genetic predisposition (seen in ~30% of cases)

• Triggers: stress, alcohol, sunburn, dry skin, certain drugs, infections, injury

• Immune system dysfunction and inflammatory cytokine activity

Natural Remedies for Psoriasis

Newton’s Psoriasis Drops

A comprehensive herbal and homeopathic formula designed to promote skin detoxification, liver support, and immune balance:

• Oregon Grape Root – Reduces inflammation and supports liver and skin detox.

• Nettle Root – Anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties.

• Burdock Root – Traditional blood purifier; supports kidney and skin clearance.

• Sarsaparilla – Binds toxins and helps manage chronic skin eruptions.

• Cleavers – Encourages lymphatic drainage and eases skin flare-ups.

• Yellow Dock – Promotes bile flow, supporting elimination of metabolic waste.

• Arsenicum 3X – Homeopathic remedy for dry, burning, scaly skin.

Newton’s Psoriasis Ointment

A topical treatment ideal for scaly, inflamed plaques, formulated with:

• 10% Oregon Grape Extract

• Pharmaceutical-Grade Sulfur

• Beeswax and Lanolin

This ointment calms irritation, reduces scaling, and promotes long-term skin repair on the scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk.

Key Nutritional Support

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish & Flaxseed Oil) – Reduces skin inflammation

• Vitamin A – Essential for epithelial regeneration (limit during pregnancy)

• Zinc + Copper – Promotes healing and immune defense

• Milk Thistle – Liver support to detoxify and regulate skin metabolism

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid & Grape Seed Extract – Protects skin from oxidative stress

• Fumaric Acid Cream – May help reduce thickness of psoriatic plaques

Suggested Dosages:

• Grape Seed Extract: 100 mg twice daily

• Milk Thistle: 150 mg twice daily

• Vitamin A: 25,000 IU daily (reduce to 5,000–10,000 IU after 4 weeks)

• Fish Oil: 1,000 mg three times daily

• Zinc: 30 mg + 2 mg Copper daily

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: 150 mg daily

Homeopathic Options

For long-term support, try 30C potency daily; consider 200C once weekly for persistent cases.

Aromatherapy (Adjunct Support)

Oils such as Argan, Carrot Seed, Bergamot, Cajuput, and Angelica can be added to carrier oils or warm baths for skin-calming effects. Use with caution in active flare-ups.

Lifestyle Measures for Psoriasis Control

• Sunlight Therapy: Daily exposure (15–30 minutes) supports vitamin D production and plaque reduction. Avoid burning.

• Moisturize Regularly: Aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil help reduce scaling.

• Omega-Rich Diet: Include mackerel, sardines, walnuts, and flax.

• Avoid Triggers: Alcohol, processed foods, smoking, and excessive stress can worsen symptoms.

• Humidifier Use: Helps prevent dry skin flares, especially in winter.

Prescription Compounding: Personalized Psoriasis Treatment

For moderate to severe psoriasis, compounded prescription treatments can provide targeted relief where over-the-counter options fall short.

Why Compounding?

• Custom strengths and combinations tailored to the patient

• Ideal for sensitive areas (face, genitals) or thick plaques

• Can be prepared as ointments, creams, or gels depending on the plaque location

Common Active Ingredients in Compounded Formulas:

• Dithranol (Anthralin) – Slows abnormal skin cell growth

• Coal Tar – Anti-inflammatory and anti-scaling agent

• Urea – Softens thick skin and enhances absorption

• Tacrolimus – Immune modulator for delicate skin (e.g., face, eyelids)

• Clobetasol – Potent topical corticosteroid for acute flares

• Calcipotriol – Vitamin D analog that regulates skin turnover

• Topical Cyclosporine – Immune suppressant for localized, stubborn lesions

 

Note: Most effective psoriasis compounds require a prescription. Compounded therapies offer significant advantages in cases where standard treatments fail, or where custom strengths or combinations are essential. Treatment is best tailored based on the type of psoriasis, severity, and plaque location.