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Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Skin lesions most often appear on the elbows and knees, as well as in the area of the scalp. In the initial stage of the disease, it is characterized by the appearance of red, small lumps on the skin, while the advanced form of the disease is extensive, plaque-shaped lesions covered with silvery scales. Unfortunately, psoriasis is incurable so far. One can only ease its course.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it is a common cause of dermatological problems and is genetically determined. It can occur at any age, in both women and men. In some patients, changes in the osteoarticular system can be noticed, which in extreme cases cause irreversible disability. Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases.
Psoriasis – when can it affect us?
There are risk factors for psoriasis or worsening its symptoms, including physical factors such as dermabrasion, vaccinations, burns, insect stings, injections, surgical wounds, cuts, scratches, tattoos, and ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, psoriasis is also favored by acute and chronic streptococcal infections as well as chronic bacterial and fungal infections. That’s not all … Other factors that can cause psoriasis are inflammatory dermatoses such as shingles, chicken pox, acne and seborrheic dermatitis, as well as hormonal factors – menopause, puberty and pregnancy! Some medications also contribute to the development of psoriasis, such as lithium salts, beta blockers, NSAIDs, inerferon, corticosteroids and antimalarials. Stress and poor diet are also a big ally, alcohol and cigarettes. In contrast, in HIV-infected people, psoriasis is more common and has a much worse course.
Particularly characteristic areas of psoriasis are the elbows and knees, the surfaces of the upper and lower extremities, the lumbosacral region, torso, hands and feet, hairy scalp, skin folds and nails.
There are several types of psoriasis. Small plaque psoriasis occurs mainly after a previous streptococcal infection in young people. Eruptions are very numerous and symmetrically spread over the skin over the entire body area. However, plaque psoriasis is considered the most common form of the disease. The lesions are covered with scales and the disease is chronic with periods of exacerbation and remission. Plaque psoriasis developsin the area of the lesions, there are numerous cracks in the hands and feet that make it difficult to perform daily activities and are very resistant to treatment. Inverted psoriasis is another type, located in skin folds, in the area of the external genitalia and anus. In the area of the lesions, there is often severe skin irritation, which leads to the formation of skin cracks and exudation. Scalp psoriasis is erythematous eruptions of varying sizes, and may even extend beyond the hairline to the forehead and neck. The fires are covered with thick, hard scales. Psoriatic erythroderma is redness and infiltration of the skin all over the body, there is severe exfoliation of the epidermis, especially in the hands and feet, sometimes the nails. It may even be accompanied by an increased body temperature.
Natural Psoriasis Treatment
In the treatment of psoriasis, it is very important to use drugs and dermocosmetics, but also to eliminate the factors that cause it. The most common treatment of the disease is the use of steroid therapy. Unfortunately, this method significantly weakens the body and, in addition, does not eliminate the causes of skin changes, but only improves the condition of the skin. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to ease the course of the disease. Such methods include the use of essential oils – rosemary, lemon, and lavender oils. What is important, however, is the process of their production, plant species and its specific cultivar, grown in appropriate conditions. What are the advantages of using dermocosmetics and natural methods? First of all, no side effects, safety and naturalness.
Equally necessary with psoriasis is changing the diet. Omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardine, mackerel, herring, walnuts and linseed have a very positive effect on the skin. It is also worth eating fermented foods that will positively affect the immune system. Foods that cause inflammation should be completely removed from the menu, such as stimulants, sugar, dairy and red meat. Some people are harmed by spices and some fruits. Scientists are also sounding the alarm to exclude peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants from the diet, and to go gluten-free and avoid dairy products.
How To Treat Psoriasis Naturally
The leading position in the natural fight against psoriasis is aloe, which soothes itching and redness, and also inhibits the formation of scales. Juice, gel or pulp applied to skin lesions soothes irritations and brings relief. It is also worth drinking aloe vera juice, because it improves immunity and helps fight inflammation in the body. In addition, it is also worth using ointments and creams with barberry extract, which fights skin inflammation. Apple cider vinegar is another ally in the fight against psoriasis, rubbing the skin with a cotton ball with diluted vinegar relieves itching. Why is this happening? Apple cider vinegar is rich in nutrients that aid digestion, lower blood sugar, and cleanse the body of harmful toxins. In addition, vinegar has a disinfecting and soothing effect on wounds.
It is definitely worth getting some Dead Sea salt, because a 15-minute bath with its addition helps to get rid of scales and soothes itching. Salt has a beneficial effect on skin lesions due to the elements it contains, such as magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, strontium, calcium, iron, bromide, chloride, ammonium, fluoride, iodide, sulfate and carbonate. In addition, salt has a destructive effect on microorganisms, regulates the processes of keratinization of the skin, promotes the renewal of the epidermis, facilitates wound healing and prevents the skin from drying out. Such a bath relieves itchy and reddened skin. After bathing, it is important to soften the skin and the scales with a suitable balm intended for skin with lesions.
Not only does a bath with salt help with psoriasis, you definitely have oatmeal in your kitchen – 1 cup in the bathtub will ease the itching.
Another natural ingredient is turmeric, which is anti-inflammatory and soothes the symptoms of skin and joint psoriasis. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which can even change the expression of the gene. Curcumin can also be taken in tablet form.
Unfortunately, stress and prolonged tension are also factors that exacerbate the disease. It is important to accept the disease and to relieve its symptoms, which will improve the appearance of the skin and the well-being of the person affected. Calm state helps to reduce stress, meditation, yoga and Tai-Chi have a positive effect on any immune disease. Psoriasis is a disease that must be learned to control, aromatherapy is very helpful, while the soothing essential oils of rose, chamomile, lavender and tea tree are used for relaxing massages and inhalations.
Psoriasis and herbal medicine – a few words more about natural methods
Herbs are also a priority in the fight against psoriasis. It is best to mix them in identical amounts and grind them, and let them brew for a very long time. The infusion should be drunk in small portions throughout the day. Herbs stimulate the liver and skin, act aseptically and tone up. Popular herbs that help in the fight against psoriasis are the leaves of birch, horsetail, couch grass, beans and acacia. The mixture of herbs is brewed in a thermos for several or even several hours. The herbs should be used to make infusions for drinking, bathing and compressing. In addition to the previously mentioned herbs, it is also worth choosing chamomile, which soothes itching and redness, burdock, which has bacteriostatic and antifungal properties, evening primrose, because it is rich in omega acids, and flax because it accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis and softens the skin, and milk thistle, which supports the work. liver,
The correct diet for psoriasis is an alkalizing diet, so vegetable and animal proteins should only be added. It is worth consuming cold-pressed and unrefined oils. It is best to mix a few of them, because such a mixture contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids. On the other hand, oils for external use contain high concentrations of vitamins A and E and omega acids. Applied topically, they help to get rid of the scales and have a caring effect. It is worth making a scalp mask with castor oil to help remove the scales. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, and in addition to shampoos or creams, it will help fight psoriasis. Other popular oils in the fight against disease are sea buckthorn oil, avocado oil, black seed oil, wheat germ oil, and carrot seed oil.
In the case of skin diseases, noni juice is also successful, as it supports the functioning of the adrenal glands during strenuous exercise and enhances the antiviral and antibacterial effects of white blood cells. Another solution is the use of picht oil, which works against psoriasis and acne, as well as prevents hair loss, eliminates dandruff and hives. Green tea mush is another ally in the fight against psoriasis. Green tea should first be poured with boiling water and let it brew. The pulp made of the leaves should be applied to the skin lesions.
Capsaicin is a substance found in chillies and it is responsible for their searing taste. When added to creams, it blocks the nerve endings that transmit pain. It has also been found to reduce the inflammation, redness, and flaking caused by psoriasis.
Tar is also a good treatment for psoriasis. It is a thick, greasy liquid with a dark brown color and a specific, smoky smell. Tar is obtained by dry distillation of birch bark. It is perfect for many diseases, has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
As with many other diseases, home remedies should complement treatment. The basic treatment is mainly exfoliating ointments, steroid ointments and phototherapy.
