If you have psoriasis, you may be one of the many people with more severe patches on your elbows. If you're wondering whether there's anything you can do to help those irritated areas, the answer is yes! We'll cover the basics about elbow psoriasis and some natural ways to soothe it below.
The elbows are a prime spot for psoriasis because of their exterior location on the body. They often get bumped and rubbed throughout the day, which causes irritation. In addition, the elbows are also frequently exposed to the elements, which can further dry out the skin. As a result, psoriasis patches on the elbow tend to be large, red, and inflamed. These patches might even be itchy, sore, or both. And in some cases, the skin around the elbows can crack and bleed.
Psoriasis often appears on the scalp, knees, and elbows. However, it can occur in any area of the body, including the nails, palms, soles of the feet, and genitals. Still, it's very common to experience flare-ups in typically dry regions, such as the elbows.
Although the cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, an overactive immune system is often the root cause. With psoriasis, an overactive immune system attacks normal skin cells, causing them to grow and shed too quickly. This tends to result in thick, scaly skin patches that build up around the elbows.
Hanna's healing protocol involves looking at natural ways to manage skin conditions, including elbow psoriasis. Here are a few things that may help soothe and heal the psoriasis patches on your elbow:
You can help to remove the dead skin cells that build up on the patches by using a mild exfoliator such as our Gentle Exfoliator. With any product, look for one that contains gentle exfoliating ingredients and natural cleansers. These can assist by taking away the dead skin without irritating patches that are already sore and inflamed.
Applying a natural oil or balm to your elbow psoriasis can moisturise your skin and allow it to heal. Look out for botanicals such as grape seed oil and shea butter, which are effective at hydrating dry, cracked skin. Our skin saviour balm is an excellent option for extra dry and irritated psoriasis patches, especially on the elbows. It will help to create a barrier on the skin to protect it from further aggravation, as well as nourish your skin topically by delivering vital nutrients and hydration.
Keeping dry patches of psoriasis moisturised is crucial, as dry skin will only exacerbate the condition. Emollient-type moisturisers with natural ingredients are best, as they will help to calm sore areas while keeping them supple and protected from more damage.
Hanna's skincare approach demonstrates the impact of food on skin health. That's why it's also essential to focus on incorporating skin-nourishing nutrients into your diet. Foods that are packed with rich ingredients like omega-3s can help you manage tough patches of psoriasis on the elbows and all over the skin.
Foods containing probiotics are particularly beneficial for people with psoriasis because they help regulate the immune system, something that plays a role in developing psoriasis. Our multi-strain probiotic supplement is designed specifically for skin health and can be taken daily to help support the immune system and improve your gut bacteria.
Exposing your skin to small amounts of sunlight can also lead to improving psoriasis symptoms, including reducing inflammation and itchiness. Just be sure to stay safe in the sun by wearing protective clothing and avoiding sunburn, as this can make psoriasis worse.
When you have psoriasis, it's essential to use gentle soaps and cleansers that won't further irritate your skin. Keep an eye out for fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin. We recommend using our natural cleanser, as it's gentle enough for daily use. Its mild and natural ingredients will help to keep your skin clean without stripping it of its natural oils.
Elbow psoriasis can be difficult to deal with at times but taking a holistic approach to your skin health can help you find relief and calm your symptoms. For more information on how to heal your skin from within, we suggest reading Hanna's best-selling books, Radiant and Skin Healing Expert.