All that you need to know about Psoriasis
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by thick, silvery, red, scaled patches on the skin. The skin cells take approximately 28 days to replace themselves, however in patients suffering from psoriasis the skin cells replace themselves in as less as 2-3 days, resulting in dry scaly skin patches that shed easily. Statistics say that about 3% of the human population across the globe between the age of 11 and 45 suffer from psoriasis. Psoriasis is not contagious but causes unsightly appearance and hence can be an emotional stigma.
Causes of psoriasis:
Though the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, it is said that it stems from disturbed immunity or could be a genetic inheritance. Various triggers like stress, infections, drugs, and food allergens may trigger an outbreak of psoriasis or worsen the condition.
Various treatments for psoriasis:
Psoriasis can be treated effectively by several methods. The best course of treatment can be ascertained by a medical practitioner after a general examination of the severity and the total body area affected.
For a mild form of the disease that involves less than ten percent of the total skin surface, a combination of topical ointments, creams and sprays may be prescribed. These are not just safe to use but also effective in treating psoriasis. The doctor may choose to inject steroids to treat patches that are tougher and more resistant.
In case of moderate to severe form of the disease that involves more than 20% of the skin surface, pills, injections or ultra violet treatments are more effective than topical creams and lotions.
Topical therapies like creams and ointments fail to show results in cases of psoriasis arthritis (inflammation of joints). In such cases systemic medications are prescribed to avoid the progression of permanent joint destruction.
Rotational therapy is used to treat people suffering from a severe form of the disease. In rotational therapy systemic drugs are alternated with other forms of therapy such as light therapy to reduce the toxicity and side effects of prolonged use of oral medication.
Natural Home remedies for psoriasis:
Natural home cures are highly effective in treating and managing this chronic skin condition. Here are a few psoriasis home remedies that are sure to help.Hot Epsom salt baths, is one of the most effective home remedies for psoriasis. Applying olive oil after an Epsom bath gives better results.Use of mudpacks helps treat psoriasis as they absorb and remove toxins from the affected areas.Regular application of pure Aloe Vera gel helps in a remarkable improvement of the condition.Castor oil and chamomile is particularly helpful in treating psoriasis. Apply and leave castor oil overnight for best results.Flax-seed oil, walnut oils, neem seed and garlic oils applied topically to the patches helps in moisturizing and healing.Adding half a cup of Apple-cider vinegar in a tub of bath water temporarily relieves itching.
Does diet affect psoriasis?
A gluten free diet is said to do wonders for people suffering from psoriasis. Several case reports have shown that there is a remarkable improvement of the condition amongst those who switched over to a gluten free diet. A gluten free diet is simply a diet that excludes food items such as malts, rye, and barley. Eating a healthy balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals and low in gluten helps those suffering from psoriasis.
Coping with the emotional stress of psoriasis can be a major part of actually dealing with the condition. At times a person suffering from psoriasis may feel dejected and lost. However it is important to bear in mind that the stress can trigger a psoriasis flare up. Perseverance is the key to dealing with psoriasis. There are several tried and tested psoriasis home remedies that help in treating psoriasis. Gone are the days when those suffering from psoriasis had to cover up their bodies with clothing, with the number of treatment options, one can easily treat psoriasis.
