The skin condition known as psoriasis occurs in people where there is an immune system malfunction that causes a person's T-cells to start attacking healthy skin. There are three different type so this skin condition but the most common is plaque psoriasis. The symptoms of plaque psoriasis may include:
Source: Mayo Clinic
In the United States alone, plaque psoriasis affects millions of people. Commonly affected areas which show symptoms of psoriasis include the scalp, elbows, knees, navel, palms, ears and groin. Psoriasis is autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious.
While psoriasis, like herpes, is considered to be a lifelong affliction by the medical community, those of us in the natural health realm believe the body has almost miraculous abilities to heal and manage any affliction, if given the proper support.
How is psoriasis treated? The medical profession treats plaque psoriasis with topicals which are applied to the skin, Ultraviolet light or phototherapy and systemic medications. Systemic medications are medications that affect the entire system, as opposed to being targeted at specific organs or systems in the body.
The holistic health community typically embraces blood purification as one important aspect of addressing psoriasis. Therapies involving water, sun and diet are also used by the natural healing community in addressing this skin condition. It is generally believed that cleansing the liver, by way of herbs like milk thistle, can also help with psoriasis. Aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and other natural remedies have proven helpful to many with this condition.
Both the holistic and medical communities generally support reducing certain triggers that may cause psoriasis to be worse. These triggers include stress, smoking and alcohol consumption. Some also find that cold weather makes symptoms of psoriasis worse so moving somewhere warmer may be helpful if possible.
Acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy and other alternative medicine disciplines offer help for skin disorders including psoriasis so simply contacting someone well-versed in either of these areas of practice can yield good information on the treatments available within each practice.
Health Disclaimer: The information at Ask a Healer Wellness Library is educational in nature and not intended to replace medical attention. If you have symptoms of psoriasis, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other skin conditions such as ringworm, molluscum, scabies, etc.