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All about Psoriasis – Causes, Treatments & Therapies

Psoriasis is a long -term autoimmune disease which affects the skin, resulting patches of red, scaly skin, which are typically extremely itchy and painful. This condition affects 2% of Australia’s population and conditions can vary from localized in one area, to complete body coverage. Common problem areas for psoriasis are: knees, elbows, scalp, torso, palms, and the soles of feet.

It is known to have a varying or fluctuating course, where the disease improves and then worsens, and is thought to be incurable but not untreatable.

Psoriasis can occur in anyone from babies, to elderly people, but the most common age of diagnosis is in early adult years.

This chronic disease is caused the rapid increase in the production of skin cells, which, when these skin cells reach the surface and die, their sheer volume causes a build-up, and raised red plaques covered in white scales appear. This increase in the production of skin cells is caused by the immune system being ‘triggered’ by environmental factors, resulting in the production of excess inflammatory chemicals.

Studies show that people with psoriasis are more susceptible to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and psoriasis sufferers are between 10 and 30% more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis.

TYPES

Symptoms

CAUSES/TRIGGERS

TREATMENTS

HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS, AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES:

  • Aloe Vera: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to reduce redness, scales, and itchiness in psoriasis sufferers
  • Apple cider vinegar: Applied topically on the scalp, this helps to reduce itchiness as it is a disinfectant. Its use is not recommended if the skin is cracked or bleeding
  • Capsaicin: This is the component in chillies that makes them hot. Applied topically in creams and lotions, it blocks nerve endings that transmit pain. Capsaicin has been proven to reduce pain, inflammation, redness, and scales in psoriasis sufferers
  • St John’s Wort: This herb is used to treat burns, bruises, wounds, ulcers, and skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema due to its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Dried sea salts: Added to bath water these sea salts help to ease irritation and itching. Make sure to moisturize afterwards
  • Oats: Applied as a paste, oats reduce redness and itchiness of the skin
  • Tea tree oil: This oil has antiseptic qualities, helping to prevent infections, and has been thought to relieve scalp psoriasis
  • Turmeric: Turmeric has powerful antioxidant and inti-inflammatory properties
  • Mahonia Aquifolium: Also known as Oregon Grape, this herb slows certain immune responses, making it a good treatment for psoriasis when applied topically
  • Gotu Kola: This herbs anti-inflammatory properties make it a good treatment for psoriasis
  • Barberry: This herb is a powerful antibacterial agent with antibiotic properties and is known to alleviate itchiness and inflammation that occurs due to psoriasis
  • Chickweed: This herb prevents itching and irritation, while also reducing swelling, inflammation, and encouraging faster skin healing
  • Burdock root: This herb aids with skin health due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial compounds. It also improves blood flow and circulation to the skin
  • Calendula: Also known as Marigold, this plant treats psoriasis effectively due to its anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties
  • Skullcap: Because this herb has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it alleviates inflammation, redness, and itchiness in psoriasis sufferers
  • Milk thistle: This herb is an anti-inflammatory, and also prevents excessive cell growth and inhibits T-cell activation, which is a known cause for skin inflammation
  • Chamomile: This herb is soothing, and also has anti-inflammatory properties
  • Evening Primrose: This is high in Omega-6 fatty acids which help in the treatment of itchy skin conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties
  • Dong Quai: This herb has been said to increase the effectiveness of UV light therapy when consumed before treatment
  • Lavender: Soothes the skin due to its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Slippery elm: This herb is used to treat wounds, ulcers, and boils
  • Olive oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory properties and, due to its high Vitamin D and fatty acid levels, makes an excellent moisturizer for dry skin
  • Pine Bark Extract: This herb contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Liquorice root: Applied directly onto the lesions as a tincture or extract, this herb reduces redness, itchiness, and inflammation. When ingested, liquorice root is good for calming and reducing stress
  • Beta-carotene supplements: These get converted into Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin
  • Zinc: This element is vital for skin health. It can be taken in tablets as a supplement, or in foods such as beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas
  • Vitamin A: This Vitamin is essential for skin healing and health. It can be taken in tablet form or found in foods such as carrots, cantaloupe, tomatoes, kale, mango, and watermelon
  • Myrrh oil: When used topically, this oil is great for healing flaky, cracked skin caused by psoriasis
  • Frankincense: This has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties
  • Coconut oil: This oil is a gentle moisturizer with anti-inflammatory properties
  • Meditation and Yoga: These therapies reduce the effects of psoriasis by reducing stress, a known trigger of this condition
  • Moisturize: Helps to prevent skin dryness and irritation
  • Sun exposure: This is beneficial to psoriasis sufferers as it is a natural source of UV, and works in the same way as light therapy
  • Acupuncture: In Chinese medicine, psoriasis is thought to be caused by a stagnation of blood. Acupuncture improves blood flow and circulation to the skin

References