The symptoms associated with a flare-up of psoriasis include skin that is pink coloured, scaly, itchy and very sore. With plaque psoriasis, the most common form, affected areas develop round-, oval- or irregularly-shaped patches of red that are covered with skin that's scaly and silver-colored. There is no consistency in the size or shape of the patchy areas and in fact, several small patches can merge together and appear as one big irregular shape of irritated skin. These areas are unsightly and sometimes they crack and cause bleeding.
Affected skin can be extremely itchy and often accompanied with a burning sensation. Like the shape, there is no consistency in how long a flare-up will last. It can last 20 days or it can last 120 days or longer. What's worse for those affected by psoriasis is that it's a chronic condition so recurring flare-ups can happen any time.
The most commonly affected parts of the body include the trunk, head, elbows and knees although any body part can develop psoriasis. Flare-ups also tend to be symmetrical, meaning that both sides of the body will experience flare-ups in the same areas at the same time.
Genetics plays some role in psoriasis so those individuals with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have an increased chance that they'll develop it as well. For reasons still unknown, T-cells, which are needed to produce the white blood cells that help our bodies fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. T-cells also somehow trigger the production of an overabundance of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these excess skin cells pile up on top of one another and create the telltale appearance of raised patches on the skin's exterior. The red appearance is the increased blood supply that's needed to nourish these skin cells.
Infections, stress, reactions to different medications and even the weather are common triggers of Psoriasis. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase the chance of developing psoriasis.Individuals with early stages of HIV seem to have higher instances of psoriasis as well.
Psoriasis has it's roots in the body's immune system and is an inflammatory disease. It's not contagious so there's no risk of passing it on.
Currently, there still is no cure. However there are many psoriasis treatments that are effective at alleviating the symptoms. Start by keeping affected areas moist and by resisting the temptation to scratch the area.
Topical psoriasis treatments applied directly to the skin are used first with the goal of slowing down the excess production of skin cells. Coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, tazorac and anthrallin are common topical treatment options as are specially-formulated bathing products and moisturizers. Systemic medications are prescribed to treat more severe cases but the downside to this is that some of these medications have serious side effects.
Phototherapy, or light therapy where patients are exposed to medically-supervised ultraviolet radiation from a light box is also effective in treating psoriasis and used mostly on moderate to extreme cases.
Natural treatments for
psoriasis include applying the juice from black nightshade leaves onto the
affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as
including garlic and onion in your diet. These are natural antiseptics and
have blood purifying properties. Avoid hot,spicy foods that may aggravate
the condition by causing a build up of toxins in the blood.
Try and also cut down on fats, sugar and salt.
Aim to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day and include a good quality nutritional supplement in your diet. Most of us lack the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs and many conditions can be improved by simply replacing them in the daily diet.
Resources
Psoriasis Natural Treatment
Healing
Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative
Psoriasis
(Natural Way Series)
Your
Healing Diet: A Quick Guide to Reversing Psoriasis and Chronic Diseases with
Healing Foods
Psoriasis:
The Real Way Out: A Self-Education Guide to Complete Natural Healing
The
Psoriasis Cure: A Drug-Free Guide to Stopping & Reversing the Symptoms of
Psoriasis
Psoriasis Scalp Treatment
Herbal
Glo Psoriasis Itchy Scalp Shampoo, 8-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)
Herbal
Glo Psoriasis Itchy Scalp Conditioner, 8.5-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)
