Psoriasis: causes and natural remedies

Psoriasis is a cutaneous inflammation with symptoms of irritation, redness and swelling of the skin.  These present themselves in frequent episodes of thick, dry, flaky skin.  This is a chronic illness that affects the skin.  This is a non-contagious disorder caused by erroneous or accidental immune system functioning, which attacks the skin.

Normally, new skin cells take around one month to move from the lower layers to the superficial layer of skin.  With psoriasis, cells fall off every three to four days, and accumulate forming thick, red plaque or scales.  This is what causes the stinging and redness in the skin, and why the scales end up falling all over the place.  Generally, psoriasis manifests itself between 15 and 25 years of age, affecting self-esteem in some cases, causing depression, and in serious cases, social isolation.

Psoriatic arthritis

In some psoriasis cases patients contract rheumatic illnesses, presenting when the illness joins with inflammation of the joints. This causes pain, physical incapacities, and in severe cases, deformed fingers.  Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereby arthritis symptoms, including inflammation and joint pain, combine with dry and scaly skin.  These arthritic manifestations frequently present as weakness in the hands and feet, just like that seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is generally found in patients that already suffer from psoriasis and that, by not treating themselves in time, can cause progressively incapacitating illness.

Therapies and natural remedies for Psoriasis

Controlling symptoms: The symptoms of this illness come and go, and increase primarily during periods of stress or in cold and dry environments during winter.  Several patients control their psoriasis symptoms with creams and ointments that contain vitamins, steroids, and asphalt.

Home remedies: Sun bathing (preferably during the early morning sun) are very helpful for psoriasis, along with bean dust to control the skin’s agitation.

Alternative therapies: photo therapy, chromotherapy, and artificial light prove to be fairly effective in alleviating the more persistent symptoms affecting most patients with this disease.  Biologic therapy, with recently created medications for other autoimmune diseases have provided excellent results.  It is always advisable, however, to consult a naturopath.

Diet: The most convenient thing is to have a diet based on very fresh and natural foods, like fruits and vegetables.  We recommend eliminating irritating products, dairy, and refined sugar.  Try to stay well hydrated, and balanced with minerals and vitamins, which can be consumed in vegetables.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 01/27/2019

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