Acupuncture, herbal remedies, meditation, and magnets are not your conventional treatments for psoriasis or eczema. However, as people are taking charge of their own health care, alternative medicine has grown. According to a survey released in May 2004, conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 36 percent of U.S. adults are using some form of alternative and complementary therapies. Conventional medicine, however, is adjusting to this trend and is beginning to offer more alternative treatments to patients. 

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately three-quarters of medical schools in the United States offer courses covering alternative medicine and therapies. Although these treatments are becoming more common, they have not been tested and studied to the same extent as traditional medicines. Always check with your health care provider before starting a new treatment, alternative or not.

The following are some alternative treatments from the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website that tend to be beneficial for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis:

1. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been a major component of traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. It is based on the belief that optimal health is obtained by maintaining the flow and balance of life energy throughout the body by inserting tiny stainless steel needles at specific acupuncture points located on the skin. Millions worldwide have experienced the many benefits of acupuncture diagnosis and treatment including those for the immune system functions, the skin, and improved heart, respiratory, and circulatory functions.
2. Homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies use a wide range of plants, herbs, animal and mineral resources to treat a patient’s symptoms in the effort to maintain a body’s balance, equilibrium, and homeostasis. These remedies are among the safest substances in existence and are usually given in tablet form or as liquid drops.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar.  Many ancient cultures use different types of vinegar for health-related purposes. Over the years this has been used as a disinfectant or soothing agent. The Psoriasis Foundation hears from people who mix apple cider vinegar to their moisturizers, add it to their baths, soak their fingernails and toenails in it, and apply it directly to their skin with cotton balls or pads.
4. Tea Tree Oils. Known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, tea tree oils, in a gel or in a diluted form, are especially helpful in calming down skin inflammation. Tea tree oils have traditionally been used for a variety of ailments including skin disorders and do not irritate sensitive skin when applied to cuts, stings, acne and burns. However, tea tree oil is toxic if ingested and should only be used topically.
5. Oats. Many products contain oat extracts, which have been used for centuries as a soothing topical agent to manage dry, itchy skin conditions.
6. Capsaicin.  Capsaicin is a natural ingredient found in cayenne peppers and is shown in some studies to relieve redness, scaling, and itching. Capsaicin products can be found in lotions, creams, therapeutic patches and ointments.
7. Evening primrose oil. This oil is part of the group of essential fatty acids that maintain general health. Many studies, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, have reported the reduction of the symptoms of eczema and the overall severity of the skin disorder. Evening primrose oil can be taken orally and as a dietary supplement.

Sources: The National Psoriasis Foundation and Joseph, J. Sweere, D.C., Golden Rules for Vibrant Health in Body, Mind and Spirit (2004), Basic Health Publications,  Inc.