Psoriasis

See also : anti-inflammatory

Symptoms

People who develop psoriasis usually experiences low self-esteem, especially when people judge them based on their skin disease. Since it affects the skin and is visibly unattractive to others, several uninformed people believe that such condition is contagious.

Psoriasis is not a communicable disease. In fact, it is one of those autoimmune diseases that occurs when the body’s immune system get haywire and commands the skin cells to reproduce too quickly. The normal skin cell of a person is replaced every 28 days. In psoriasis, the skin cell is replaced at least every 2 days. There is no clear reason as to what causes the disease. But several studies have shown that it has something to do with the immune system. This typically results to skin patches that are reddish, scaly and crusty and when scraped will expose silvery scales that are fine in texture. The condition appears persistently on the affected person’s lifetime. While some people only feel mild irritation on the part of the skin that is affected, the worst complication of the disease is psychological, when the person hides from the social mainstream to evade their flawed understanding of psoriasis.

Home remedies

There are several types of treatment options available, from systemic medication to light therapy that controls the immune system of the body. But since such treatment is expensive, others just manage the symptoms of the disease by using emollients, skin softeners and other medications that are applied topically. Below are some useful suggestions to help in the management of psoriasis. It may not cure, but at least it can help in controlling the symptoms of the disease.

• Within Ayurveda, there's a special relationship between the skin and kidneys since the excretion of watery wastes is primarily the function of these two organs. Proper balance of urine and perspiration are related to pitta, and psoriasis is considered to be an example of a disease resulting from an imbalance of perspiration and urine in the body.
• Foods rich in antioxidants are helpful in the repair of damaged tissues of the body, such as the skin. The normal cell process causes the release of free radicals during oxidation. When free radicals are released by the cells, it attacks and damages other healthy cells. By having a balance of oxidants-antioxidants in the body, it can protect healthy cells, such as the skin in persons with psoriasis. Plant foods, such as green leafy vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. By increasing the amount of these foods, the symptoms of psoriasis are somehow controlled.
• Common Fumitory : Fumitory is used as a cure for psoriasis, eczema, rash, acne, milk crust and scabies. This application was taken up in conventional medicine and led to the use of synthetic esters of fumaric acid in the (under medical supervision) therapy of psoriasis.
• Potassium : When we eat a lot of potassium-rich foods (Plant-based diets) our adrenal glands secrete more glucocorticoids to keep our potassium levels in check, which may have the side effect of decreasing the level of inflammation in the body.
• Make use of herbs (Gotu Kola and Milk Thistle) : In India, China and Indonesia, Gotu kola is being used as a medicinal herb to treat several skin conditions such as psoriasis. The plant contains a chemical called triterpenoids. According to studies, triterpenoids can help strengthen the skin, increase the supply of blood to the area where it is applied and increase the amount of antioxidants in the lesions. By applying directly onto the skin, symptoms of psoriasis are diminished. Another type of herb, Milk thistle, is useful in lowering symptoms of psoriasis. Although ingested, milk thistle contains the compound silymarin, which does not just help in the repair of liver cells, but is also advantageous in the repair of skin cells which was damaged because of psoriasis.
• Some people apply Bishop's Weed directly to the skin for skin conditions including psoriasis and vitiligo : Bishop's weed contains several chemicals, including methoxsalen(Oxsoralen, Methoxypsoralen), a chemical used to make a prescription medication for the skin condition psoriasis.
• Licorice roots are helpful in psoriasis because of its anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce the inflammatory symptoms of the disease, such as scaling and reddening of the skin. To use the licorice roots, there are available tincture preparations as well as other forms of extract in the market. With a cotton ball, licorice is applied directly into the affected part. Studies have shown that there is a reduction of the symptoms of psoriasis with the use of licorice roots.
• Turmeric comes from the family of ginger. Just like ginger, the rhizome of turmeric has shown several medicinal potential. In psoriasis, turmeric is utilized in two ways, through topical application or through oral ingestion. For several people who claimed that the symptoms of psoriasis disappeared, the dried turmeric is made into a paste and applied directly to the affected area of the skin. But for others, they take in turmeric in capsule or pill-form. There are available turmeric powders in capsules for 500mg or 250 mg in the market. After several weeks of regular intake of turmeric powder, several people claimed that the symptoms of psoriasis disappeared. Turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin, according to studies published in the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, curcumin has the ability to reduce the skin growth factors, which will eventually lead to reduced skin patches of psoriasis.
• Moisturize with Olive Oil or Aloe Vera : Olive oil and aloe vera are popular treatments for several skin diseases. In psoriasis, olive oil can help in the management of the symptom by softening the scale and removing it. By warming olive oil and applying it to the affected area, the patches caused by psoriasis are reduced. Furthermore, a study made by a Japanese cardiovascular researcher, Dr. Fujio Numano, has shown that certain preparations of olive oil helped reduce the plaques in the skin. This is attributed to polyphenols, the anti-inflammatory property of the olive oil compound.
• Aloe Vera has also shown great benefits in reducing plaques in psoriasis. In a study presented in Prague in 2009 at the International Congress of Dermatology, topical aloe vera has shown similar effects with systemic steroids and is safer to use than steroids that are ingested which can result to several side effects that may harm the body. Aloe Vera has long been used in skin disorders, such as burns, minor cuts and shingles. The juice of the leaf of this plant from the Liliaceae family can be applied directly topically.
• Use Sea Salt : Interestingly, this is not just any sea salt, but Dead Sea salt. But whether it is Dead Sea salt or not, people who have been bathing and soaking themselves in sea salt has found relief from their psoriatic symptoms. It helps remove the scales and make people feel better. There is no known studies made regarding its therapeutic effect, but if there are, claims must be due to its high magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium content that naturally helps soften and smoothen the skin.
• Go get some sun : For centuries, heliotherapy has often been used to treat different kinds if diseases. In psoriasis, providing time to soak in the sun responsibly may help in treating the disease. Several people who claimed to have sun therapy in the course of their disease reported that psoriatic symptoms were reduced after the costless therapy.
• Light Therapy : UVB phototherapy has been shown to effectively treat the disease.
• Omega-3 can be helpfull to treat and prevent eczema and psoriasis.
• vitamin D can be useful in the treatment of psoriasis.
• Oregon Grape : Some evidence suggests that applying a specific 10% Oregon grape extract cream (Relieva, Apollo Pharmaceutical) can reduce the severity of psoriasis and improve quality of life for people who have psoriasis. It might be as effective as the medicationcalcipotriene (Dovonex) cream for some people.
• Mountain Laurel can be applied directly to the affected area to treat Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), Psoriasis, Herpes and Syphilis.
• Goldthread

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.