Does baking soda help psoriasis? How to treat psoriasis with baking soda? Is baking soda safe and effective for the skin? Is it effective in reducing the itching at least? What are the two methods of using baking soda to alleviate the discomfort of psoriasis? And finally, what are the other natural remedies we recommend to try to get rid of or at least relieve the effects of psoriasis?
I. What Is Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that manifests itself by the appearance of red patches and scabs on the epidermis. These can cause itching and even oozing.
These manifestations are caused by the immune system, which renews the skin too quickly.
The causes of psoriasis remain mysterious and not well known. It is common to have psoriasis if a close relative has had it, as it is more of a genetic disease.
If stress can easily aggravate the symptoms, it is not the only one. Taking certain medications, as well as particular stress, can also trigger psoriasis.
Despite popular belief, psoriasis is not contagious.
In its severe form, psoriasis can cause other illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases.
There are different types of psoriasis. It usually develops on the elbows, knees, scalp, lumbar region, or nails.
The impact of psoriasis is not only physical, it is also psychological and social. It is a pathology that causes enormous stress and is very difficult to live with.
If psoriasis is treatable, it also tends to be a chronic condition. For this reason, more and more people are turning to natural alternatives.
II. Does Baking Soda Help Psoriasis?
1. How Baking Soda Works on Psoriasis
Baking soda is an anti-inflammatory, which can stop the itching caused by psoriasis. Beyond this effect, baking soda can act on the skin and help to sand it down.
The skin affected by psoriasis becomes dry and rough, another symptom that bicarbonate can act on. Using bicarbonate can actually moisturize the skin, and help it regain its elasticity and softness.
2. How to Use Baking Soda on Psoriasis and Skin
In Bath:
In your bathwater, add 200 g of baking soda. Soak in it for 10 to 20 minutes, and do this three times a week.
Use lukewarm water, not hot and certainly not cold.
The baking soda bath is emollient. Not only will it moisturize your skin and soften it, but it will also soothe your itching.
In Application:
Mix one and a half cups of baking soda with 3 liters of water. Using a washcloth, apply the mixture to your psoriasis-affected skin.
This is a tip that will quickly soothe your itching.
In cases of scalp psoriasis, you can also use a mixture of water and diluted bicarbonate. Apply this mixture as a shampoo to your hair. This can help you get rid of your psoriasis.
How to Make Baking Soda Paste for Skin:
Baking soda is known as a natural remedy to rebalance the skin’s pH and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
In order for your skin to benefit from this ingredient, you can make a baking soda paste.
To do this, mix three parts of baking soda with one part of water. This will produce a baking soda paste that can be applied directly to the skin.
3. How Long Can You Leave Baking Soda on Your Skin?
Baking soda is also known to be very useful in limiting sebum secretion and is a better natural exfoliant.
The use of baking soda paste on your skin should be done within a maximum time frame. You should not leave this paste on your skin for more than 5 to 10 minutes.
4. What to Do After a Bath for Psoriasis
Psoriasis, being a chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself in red patches, requires a number of precautions to be taken after taking a bath.
Indeed, you must wait for your skin to cool down after the bath. Afterward, you are advised to first apply the prescribed topical medication, and secondly a layer of moisturizer.
III. Other Benefits of Baking Soda for Skin?
1. Acne
Baking soda, a mineral compound, is said to have virtues for skin prone to acne.
Indeed, it participates in the reduction of redness caused by acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It exfoliates, cleanses, and especially eliminates pimples, spots, etc.
2. Fungal Infections
Baking soda is very beneficial for fungal infections such as mycosis.
It creates a hostile environment for the development of fungi that cause mycosis, which, by nature, thrive in an acidic environment. It also soothes these infections and accelerates their healing.
3. Ingrown Hair Removal
Baking soda is also beneficial for ingrown hair removal. In fact, to facilitate hair removal, it will not only exfoliate the affected area but also soften the skin, soothe irritation and prevent clogging of the pores.
Ingrown hair removal is very painful, but baking soda helps you to soothe this pain.
4. Eczema
Baking soda is said to help treat eczema. It helps both in relieving irritation and softening the skin.
All you have to do is to apply the baking soda paste on the whole of the damaged parts for 20 minutes. It is recommended to you repeat the operation until the complete disappearance of the eczemas.
5. Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis is a rare and hereditary disease characterized by extremely dry skin that results in the accumulation of an excessive amount of dead skin flakes on the skin surface.
Baking soda is a great ally that will allow you to get rid of this disease thanks to its various properties.
6. Hemorrhoids
Baking soda, as we said above, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Its properties would allow it to relieve the itching or pain caused by hemorrhoids.
It is important to note that baking soda can be used in a variety of ways for hemorrhoids.
7. Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is poison ivy that causes an extremely irritating allergic reaction when touched.
It is a contact dermatitis that most often appears 24 to 48 hours after contact but can occur 8 hours to 2 weeks later.
Baking soda because of its anti-inflammatory properties would help you reduce the allergy caused by this grass.
8. Yeast Infections
Yeast infections could also be treated by baking soda. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before any use. This is very important.
9. Chickenpox
Baking soda also has the ability to relieve the itching associated with chickenpox.
In fact, the healing process is accelerated as soon as you apply the baking soda paste to the affected parts of the skin.
10. Mosquito Bites & Bee Stings
The discomfort of mosquito and bee bites is greatly reduced by using baking soda.
Indeed, it has a positive action on the pimple while eliminating itching, pain, and inflammation.
IV. Other Home Remedies to Cure Psoriasis
1. Melaleuca Essential Oil
Melaleuca essential oil can be used to fight psoriasis.
Dilute a few drops of Melaleuca essential oil with olive oil. Rub this mixture on the skin affected by psoriasis.
It is a remedy that will soften your skin, and calm your itching. It is especially effective if the psoriasis is not very extensive. In the most benign cases.
With essential oils, it is important to be sure not to develop allergies. For that, make a preliminary test on a small part of your skin. Your hand, for example, to check your skin reactions.
Melaleuca essential oil is also called tea tree oil. It is antiseptic, antifungal, and fights skin impurities.
2. Turmeric for Psoriasis
Turmeric is very useful for psoriasis. First, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to moisten the powder well so that it can stick to the skin.
Then apply this preparation as a poultice to the areas where psoriasis is found. Finally, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove it.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Against Psoriasis
If the area of the skin affected by psoriasis is small, you can use cotton soaked in cider vinegar. Apply the vinegar to your psoriasis with the cotton ball.
After a few minutes, rinse your skin with clear water.
However, if the areas are more extensive, use paper towels. Dilute the vinegar with water.
You can also add cider vinegar to your bath. The apple cider vinegar will act on the acidity of your skin.
Avoid using this tip on injured or cracked skin. The vinegar could cause irritation and tingling.
4. Dead Sea Salt Bath to Cure Psoriasis
A Dead Sea salt bath could cure psoriasis.
All you have to do is add up to two cups of Dead Sea salt to a hot bath.
Afterward, you are advised to soak this mixture for fifteen minutes to help loosen the scales and reduce the itching and inflammation caused by psoriasis.
5. Olive Oil to Relieve Psoriasis
You can, especially in cases of psoriasis on the scalp, apply olive oil to the area. Then wrap a towel around your hair and wait a few hours before shampooing as usual.
It is also possible, once the olive oil is warm, to rub it on your psoriasis.
Olive oil will moisturize your skin, soothe your itching and make it easier to remove plaques. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.
For an inside job, you can also add olive oil to your dishes. Olive oil can improve the appearance of your skin, even when ingested.
6. Flaxseed for Psoriasis
Flaxseeds would help you get rid of this disease.
As far as the preparation is concerned, you should first put two spoons of flax seeds (20g) in a mortar and then crush them to obtain a small powder. Then, you are advised to add little by little water to form a paste.
Finally, it is recommended that you apply to the psoriasis plaques and leave them on for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove with warm water.
7. Aloe Vera and Psoriasis
Applying aloe vera gel to your psoriasis is another way to naturally heal your skin.
Simply get some from a drugstore or parapharmacy, or directly from the plant if you have it.
Then put some on the areas affected by the disease, and leave it on.
Do this three times a day and do not rinse. For best results, the aloe vera must be absorbed into the skin.
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory. In addition to helping cure psoriasis, it works on psoriasis symptoms, such as itching.
Your skin will be less dry, better hydrated, and softer. Psoriasis patches will be easier to remove.
8. Coconut Oil and Psoriasis
Mix coconut oil (2 to 3 tablespoons) and tea tree oil (5 to 10 drops) very well. After that, you need to apply the obtained mixture to your affected areas and leave your application overnight. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo and water in the morning.
9. Lemon Juice for Psoriasis
Drinking lemon juice, mixed with a broth of nettles, celery, and garlic, is a good way to fight your psoriasis.
It should be noted that diet plays a big role in the development of this skin condition. The more natural it is, the less likely you are to develop it.
Drink this broth twice a day.
A raw food-vegetarian diet is ideal for preventing psoriasis from developing.
It is also possible to drink lemon juice on an empty stomach in the morning.
A lemon cure is also possible. This is a cure of about 20 days. During the first 10 days, you will consume lemon juice in an increasing manner. Thus, 1 lemon on the first day, up to 10 lemons on the tenth day.
But from the 11th day, you will consume lemons in a decreasing way. So 10 lemons on the 11th day, 9 on the 12th, and this until the 20th day.
The lemon cure helps to cleanse the liver, which is useful for improving the immune system.
Psoriasis is caused by a reaction of the immune system. It is therefore important to take care of the immune system in order to prevent or get rid of this pathology.
10. Oatmeal Bath for Psoriasis
To make this bath, bring 1 liter of water to boil and then immerse 150 g of oatmeal (previously placed in a thin sock or cheesecloth).
Let infuse 10 minutes before turning off the heat.
11. Pine Bark Extract
The current scientific interest draws pine bark extract into the treatment of psoriasis. More than 70 human studies have already investigated this mixture of active substances and it has proven itself.
V. Other Questions About Baking Soda and Psoriasis
1. What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?
The appearance of psoriatic lesions on the scalp is favored by genetic and environmental factors: medications, emotional shocks, infections, stress, etc.
It should also be noted that alcohol and tobacco play an aggravating role in pre-existing lesions.
Scalp psoriasis is not contagious.
2. Can You Use Baking Soda Shampoo for Psoriasis?
Baking soda shampoo can be used for psoriasis. Not only does it soothe skin problems such as psoriasis, but also, it relieves the itching caused by this disease.
3. What Are the Symptoms of Baking Soda Allergy?
Bloating, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, etc. are the symptoms of baking soda allergy.
People who have asthma may have breathing difficulties.
That’s why you are advised to consult a doctor before using this product.
4. Does Soda Make Psoriasis Worse?
Sodas and other foods such as cakes, candies, and industrial sweets; ready-to-eat meals; fried or breaded foods; etc. are strongly discouraged. They can make psoriasis worse.
5. Can You Bathe in Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Of course, you can. This mixture is very effective. Indeed, cider vinegar and baking soda have opposite pH levels, they are respectively alkaline and acid.
This bath will allow you to benefit from the advantages of these two ingredients without harming your health.
Useful Links:
Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment
Research gaps in psoriasis: Opportunities for future studies
Baking Soda for Stomach Pain and Cramps
How to Treat Plantar Warts with Baking Soda?
