Living with Psoriasis – Tips & Tricks
What is Psoriasis?
According to MedicalNewsToday.com website, the definition of Psoriasis is - “Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the skin. It is non-contagious. A reddish, scaly rash - often referred to as red, scaly patches - is commonly found over the surfaces of the scalp, around or in the ears, the elbows, knees, navel, genitals, and buttocks.”
So we can summarize that Psoriasis is a recurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as Heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S. Approximately there are 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.
Psoriasis triggers are not universal. A factor cause one person may not affect another person.
Well explained psoriasis triggers include Medications, Skin injury, Stress, in some people the cause may be diet, allergy, and weather, etc.,
Understanding the Psoriasis –
Even though Psoriasis affects our skin, psoriasis actually begins deep inside our body in our immune system.
There are T cells, a type of white blood cells. T cells are designed to protect the body from disease and infection. When these cells wrongly become active and set off other immune responses, it can lead to psoriasis symptoms.
In normal healthy skin, our body takes about 28 to 30 days to produce new skin cells and shed off old skin cells.
Natural Remedies for Psoriasis-
It is advised that before taking any herbal remedy for your psoriasis talk with your doctor. Be noted that some herbal remedies should not be taken when if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have pre-existing medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or mood disorders. Stop the herbal remedy immediately if you experience side effects and inform your health care provider
Following are some of Home / Herbal / Natural remedies which may help to counter the psoriasis symptoms:-
- Aloe Vera Apply Aloe Vera gel to the skin for two to three times a day. It will reduce the redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. Or buy creams containing at least 0.5 % aloe.
Apple cider vinegar with honey - Apple Cider Vinegar Use of Apple cider vinegar is as a disinfectant is known since ages. Apply Organic apple cider vinegar daily. To be careful that this should not be applied to the open wounds or cracked/ bleeding skin.
- Dietary supplement Dietary supplements like Fish Oil, Vitamin D, Oregon grape, Milk thistle, and evening primrose oil will help in easing mild symptoms of psoriasis.
- Diet Eat healthy food. Cold water dry fruits, nuts, Omega-3 fatty acids are believed that they will reduce inflammation. It is believed that red meat and oily snacks trigger flare-ups, so avoid them will help in reducing flare-ups.
- Epson Salt Add Epson salt or Dead Sea salts to your warm bathing water. Soaking your affected palm or feet in this water for about 15minutes daily may help to remove scales and reduce itching. Not to forget applying moisturizer immediately after this treatment.
- Turmeric Turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains Curcumin as an active ingredient has the ability to alter gene expression. This may be the reason few patients find it useful in decreasing psoriatic flares. A study conducted and reported in PubMed.gov regarding molecular mechanisms of curcumin action: gene expression says that - [……. Based on its ability to affect multiple targets, curcumin has the potential for the prevention and treatment of various diseases including cancers, arthritis, allergies, atherosclerosis, aging, neurodegenerative disease, hepatic disorders, obesity, diabetes, psoriasis, and autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of modulation of gene expression by curcumin.]
- Oregon Grape (Mahonia Aquifolim) This is a powerful antimicrobial herb that plays a significant role in the immune response. Clinical trials show that applying a cream having 10% Oregon grape is useful in treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
In addition to the above remedies, one has to follow the following self-care-
- Stop Smoking Smoking may increase psoriasis symptoms more frightful.
- Avoid alcohol Alcohol consumption may have different effects on your psoriasis including Psoriasis flares, Dry skin, Lower psoriasis treatment response.
- Expose yourself to the Sun. Exposing yourself to the Sun (ultraviolet light rays) is known as a Light therapy. Repeated exposure to Ultraviolet light can help to slow down the growth of skin cells which was triggered by psoriasis. This therapy should be done under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Other than the above applying moisturizers and coal tar can be used as a home remedy for Psoriasis. More information on Psoriasis is available at www.psoriasis.org
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