Would you like to treat psoriatic nails naturally?
Our skin renews itself constantly. However, as all things in excess can be bad, and if your skin renews itself faster than normal, this can bring about negative consequences for your health.
Psoriasis is a clear example of this. Although it’s not especially dangerous or contagious, it can be very painful and difficult to treat.
For this reason, we’ll share five natural remedies to help treat psoriatic nails.
What is Psoriasis?
Etymologically, the word “psoriasis” comes from the Greek “psora” meaning “itch”.
Our dead skin cells in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, are replaced with new cells. This process happens roughly every 30 days.
However, when this happens quicker than it needs to, psoriasis develops. It causes reddening of the skin or flaking, which generally causing pain and itching, and it can often affect the nails, too.
With psoriatic nails, wounds are more common on the hands than feet. Often, they can be the only signs that someone has psoriasis.
Among the most common traits of psoriatic nails are:
- Dimples or dents on the nail, as if they’d been pricked with a needle.
- Thickening of some areas of the nail or the entire nail.
- Yellow or pinkish marks on the tips of the nails which can cause breakage on the sides.
- Loss of shine and a rough look to the nails.
- Breakdown of the nail which causes a sawdust-like powder under the nail.
- Affected nails can be very fragile.
Since nails grow very slowly, it’s quite common for people to become disheartened at how long it takes to see the results of treatment. Treatment for psoriatic nails needs to be continuous and supervised to stop people giving up too soon.
5 Home Remedies for Psoriatic Nails
Treatments for psoriatic nails generally don’t leave people satisfied and tend to be focused mainly on cases where there is a functional deterioration or where there is considerable visible damage.
However, there are some natural alternatives that you can make at home to address the effects of psoriatic nails.
1. Use Creams with Vitamin D
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts the healing of the nails when they’re damaged. This is why lotions and creams which contain vitamin D are the best for treating psoriatic nails.
What Do You Need?
- A cream that contains vitamin D
Instructions:
- Spread the cream or ointment over the nail for 5 minutes.
- Apply this treatment 2 to 3 times per day.
It’s also a good idea to consume food that contains vitamin D to help the healing process internally as well as externally.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is famous for its many medicinal properties. It’s also easy to get hold of, which is why it’s one of the most popular natural remedies. Its use for treating psoriasis is really simple, too.
Its regenerative powers help to heal and nourish the damaged tissues and thoroughly repair the nail. This will help prevent flaking and provide relief.
What Do You Need?
- 1 Aloe Vera leaf
Instructions:
- Extract the gel from the leaf and spread over the affected nails.
- Leave it to act for 30 minutes and then wash.
- You can also apply it and leave it to act overnight.
- However, remember to wash it in the morning.
3. Epsom Salt Solution
As a complement to some conventional treatments, one alternative is a warm bath of Epsom salts. This type of salt has healing effects and is great for improving the appearance and health of both the skin and nails. It alleviates the itching and irritation, too.
What Do You Need?
- 2 tbsp. of Epsom salts (30 g)
- water (as necessary)
Instructions:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts.
- Submerge your nails in the bowl for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Dry with a clean cloth and moisturize with a cream containing vitamin D or a medicinal oil.
4. Arnica Oil
This oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it helps prevent your nails from getting worse as the result of a fungal or bacterial infection.
What Do You Need?
- 1 cup of olive oil (250 ml)
- 2 cups of arnica flowers (200 g)
Instructions:
- Mix the olive oil and arnica flowers in a bowl and leave in a dark place for 7 to 10 days.
- Then, strain the mixture and use it as it is by applying to your damaged nails.
5. Oats
This cereal has many detox benefits and can also help treat skin lesions. In the case of nails, it’s also very effective as an excellent moisturiser to calm itching and pain.
This oat treatment is very simple.
What Do You Need?
- 2 tbsp. of oat flour (30 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Instructions:
- Add the oat flour and warm water in a bowl and mix well.
- Submerge your hands or feet in the mixture for 20 minutes.
- You can also increase the quantities and take a complete bath of the mixture to improve your skin’s appearance.
Although there’s no definitive cure for psoriasis, there are a lot of treatments available on the market, as well as more natural remedies. The most important thing, however, is to consult a specialist if you notice symptoms of this condition.
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why these natural remedies should be your first port of call for relief and calm.
Via: StyleCraze | MayoClinic
