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Psoriasis

Natural remedies


What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red to brown inflamed patches, which are often covered with silvery-white scales. Skin cells on the epidermis are the culprits. They grow more rapidly than they should. These cells form in eight days instead of twenty-eight days, causing scaly patches that cover larger and larger areas, mainly on scalp, legs, knees, elbows, ears, back, toes and fingernails.

What are the forms of psoriasis?

  • Plaque is the most common type of psoriasis. It is characterized by inflamed lesions covered by scales made up of dead skin cells.
  • Guttate psoriasis characterized by red dots usually on your trunk, arms, and legs.
  • Pustular psoriasis in the form of blisters.
  • Inverse psoriasis characterized by inflamed lesions without scaling.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis which is a reddening of the skin all over the body that may swell.

What is the root of psoriasis?

The cause of this condition is unfortunately not known. Many studies have been conducted but we still do not know the exact cause. Psoriasis is usually said to be an autoimmune phenomenon. Indeed persons with psoriasis often have a family history of this disease.
Two articles to read:
Psoriasis research: from the inside out from the national Psoriasis foundation.
Scientists Unmask Genetic Markers Associated With Psoriasis from ScienceDaily

Scientists believe that more than one gene is involved in psoriasis susceptibility.  20 regions of chromosomes may be involved in psoriasis development. However there are still other factors that have great chances to trigger psoriasis, such as environmental triggers.

Psoriasis commonly begins between the age of fifteen and twenty-five, sometimes after experiencing a separation, a death, a divorce or a great amount of stress.
It may also result from a problem in utilization of fat, a weaker immune system, an unhealthy colon, candidiasis, or a streptococcus infection.
Read this article from the Journal of Immunology about the relation between strep infection and psoriasis: Identical TCR beta-Chain Rearrangements in Streptococcal Angina and Skin Lesions of Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

 Another good link to evaluate if you suffer from an overgrowth of candida: How To Test Yourself For Candida

Once you have psoriasis, flare-ups can be triggered by different factors, mainly by stress, but also by an imbalance in your hormones, illness, cuts, infections, overuse of drugs or alcohol, cold weather, skin damage, food allergies, and some medications such as lithium, quinidine or beta-blockers prescribed for high blood pressure or inflammation.

This non-contagious skin disease is said to be incurable. However many people find a way to control it, to stop it from spreading, and eventually to get rid of the symptoms probably with a better understanding of how their own body works.

Patience is the best advice because it takes time to know your own body, to find treatments that work for you and figure out what triggers the flare-ups of psoriasis. Although some people struggle to find the root of psoriasis, others find it with less effort. Don’t be discouraged! There are many ways to help you heal step by step by looking at the principal underlying causes.
Always remember: POSITIVE THINKING!

Psoriasis diet: what to do for psoriasis?


There is little scientific research on psoriasis and diet. However, specific dietary change can be responsible for clearing or worsening psoriasis.  So it is important to mention that a proper anti-psoriasis diet is different for everyone. Keep in mind that the addition or elimination of one substance from the diet can be the remedy for one person and the culprit for another. Seek the advice of a practitioner to determine which diet you should follow and think of doing allergy tests.

As a general rule, your diet should be rich in:antioxidants, bioflavonoids, foods that reduce inflammation, and foods that heal the bowels, liver and the glands. Please read the section healthy skin diet to find a selection of these most nutrient-rich foods. But it could also be an anti-candida diet or gluten-free diet. It is not easy to know which kind of diet is good for you and this is the reason why a diagnostic or allergy tests are necessary.

Generally speaking, here are some healing nutrition tips for an ‘anti-psoriasis’ diet:
  • Eat a diet that is composed of 50 percent raw foods and includes plenty of fruits, grains, vegetables, fish, and dietary fibres.
  • Increase your intake of essential fatty acids (fish, flaxseed, evening primrose oil or black current oil) because they contain ingredients that interfere with the production and storage of arachidonic acid.
  • Drinks lots of water to cleanse your body (as well as herbal teas). At least 2 liters a day.
  • Based on testimonials, reducing the intake of certain items, such as caffeine, alcohol, sugar, white flour and products containing gluten can also help to improve psoriasis, as well as tomatoes (cooked), vinegar,  milk, red meat.
  • Most of the case, too many acidic foods should be avoided. See a list of alkaline and acidic foods.
  • It is also said that weight gain can cause psoriasis to flare.

Some researchers believe that a very small subgroup of people with psoriasis may also have gluten intolerance. Most patients with psoriasis are not gluten intolerant, but it is still recommended to consult with a doctor and get the appropriate tests before starting a gluten free diet.

The Swiss Psoriasis Foundation also published recommendations in Sept 1988. It is old now but it might be worth following it for a while and see if you notice any improvement.

Acceptable diet

Rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, laurel, ginger, basil, red peppers, cardamon, saffron, capers, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, tomato pulp, fruit vinegars, homemade mayonnaise.
  • ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: cider, fruit wine, beer, fruit brandies
  • NUT, OILS, SHORTENINGS: almonds, coconut, cashews, sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, butter, sunflower margarine, coco butter.
  • FOODS: grapes and grape juices, fresh vegetables, fish pastes, fish, bread, yogurt, butter and almond cakes, coconut based products. almond nougat.
  • CITRUS FRUITS: fruit pulps, fresh juices

Non-acceptable diet

  • SPICES AND CONDIMENTS: pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon, paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg, commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments, pastry aromas, worchestershire sauce, alfalfa, chili pepper.
  • ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: all red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry, cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier, Cointreau.
  • NUTS: hazelnuts, walnuts, walnut pastry aroma, PEANUTS, peanut oil, peanut butter.
  • FOOD: prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products.
  • CITRUS FRUITS: fruit peels, orange marmalade, prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons.

Which supplements for psorisis?

  • Essential fatty acids and Omega 7 prevent inflammation
  • Magnesium, especially if stress is a trigger
  • Vitamin A heals the skin
  • Zinc plus copper heals the skin
  • Digestive enzymes improves digestion
  • Selenium controls inflammation
  • Vitamin B complex (especially vitamin B1, B5, B6, B12, and folic acid) helps deal with stress and is needed for every cells
  • Vitamin C with bioflanoids strengthen your immune system
  • Vitamin E is a good antioxidant
  • Shark cartilage helps stop the spread of psoriasis
  • Kelp contains iodine that support thyroidal functions
  • MSM helps control inflammation
  • Glutathione inhibits the growth of cells
  • Lecithin helps with the fats and protects the cells
  • Multivitamin to strengthen your immune system
  • Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and can reduce inflammation
  • Vitamin D3 can prevent psoriatic cells from growing. Ultraviolet light (UVL) can be used to retard the production of new skin cells. However, it may increase the likelihood of skin cancer.
  • Garlic oil relieves red and itchy skin patches

Also see skin nutrients

Are there psoriasis and scalp psoriasis home remedies?

  • Burdock root and red clover cleanses the blood
  • Coleus Forskohlii reduces the release of histamine
  • Sarsaparilla is anti-inflammatory and liver protecting
  • Yellow duck can alleviate itching and inflammation
  • Milk Thistle (Silymarin) protects the liver
  • Echinacea strengthens the immune system
  • Alcohol free goldenseal extract can reduce redness and swelling
  • Capsicum (red pepper) helps reduce scaling, thickness, and itching
  • A bath with two teaspoons of ginger, lavender or oatmeal added to water is soothing
  • Tea tree oil, oil of oregano, neem oil, and propolis can be helpful, especially if the root is linked to candidiasis
  • Jojoba oil softens the scales on your scalp. You could mix jojoba oil in your shampoo or apply it directly on your scalp. Don’t try to scrape the flakes if they cannot be easily removed.
Also see herbal remedies for skin

What about a good herbal tea for psoriasis?

Some people have amazing results with this herbal combination:
  • Asperula
  • Artichoke
  • Fumitory
  • Saint John's Wort
  • Stinging nettle
  • Marigold
  • Licorice
  • Queen-of-the-meadow

Ask an herbalist for the right proportion and drink one liter daily. This herbal tea focuses on the liver because poor liver function is often involved in triggering breakouts.

Which essential oils can be used externally for psoriasis?

  • Rosemary
  • Bergamot
  • Cedarwood
  • Chamomile
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
Also see essential oils for skin

Are there psoriasis and scalp psoriasis homeopathic treatments?

  • Arsenicum album
  • Graphite
  • Sulphur
  • Sepia
A homeopath could help you to find the right remedies to use. Your whole body has to be taken into account. Treating only the physical symptoms does nothing to make the condition go away.

Also see homeopathic remedies for skin

What are the risks of chemical treatments?

Lots of drugs such as calcitro, methotrexade, retinoids, and acitretin can cause damage if they are used on a long term basis. They usually clear your psoriasis, but they can also cause other problems and side-effects in your body.

For example, cortisone creams are often prescribed, but it makes the skin thinner and more delicate. Coal tar shampoo can be used as well, but high concentration coal tar products may be irritating your skin and making your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Vitamin D3 ointment (calcipotriene) can produce good results, but can also irritate your skin and have other side effects.

Also see natural vs chemical ingredients

Other advice for psoriasis and scalp psoriasis home remedies?

  • Apply natural external treatments just after your shower or bath, when your skin is still a little bit wet. It will help your skin absorb the nutrients. For psoriasis on the scalp, dry your hair after your treatment otherwise the psoriatic flakes becomes ‘oily’.
  • Apply a dilution of Dead sea salts with water to the affected areas. It remineralizes the skin and helps to control psoriasis.
  • If you live in a dry country, it usually worsens the symptoms of psoriasis. Drink lots of clean water and supplement your diet with even more essential fatty acids. Apply moisturizing oils and creams such as almond, jojoba, shea butter abundantly and several times a day.
  • Get a little bit of sun (not overexposure) to help your skin get vitamin D, and just for your own well-being!
  • Spend more time finding the root of your problem (nutritional, emotional, mental, physical…) and give a chance to a treatment rather than spending time, money, and patience in trying every single product you have heard of.…
Also see seven steps for optimum skin health

Useful links

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