What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a disease which affects the skin and joints and commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Psoriasis can cause pain, itching, burning and emotional distress. It affects both sexes equally and can occur at any age, although it most commonly appears for the first time between the ages of 15 and 25.

Today more than seven million Americans suffer with psoriasis. Recent studies show that there may be an ethnic link. It seems that psoriasis is most common in Caucasians, slightly less in African Americans and far less common among Asians and Native Americans.

Psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t catch psoriasis from another person or give it to someone by touching them, and you can’t spread it to other parts of your body.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. Recent research indicates that it is likely a disorder of the immune system in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to factors produced by the immune system.

Scientists now think that, in psoriasis, an abnormal immune system causes activity by T cells in the skin. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease, but in the case of psoriasis, they mistakenly attack skin cells instead. The body then produces other immune system responses, leading to swelling and rapid production of skin cells.

In areas affected by psoriasis, there seems to be a rapid increase in the speed at which skin cells are replaced. Skin usually takes about 28 days to mature and shed, but in areas affected by psoriasis it only takes three or four days. The dead cells build up on the skin, forming thick, flaky patches called plaques.

It is not known what initiates the activation of the T cells.

Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis: Infections, Diseases that weaken the immune system, Stress, Certain medications, Smoking, Certain chemicals, Severe sunburn…

Psoriasis treatment

Today, there are many different treatments available to help control psoriasis.

No single treatment works for everyone. The goal is to find a treatment that works the best with the fewest side effects. One of the first principles of psoriasis treatment is to not create anything worse than the disease.

There are three basic types of treatments for psoriasis:

1. Topical treatment (medicated ointments or creams applied to the skin)

2. Phototherapy (UVB, PUVA and lasers)

3. Systemic (medications taken into the body by pill or injection)

Alternative Psoriasis treatments

The use of alternative psoriasis treatments are becoming more common as more and more people choose to treat their condition in more nontraditional ways. They have become tired of finding a traditional therapy that works, or may be concerned about the side effects many of those therapies produce.

Alternative psoriasis treatments are in most cases perfectly safe and include:

Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Manipulation Treatment, Osteopathy, Climatotherapy, Diet, Dietary Supplements, Homeopathy, Water Therapies (Balneotherapy, Heliotherapy, Phytotherapy, Thalassotherapy), Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments, Meditation and Relaxation, Herbology, Hypnosis, Moisturizing Products, Magnets, Epsom salt, Neem oil, Fasting…



About the Author:

Hope you read my article last month about the great Oat Pouches that I’d found to treat my Psoriasis. Just wanted to let you know that the same company has just sent me a sample of their Psoriasis Relief Oil and, within 2 days, I’ve had incredible results.

I’ve used the Oil after my ExfoliOats’ Oat Pouches and cannot believe the difference in the appearance of my skin. Just as they promised, the red and white patches just disappeared (even if only temporarily). But who cares, I was able to wear a sleeveless top to a wedding last weekend and nobody noticed or commented on my Psoriasis. In fact a close friend asked if my Psoriasis had been cured but I reminded her that there is no cure – simply ways to control the disease.

Since I last wrote, I have disposed of all of my steroid creams, kept away from the sun beds and relied on nature’s own remedies – oats, chamomile, lavender, olive oil and dead sea salt.

All of you Psoriasis and Eczema sufferers (and we do make a large crowd!) do yourselves a favour and visit www.ExfoliOats.com – at last something that really works and can’t cause me further damage. By the way, if you need to get some advice, I’ve found that the people at ExfoliOats are really easy to talk to and genuinely want to help – quite a few of them suffer from Psoriasis so know what they’re talking about. The telephone number is on their web site.

I’ll keep any eye on their web site and keep you informed of any new ideas.

 



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Psoriasis is a long lasting, chronic skin ailment characterized by inflammation and scaling of outer layer of skin. The symptoms of psoriasis are chronic skin rash condition with a red or silver color and the skin has blisters.

The symptoms of having the disease are recurring attacks of skin rashes, small red patches that expands and becomes scaly, red plaques and silvery scales etc.

When psoriasis occurs, patches on the skin thicken, reddens, and become covered with silvery scales referred to as plaques. These patches are itchy or have a burning sensation with ***** in the skin at the joints.

Psoriasis occurs in a wide variety of areas in the body including the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, fingernails, and soles of the feet, toenails and even on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Psoriasis often leads to psoriatic arthritis.

Researchers have commented that, psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. In psoriasis the abnormal immune system leads to the over-production of T-cells; a type of white blood cell that protects against infections; that in turn triggers the excessive skin cell production and inflammation.

There are certain conditions that flare up the problem of psoriasis, like infections, stress, change of climate and excessive dry skin. There are certain medications that worsen the problem of psoriasis such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines for treating high blood pressure or depression.

Psoriasis may also be hereditary. Genetic connections with a psoriasis patient may also trigger the diseases.

Diagnosis of psoriasis requires a through examination and required diagnosis. There are various types of psoriasis. The most common type is the plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris as known scientifically.

In this type of psoriasis, the lesions have a reddened base covered by silvery base. Guttate psoriasis are caused by viral respiratory infections or streptococcal infections. In this type, drop like lesions occur on the limbs, and scalp. The non-infectious pus characterizes pustular psoriasis. Sunlight allergies, medications, infections, perspirations, emotional stress, chemicals and even pregnancy cause it.

Large, dry, smooth red plaques occurring in the folds of the skin near the genitals, in the armpits and under the breast, characterizes inverse psoriasis. It is related to over-sensitivity to sweating and friction. Reddening and scaling of the skin, accompanied by itching sensation and pain in the area happens in the case of erythrodermic psoriasis.

The disease, psoriasis requires a systematic treatment according to the severity of the problem and responsiveness to certain medication. The effectiveness of the treatments varies from one individual to another.

The type of treatment suitable for a particular patient depends on the location of the lesion, their size, amount of skin affected, response to the undergoing treatment and most importantly the perceptions of the patient and preferences about the treatment undergoing. The treatment is according to the specific forms of disorder.

There are mainly three types of treatment provided to the patients affected by psoriasis. In the topical treatment, the patient is suggested loads of fresh air and sunlight, steroid ointments, and medicines prepared from coal tar or anthralin and vitamin D3.

Other topical solutions include, bath solutions and moisturizers. Phototherapy and systematic treatment for severe cases are other forms of psoriasis treatment.



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If you suspect a member of your family, a close friend or you yourself suffer from psoriasis, it is useful to be able to recognise the symptoms of psoriasis so that you can get the right type of medical treatment that is needed to control the different kinds of psoriasis manifestations that occur.

If you see that someone is suffering from psoriasis, you can examine the affected area and do some research on the internet to help them find some remedies that will help to reduce the redness, itching, scaly skin and other, sometimes unsightly symptoms. You may want to ask your doctor or dermatologist for a list of symptoms that the disease has.

Common indicators of psoriasis are itching and burning sensations that are frequently associated with rashes and other skin problems. Most people that suffer from psoriasis get lesions and scaly skin. This can cause the skin to ***** and flake due to becoming very dry. Other symptoms to look out for when psoriasis is suspected are red spots that can be seen on certain parts of a person’s body, like the elbows, the scalp, the ******* areas, and the knees.

Once you are familiar with the symptoms of psoriasis, it is important to consult your doctor or dermatologist to help you or the affected person with this skin condition to get a treatment for the uncomfortable and sometimes painful flare-ups that often occur with psoriasis.

Psoriasis treatments vary depending on the severity and type of psoriasis the person is suffering from and the places where the flare-ups and scales are found. An easily treatable type of psoriasis is the kind that is found on the scalp. This type is known as scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis has the same symptoms, lesions and scaly skin that is often found on the elbows and knees. Scalp psoriasis affects sufferers on the sclap itself and around the nape. This form of psoriasis can be treated with ointments and topical creams that are formulated to remove these flakes and lesions. Anti dandruff shampoos can be used to remove the flakes from the person’s hair and other creams and lotions can be used to reduce the redness and itchiness of the lesions themselves.

Guttate psoriasis can be treated at home when the case is not too severe. By keeping the skin moist it will be help to reduce the irritation that a dry skin brings. After bathing it can help to apply a think lotion that will trap water against the skin and will soothe any burning sensations.

Pustular psoriasis is normally seen in adults. Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules (blisters of non infectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not contagious or an infection. It may be localized to certain areas of the body–for example, the hands and feet or it can be generalized, covering most of the body. It tends to go in a cycle, reddening of the skin followed by scaling and the formation of pustules.

Psoriasis can become very unsightly and can cover a large area of the body which may become very uncomfortable and stressful for the sufferer. Over the years there has been lots of research conducted on psoriasis so if you suffer from the disease make sure you contact your doctor or dermatologist as they may be able to give you some medication that will help treat the symptoms of psoriasis. Do your best to reduce stress as this is a major cause of a lot of psoriasis outbreaks.



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Psoriasis is a condition of the skin. It flares up in the form of scaly red dry patches causing unsightly patches and much discomfort.

Those that suffer from it equate their flare ups with having an unwanted guest. They suddenly show up, irritate you and know one knows what to do with them. There are several treatments for this skin condition that can range from itchy to down right painful. For any psoriasis sufferer, the first port of call should be your doctor. However, never be afraid to ask your doctor about home remedies that can help your condition. One such home remedy is keeping the skin moist.

You can keep the skin moist in a variety of ways. Soaking the skin is a very effective way. Warm baths, soaking and swimming, help to re-hydrate the skin. This can also help to remove some of the dry, hard scaly skin that can develop. Soaking helps the skin stay moist as well as reduces the itching. The scaly skin, which can act as a barrier to many creams and medications can be removed more easily. If your don’t wish to soak or don’t have the time, applying cool wet compressed to the areas can also help.

It is important to remember that if you soak frequently, you should apply some moisturizer straight after. Soaking can remove some of the skins natural oils. Doing this too often without re-moisturizing the skin can actually make the problem worse. Make sure, at least within 3 minutes of your soak, you apply a moisturizer with heavy emollient. This will replace what was lost by the soak and help your skin stay moisturized.

Creams can also help you overcome your psoriasis condition. There are several moisturizers that you can by but these can be quite expensive. The costs can add up quite quickly as well if your condition is wide spread and serious. If you have cooking oils, petroleum jelly or lard around your house, you have some of the best treatments. Most of these items help moisturize the skin and lock the essential oils in. they also offer symptom relief from psoriasis itself. Most of us have one or even all of these items in our homes. They are just as good if not better than many of the hand creams you can buy and cost much less.

Keeping you skin clean is important for anyone. It is especially important for the psoriasis sufferer. Dirty skin can lead to infections. These can make the skin condition worse as well as create illness. One problem with keeping the skin clean is that many soaps can dry the skin out. Psoriasis sufferers must be careful with cleansers. At very least, choose a mild soap. If your psoriasis is quite severe then you may have to opt for a soap free option. You doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on which products will be best.

If one suffers from psoriasis, keeping the skin moist is essential. Dry skin can be irritating, itchy and even cause injury. Extremely dry skin can reduce flexibility and limit movements. It can also lead to skin breakage which can cause bleeding. Moisturizers are available but can be expensive. If you don’t want to spend loads at the pharmacy use cooking oils and petroleum jelly. These are just as good and will save a fortune. Use caution in choosing soaps. Cleanliness is important but certain soaps can worsen you condition. By keeping you skin moist, you can improve your skins condition and feel much better.

If you are a psoriasis sufferer, you may want to invest in a humidifier. Keeping moisture in the air may help reduce your psoriasis symptoms. We all hear of the benefits of dry heat but in the case of a psoriasis sufferer, the opposite is true. Dry heat and dry air equals dry skin. This can inflame the skin and make the condition worse.

Psoriasis can be an irritating and painful disease. It can create unsightly patches of skin and leave the sufferer self conscious of their appearance. You may need medical attention to treat psoriasis; however you can try several home treatments that are available. Keeping the skin moist, with regular soaks and moisturizers can help minimize the symptoms and improve skin quality.



About the Author:

The main symptoms of Psoriases skin disorder are red itchy, scaly skin that is dry and often thick like a callous. As opposed to Eczema, Psoriasis does not make the skin moist but eczema can create dry thick leathery skin very much like Psoriasis. Both of these conditions can be reduced with a Natural Psoriasis Treatment cream. Psoriasis skin disorder can be found anywhere on the body but there are some tell tale areas. Psoriasis is commonly found on the outside of the elbows and knees (the back of the elbow and the front of the knees). Although Psoriasis is harmless in itself it can cause a lot of distress and suffering for those who have it. Psoriasis can be unbearably severe to the extent of large affected areas of inflamed, irritated skin that the sufferer must endure. Scratching makes the problem worse but the sufferer will have to endure the itchy feeling with little relief. That is why Natural Psoriasis Treatment creams are so effective for Psoriasis skin disorders. They not only help reduce the effects of Psoriasis, but also provide immediate soothing relief on the area.

If you scratch too much while suffering Psoriasis skin disorder, you can cause serious damage to your skin in the long term. Psoriasis sufferers often end up with scarring after the Psoriasis has healed which is often permanent. After dealing with a traumatic and socially distressing skin disorder a person who has had psoriasis will then have to endure long term skin damage and emotional distress. A topical Natural Psoriasis Treatment cream can help soothe and alleviate the suffering of someone with Psoriasis and prevent the need to scratch. Regular applications will calm and soothe the inflammation and reduce itchiness in both the long term and the term of immediate application. It is best to prevent scarring as much as possible by using a cooling cream and avoid scratching as much as possible.

Natural Psoriasis Treatments can provide a chemical free alternative for healthy skin. A natural cream can help reduce inflammation, itchiness, redness, and re-hydrate the skin and there is no need for synthetic ingredients. There are many natural ingredients available that help promote healing, skin elasticity, re-hydration and other great skin benefits to help you cope with Psoriasis. These natural products really do work given the right balance and regular applications. Natural Psoriasis treatment creams are ideal for any kind of skin disorder. The natural ingredients are carefully selected to provide you with a variety of benefits in many different ways creating a solution that is a mixture of more than one natural psoriasis treatment. Ingredients such as Aloe Vera, German Chamomile and Evening Primrose are high quality ingredients that are renowned for their medicinal uses and natural Psoriasis skin disorder relief.



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