Psoriasis is one of the most chronic skin diseases and can be defined as an inflammatory condition that affects both sexes and usually appears after the age of 15 and before the age of 30. It is rarely found in the elderly or infants and is not contagious. Although there is no specific cause identified for this disease researchers are confident that there is a genetic link which affects the immune system and changes the natural cell growth of the skin. This results in the red itchy plaques we know as psoriasis.
Although there continues to be a large body of research looking into new treatment protocols for those who suffer from this disease most of this research involves the use of medications. For those of us who enjoy trying less invasive methods which do not have a long list of side effects there are some natural remedies which can be tried to help curtail the disease. While using any of these methods of treating the psoriasis watch for any side effects that you may have if they interact with any medications you may be taking as well as for an increased flareup in the disease. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your dermatologist if your disease continues to get worse.
Researchers have found that UVA and UVB lights is one of the best natural remedies for psoriasis. Basically, this means getting into the sun. Be sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from long-term sun damage. Alternatively, you can purchase a sun light for use in the home. This does not mean tanning beds but rather lights that give off the UVA and UVB lights which others used to help seasonal affective disorder.
Although there is no conclusive research that sea salts or salts from the Dead Sea are beneficial there are numerous case studies from individuals who claim this. Applications of sea water in are once daily or soaking in it with salt a tub with Dead Sea salts can help to ease the itching and redness. The use of the salts helps to improve the exfoliation of the area which reduces the itching and the redness but does not cure the disease.
Remember to protect the skin when it is exposed to the environment. For instance, if you are not planning on wearing shoes or socks and just sandals it\’s important to apply a vitamin enriched skin barrier, such as Aquaphor, to keep bacteria from penetrating small and unhealed areas.
Some individuals find great relief from exercise and increased amounts of sweat which naturally works away the exfoliation of the dead skin cells. Drinking green tea with curry spice is a strong anti-inflammatory and can help to decrease the inflammation in the skin cells as well as a host of other inflammatory problems.
Many who suffer from scalp irritations find that using a hair mask made of one overripe avocado plus one tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of honey works wonders. Mashed all together and applied to wet hair you can seal it with a shower or plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Not only does it help the itching and keep the flaking to a minimum is also a great conditioner for the hair.
There is some evidence that individuals who suffer from numerous flareups of their psoriasis also have low calcium, low vitamin D and vitamin E. deficiencies. Individuals can benefit from supplements which include those vitamins as well as zinc and lecithin to help improve the healing of the skin.
Those who suffer from psoriasis find that they increase their flareups when the skin is damaged. Take care to stay out of situations where your skin may be damaged, such as blackberry picking, and wear loose clothing so there is no undue rubbing on the skin. You can also be injured wearing things such as tight shoes, watch bands and even dull razors. Scientists have also found that maintaining a normal weight can help decrease the number of flareups a person experiences.
Using some of these natural remedies at home can help decrease the number of flareups you experience and therefore the amount of medication you need to take in order to control your disease. Many individuals have only mild symptoms of psoriasis and can safely treat this condition using only natural remedies while others find that their disease is more severe and requires not only preventative care and natural remedies but also corticosteroids and other medications to help control it.