Psoriasis

NOTE: There are a number of types of psoriasis. I will only consider the plaque psoriasis here.

Skin Conditions

If you have a skin problem it is important to get a diagnosis.

Symptoms

Red patches with raised silvery plaques, often oval, sometimes irregular in shape. These may itch or burn. Psoriasis is usually found on knees, elbows, the trunk, or scalp. It usually begins in early adulthood. Fingernails may become pitted and ridged in some cases. Psoriasis may also be associated with inflammation of joints (psoriatic arthritis).

Causes

An immune system imbalance in which T cells (a variety of white blood cell) causes skin cells to replicate more quickly than normal.
There is a familial element in the cause of psoriasis.
There are several possible triggers that may lead to flare-ups:

1. Injury to the skin, including that caused by scratching
2. Streptococcal infections
3. Taking some medical drugs. Lithium, Beta-blockers, non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen
4. Hormonal changes as in puberty and menopause.
5. Stress
6. Alcohol

Treatment

There is no cure for psoriasis as yet but it can be controlled.
When you have a flare-up think about what might have changed in your life. Look at diet, stress levels, climate change, medication, and injury
Some lifestyle changes can help alleviate or remove the symptoms:

• Use plenty of lotions and creams to combat dryness. Avoid soap.
• Avoid getting too hot or too cold and environments that are dry A humidifier can be helpful in winter when the central heating is on.
• Sunlight may to heal lesions but sunburn will make it worse so always use sunscreen for sensitive skin and avoid over exposure.
• Take high strength fish oil daily.
• Keep your bowels regular as toxins from the bowel are absorbed into the blood giving your liver extra work. Take plenty of fibre in the form of fruit and vegetables. Cut down on refined carbohydrate, sugar and animal products.
• Avoid stressful situations and try using relaxation techniques
• Supplementing your diet with vitamins A and C and a B complex along with 15mg of zinc may help but it would be better to increase your intake of these in your diet.
• A probiotic with food may help to ensure balanced gut bacteria.
• Wear cotton rather than synthetics or wool.
• Be conscious of when you scratch. Try keeping a record of times and situations when scratching is worst, and then try to reduce your exposure to such situations

Herbs for Topical use

• Greater celandine will help to reduce the proliferation of skin cells and therefore help to reduce the plaques.
• Comfrey is an emollient and good to combat thick dry skin.
• Aloe vera gel will reduce itching and speed healing
• Marigold is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
• Chamomile essential oil (10 drops per 30 grams) is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
• Liquorice is also anti-inflammatory and is soothing.

Herbs for Internal use

I would strongly suggest that if you wish to takes these herbs it is advisable to visit a local herbalist who will prescribe herbs after considering your case history and examining your skin. As with other skin diseases, the liver needs to be supported because of its role in the elimination of toxins. Normalising bowel function is important as is dealing with any existing gut infection. Where stress is a factor, a nervine will be included to aid relaxation.

• Dandelion root and Yellow Dock help to improve liver function and improve bowel function.
• Milk thistle protects and helps to heal the liver. Avoid alcoholic tinctures. It is best taken ground and sprinkled on cereal. A good dessertspoon full is best.
• Oregon Grape root and Goldenseal will help to deal with gut infections and rebalance gut flora but do not take for long periods.
• Burdock root and Red clover are good blood cleansers.
• Cleavers helps to clean up the lymphatic system.
• Skullcap and Valerian are useful for reducing stress.

Drinking tea made from young nettles tops and cleavers in the spring is advisable for those suffering from skin problems.

Please Note
Information given here should not replace consultation with you doctor.

See also Trapped Wind - Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Insomnia - Eczema

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