These are treatments outside of mainstream medicine. For example, natural products or mind and body treatments. These are "complementary" when used with mainstream medicine. They are "alternative" when used instead of mainstream medicine. There are many types of complementary and alternative treatments. Some research has been found for:
These can be taken by eating oily fish or taking fish oil pills. Omega 3 fats found in some fish may reduce inflammation in psoriasis.
Moisturizers are rubbed into the skin. They can reduce flaking and skin dryness.
This involves bathing in natural mineral water (e.g. in the Dead Sea). This may affect the immune system. This can be made artificially using bath salts (e.g. with Dead Sea Salts or Epsom Salts). Often sunlight and natural baths are combined together.
Climatotherapy means spending time in natural sunlight. This works the same way as light and laser treatments.
Anyone with psoriasis.
Talk to your doctor to find out if any of these treatments are right for you.
Talk to your doctor if you have fish allergies.
Anyone with psoriasis can use this treatment.
Anyone with psoriasis can use this treatment.
This is similar to phototherapy. People may not be able to take this if they:
There is not enough research yet to say how well these treatments work.
No serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about a safe amount of fish oils to take, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
No serious side effects. There is generally no risk to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.
No serious side effects. There is generally no risk to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
There may be some risk of cancers. Otherwise, there are no serious side effects. There is generally no risk to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fish oils can be taken by pill, liquid, or eating oily fish. Some liquid fish oils are swallowed. Others are rubbed into the skin.
These are rubbed into the skin. They can be applied as often as you like.
Not everyone can travel to a natural spa. Artificial salts can be added to a bathtub.
Some people may be able to simply go outside. Others may have to travel to a sunny climate. How often and how long to spend in the sun varies.
Fish oils can be found in many forms in health food stores. Oily fish can be found anywhere fish is sold.
They are affordable and available without a prescription.
Travel to a natural spa may be expensive. Artificial bath salts are less expensive.
This is free. Travel to a sunny climate may be expensive.
Click here for information about accessing and paying for treatment in Canada