What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition where the skin cells build up. The cells don’t shed the way they should. This results in raised itchy red or silvery, flaky or scaly dry flakes, that are extremely itchy.

It is commonly seen on the elbows, knees, wrists and scalp, but can appear anywhere on the body. It is caused by abnormal white blood cells that affect normal skin shedding and results in rapid proliferation of the skin cells.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease, but is believed to be genetically inherited. As of now, there are no cures for psoriasis, but there are medications used to manage and control symptoms of psoriasis.

Some people will experience remission from psoriasis and have clear skin for months, but this remission doesn’t last long for psoriasis sufferers as it tends to return, especially if medications are stopped.

There are different manifestations of psoriasis. Mild psoriasis can be very light and may only appear as dryness or minute patches can be seen on the skin. Some people are not even aware they have psoriasis at all.

There are also instances where psoriasis is so severe that the whole body is covered with red, thick scaly skin and the person visibly appears to be affected with a terrible skin disorder.

Psoriasis can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or race. Studies have shown that psoriasis symptoms tend to worsen during winter. Stress, infections, and certain medications can also worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriatic Arthritis

In some cases, psoriasis can cause tenderness, swelling and pain in the joints, as well as inflammation in the connective tissues. This phenomenon is called psoriatic arthritis. This can result to dactylitis (swelling of the fingers and toes) and spondylitis (affects the hips, spine, and knees).

Psoriasis Traditional Treatments

The main treatment for psoriasis are topical treatments, such as lotions, creams, and ointments. Cortisone creams and ointments with salicylic acid are also used to remove the scaling of the skin.

Pills and immune injections are also administered to boost the immune system as psoriasis is worse among individuals with weakened immune systems.

Phototherapy is another method used to treat psoriasis by means of ultraviolet light.

 

Psoriasis Natural Treatments

Some medications used to manage psoriasis can be harmful and can cause complications especially to individuals with predisposing illnesses.

Therefore, natural treatments and remedies have been used as a safer way to manage psoriasis. Some of these are:

” Moisturization

Dry, scaly skin is the most common symptom of psoriasis and it’s the dryness that is responsible for the itchiness, so a good moisturizer applied daily all over the body provides your skin the necessary hydration it needs and alleviates itchiness caused by the drying of the skin.

” Bathing

Bathing helps hydrate the skin, but too much bathing can also leave your skin dry. Lukewarm water helps for better moisturization. Use bath oils to further moisturize the skin. Pat the body dry and apply more moisturizer!

” Sun Exposure – Not Too Much

Vitamin D is good for the skin, but excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn and worsen psoriasis. Always apply a sunscreen to sensitive skin and limit your sun exposure to 20 minutes a day, and avoid the midday burn hours.

” Quit Smoking

Studies shows that smoking has negative effects on the skin, so if you have psoriasis, you have another reason not to smoke. Smoking leaves the skin dry and scaly and tends to make psoriasis worse.

Although psoriasis can have a genetic predisposition, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms of psoriasis.