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 by Dr. Rita Louise
The skin is made up of three layers. The layer on the outside is called the epidermis. Every minute about 30,000 of our skin cells die and flake off. Fortunately, new skin cells are constantly being produced deep within the epidermis layer of the skin. As old cells die and flake off, new cells start moving up toward the top layer of skin. This normally takes between 2 weeks to a month. When someone has psoriasis, the process takes only a few days and results in a build-up of dead skin cells on the uppermost layer of our skin.
Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious chronic skin condition which is characterized by thick scales of inflamed skin. While this disorder is not life-threatening, it can be very painful to those who suffer from it. Visually, the symptoms of this disorder include: skin patches, red to pink in color, thick, dry, silvery scales on the skin, or raised “dots” on the skin that possess a sharp and distinct boarder. It is often found on the trunk of the body, the face, elbows, palms of hands, and soles of the feet, but it can affect any part of the skin. Itching, soreness, cracking and bleeding of the skin is also common and some people may also experience joint pain or aching as well.
There are five different types of psoriasis, each with its own unique set of symptoms. Regardless of type, it usually causes some level of discomfort. It is believed that psoriasis is an inherited disorder and is thought to be related to an inappropriate immune response, where the body’s immune system targets its own cells accidentally.
Unpredictable in nature, it tends to go through cycles, where it will go away and then flare up again. Some medications, infections, excessive alcohol consumption, friction of the skin, getting a sunburn, the dryness of the air, infrequent exposure to sunlight (such as in the winter) and stress can cause psoriasis to flare-up. It has been found that individuals with a compromised immune system are more likely to experience to flare-ups as well.
Controlling the symptoms and reducing flair-ups is where all alternative therapies and natural remedies should focus.
Recommendations For Wellness
- Get plenty of rest, exercise, reduce stress and eat a health diet. Combined, they can help to maintain good health and help to reduce symptoms.
- Some individuals have found that eliminating gluten from the diet helped to relieve symptoms. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley.
- Keep the skin moist with a high quality skin moisturizer.
- Get some sun. Exposure to sunlight every day can do wonders for your skin and slow down the fast growth of skin cells associated with this disorder. Be careful to avoid overexposure.
- Bathe or shower daily, but avoid harsh scrubbing which can irritate the skin.
- Oatmeal baths are often used to sooth the skin and help loosen scales.
- Dead Sea Salts have traditionally been used to heal psoriasis in the Middle East. Many people report significant improvement after only a few weeks of use.
- Try applying a capsaicin cream to affected areas. The cayenne pepper which is the basis of the cream has been found to help relieve pain and itching.
- Herbs such as Oregon grape, burdock root, yellow dock and red clover can help to cleanse the body of toxin and improve liver function.
- Supplementation with omega 3 oil is good for the skin and can have a positive impact on psoriasis.
- A psoriasis homeopathic remedy may also help to relieve the itching and irritation associated with eczema and dermatitis of the skin and scalp.
This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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