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Psoriasis and The Power of Positive Thinking

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:02:57 +0000

Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Negative thoughts and emotions are what often keep people in the condition they are in. Illness and disease happens, but it is the negative thoughts and emotions that keep us from healing quickly, or at all. Daily affirmations may sound like a lot of hocus pocus, but it is amazing what can happen when we get rid of the negative energy and replace it with positive.

Negative thoughts lead to negative emotions and actions. If you are feeling down, all you want to do is stay under the covers and not deal with anyone. Telling yourself negative thoughts can lead to you, and others believing those thoughts. If you constantly tell people you aren’t smart enough for that promotion, in time you and your co-workers will believe that to be the truth. However, if you tell yourself you are just as qualified as everyone else for that promotion, you and your co-workers will believe that to be the truth. A negative thought process and negative attitude will not give you the courage and strength to even try for the promotion. A positive attitude will give you the confidence to go for it, even if you don’t get it and least you tried.

The road to recovery is more than just medication and doctor’s visits. It is about convincing yourself that you are going to be alright. It is saying everyday that this illness or disease is not going to bring you down or stop you from reaching for the stars. You may have a disease, but it is not all you are.

Positive affirmations are a way to force a decision and commit to gaining control of your life back. Close your eyes and say “I will overcome this”. Bring up pictures in your mind of you free of your illness. Picture yourself living a healthy life and immersing yourself in healthy things. Remember that picture for when times get tough and things get hard.

You don’t have to spend tons of money on self-help tapes. It is easy and free to make your own daily affirmations. The trick is to make yourself recite these affirmations daily, even when you are in the foulest of moods. Write out things such as “I am getting stronger and healthier” “I feel better and more positive with each passing day”. Put these sayings in your purse or wallet or hang them in the mirror where you get ready each day.

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Is Psoriasis Contagious?

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:56:23 +0000

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes unsightly, red and scaly lesions or rashes. It is a very embarrassing condition to have to deal with, especially if you are in school or you work around many people. It affects many people’s social lives, because it has a very negative effect on their self esteem and confidence. Since it looks like such a terrible affliction, many people are afraid they can catch it from someone who has it. Likewise, people who have it, are afraid they can spread it to someone else.

The truth is psoriasis is not contagious in any way, so it is really ridiculous for people to worry about such a thing. Even though it is not contagious from stranger to stranger, it is considered to be a genetic disorder, so it can be given from parent to child. It is not yet clear how the disorder is past on, as it may not even occur for several generations. It almost seems to be random, in fact, there are many people that have psoriasis, yet no one in their family does.

You do not have to deal with psoriasis anymore, and there are things you can do to start treating it right now. All thats needed to get your self esteem and confidence back is a little bit of research and a couple of dollars. One natural way of treating your psoriasis is omega-3 fish oil. Not only does this help your psoriasis but it is also good for your heart, and it has anti aging properties. Even if you are one hundred percent healthy, you should still consider taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement, just because of al of the wonderful health benefits it provides.

Another thing you should do, is to go and see a doctor or a physician and get prescribed a topical lotion that has zinc in it. Zinc is high in antioxidants and it is great for your skin. Zinc deficiencies are also known to make psoriasis worsen. Another good natural treatment is to change your diet to include plenty of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. You should also try to drink plenty of water as well.

What Exactly Is Psoriasis?

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:40:51 +0000

If you have experienced scaly, red and thick rashes, then you may have psoriasis. So…. What exactly is Psoriasis anyways Psoriasis is a relatively common chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. It’s most pronounced symptoms are the rashes on the skin, which can be very severe.

There are many treatments for this disorder, and the one that is best for you really depends on the severity of your case. Most of the time, people with psoriasis only experience a couple of lesions, but there are some cases that can become very sever if not treated effectively. In severe cases the rashes can start to burn and itch very badly and the rashes can span several feet.

If the lesions are not tended to and treated, then infection will set in, and if you still do not seek treatment you will die from infection. It is possible to start with minor psoriasis and then the case can be come more sever over time because it was not treated, so if you have it then you need to start treating it as soon as possible. If you are worried about passing it on to someone else, then don’t worry psoriasis is not in any way contagious, even if the rash is licked! (although I would not recommend you do this…also do not jump in any fires, do not jump onto your head or get hit by a car on purpose.)

Psoriasis occurs when your immune system experiences a genetic dysfunction that causes it to rapidly produce skin cells, and this is what causes the rashes. Everyones body is constantly shedding their skin, and replacing it with new skin cells. A normal person’s skin matures for about 3 weeks to a month before it is shed and replaced with new skin cells. However, someone with psoriasis produces skin cells a lot quicker and the shedding process only takes 2-7 days, causing the live and dead skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin, causing the scaly and red rash.

Phenomena’s and the Symptoms of Psoriasis

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:22:06 +0000

There are 3 main phenomena’s or symptoms of psoriasis, which can be detected with a scraping of the psoriatic plaques:

- the “stearin spot” phenomena – with the scraping of the surface of the psoriatic plaque there will appear silvery-white scales, that resemble stearin – a tasteless and odorless substance used for the manufacturing of the soaps etc.

- the “terminal film” phenomena (aka the “psoriatic film” phenomena) – with the further scraping of the psoriatic plaque underneath the abundant silvery-white scales there appears a translucent tender skin, that resembles a film

- the “point hemorrhage” phenomena (aka the “blood dew” phenomena) – with the further scraping of the plaque there will appear a point hemorrhage – tiny dots of blood

In the progressive stage of psoriasis there is also is noted the Koebner phenomena, that was first explained by professor Koebner in 1872 – with any type of injury to the skin, be it a scratch, a cut, an irritation etc. – on the place of the injury there appears a new psoriatic plaque.

The progressive stage of psoriasis is commonly noted with the first appearance of psoriasis on the body of a person. Therefore it is extremely necessary to watch out for any injuries to the skin at the moment of the first appearance of psoriasis. Any injury, be it the scratches obtained from a pet, piercing your ears, getting a tattoo etc. – may trigger the appearance of psoriatic plaques precisely on the injured spots.

Psoriasis first appears as small red papules, covered with silvery-white scales. The papules grow and merge with one another, forming psoriatic plaques. The plaques are usually have a very pronounced boundary and can be easily distinguished from the skin that was not affected with psoriasis.

Psoriasis in the progressive stage is usually accompanied by itching, which subsides when the process transforms into the stationary stage. In the stage of regression psoriatic plaques flatten and disappear, leaving after themselves only the bright spots, which also disappear with the course of time.

Psoriasis usually “prefers” the following skin locations: the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees and the scalp, then it may also appear on the chest, the back and the rest of the body.

Psoriasis often also manifests itself on the nails. The nails in this case become fragile, they lose their gloss and color, and they lift up above the nail bed. Psoriasis on the nails often also appears after some kind of damage of the nails – artificial nail placement etc.

Sometimes psoriasis may also affect the joints – this type of psoriasis is called psoriatic arthritis or psoriatic arthropathy. In this case there may appear pains in the joints, as well as the deformities of the joints if the process progresses further without obtaining the effective treatment.

Some lucky people never develop psoriasis anywhere other than their elbows and knees – where they have the so called “on-duty plaques”. Those lucky individuals may never experience the gore of scalp psoriasis, nail psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

I have been fighting psoriasis for 14 years – since my teenage years. During those years I have collected loads of information that helps me battle psoriasis and keep it under control.

I share hundreds of pages of unique information on psoriasis and various psoriasis treatments with other people on my website.

Please visit my website for more Unique Psoriasis Information

Psoriasis Symptoms and Options

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:12:04 +0000

Many people who have psoriasis that because there is no cure for it, they just have to learn to live with it, no matter how painful or embarrassing it may become. Just because there is no set cure, does not mean there aren’t remedies that can clear your psoriasis and keep it from coming back. The effects of psoriasis can be severe and even in minor cases ones self esteem is almost always impacted. Living with psoriasis is not enjoyable whatsoever, so anyone who tells you that you need to live with psoriasis, does not think you need to enjoy your self. If you disagree with this then read on.

Psoriasis is caused by a genetic autoimmune disease that causes your body to produce skin cells at an alarming rate. Every single person is constantly shedding and replacing skin, everyday of our lives. The difference between a normal person’s skin and someone with psoriasis’ skin, is the person with psoriasis skin matures and sheds faster, and is also produced faster. When this happens the excess skin that builds up, blocks the cells from moisture causing them to become infected, thereby resulting in a red and scaly rash that itches, and in severe cases it can burn badly too.

In order to heal this condition you will need to do things that keep your skin moisturized and aids in shedding or exfoliating dead skin. If you are going to use exfoliating scrubs, then you should do so only as a precaution, and you should not apply these scrubs directly on a rash, as it will irritate it. You can also use oils and lotions like olive oil, oregano oil and turmeric paste. These are very effective chemical free moisturizers, and turmeric is one of the best antiseptics on earth. It performs just as well as prescription antiseptics, if not faster. The antiseptic will prevent bacteria and fungi from growing in the skin deposits, thereby preventing the rashes from occurring in places they would normally occur.

Another way to greatly decrease the effects of psoriasis, is to drink lots of water and eat lot’s of vegetables. The water will keep your system hydrated and keep your skin from drying up. The vegetables contain nutrients that are vital to balancing your immune system, which is crucial as this is a autoimmune disease.

Psoriasis – The Mental and Emotional Issue and Solution

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:06:47 +0000

As any psoriasis sufferer knows only too well, psoriasis is not simply a physical disease. By that I mean, its effects are not limited to our flesh. True, the outward manifestation of psoriasis appears in our skin, but the disease reaches farther into our being than our skin. It affects our mental and emotional being as well.

Interestingly enough, we may feel that this effect on our mental and emotional being, from outward appearances, goes unnoticed. But is this really the case? Let me present an unrelated hypothetical example, and then we can analyze how this example relates to psoriasis, and our search for a more complete healing.

Suppose a woman keeps telling herself, “I’m not attractive to men. They don’t enjoy talking to me or being in my company.” What is she going to do, without even realizing it? Her body is going to obey her mind! When she is in a group of people, and men are present, her body will act out exactly what she keeps telling herself it should! Her body language will indicate that she is not approachable or a good communicator. She may turn slightly away or fold her arms across her body. She may ‘put on’ a phony smile, or not look men in the eye when she speaks to them or they to her. She may not really pay attention to what they are saying. She may jokingly make cutting remarks, or put people down when she speaks. What happens? Men notice this, avoid her and don’t engage her in conversation! Just like she keeps telling herself! This just keeps the vicious cycle going and reinforces in her mind how unattractive she thinks she is! This in turn, affects her actions even more, which again reinforce the negative thoughts, and on and on…

How does this example relate to the psoriasis sufferer? More importantly, what can be done about it?

The point is that both the conscious and subconscious mind affect the actions of the body. In the example above, the woman’s conscious mind (”I’m not attractive to men”) acts like a command to her subconscious mind. In turn, her subconscious mind carries out this command. This is manifested in the body language and actions of the woman. The woman, though, is totally unaware of the mind-body connection. She may even think she is acting in an outgoing approachable manner!

It can be the same with the psoriasis sufferer. He or she may feel self-conscious about psoriasis, and develop a self-condemnatory or negative attitude. This manifests itself in body language that, while unnoticed by the individual because of months or years or negative reinforcement, is clearly noticed by others — job interviewers, prospective clients, supervisors, etc. The sufferer may conclude that he lost the job, sale or promotion because of the psoriasis, when in reality, it was his own body language that failed him!

What, then, is the solution? Quite simply, any program aimed at healing, clearing or curing psoriasis should involve more than relieving the physical manifestation of the disease. It needs to reach into the inner being. Here is where most current therapies, and programs fail. There is no pill, lotion, herb, ointment or other psoriasis medication available that can do this.

There is a program, however, that is designed to heal both the physical and mental aspects of psoriasis. The link to this program, “4 Keys To Clearing Psoriasis” may be found in the link below.

Thank-you
-Chris

I am an avid backpacker and have a website “Flatfoot’s Backpacking“.

I also have psoriasis.

Recently, however, I discovered a method that works to clear my psoriasis. As mentioned above, it comes from informed choices made through observation. It does not involve diet, pills, lotions, ointments, etc. It is a simple yet effective approach to clear psoriasis.

You can find it here: 4 Keys To Clearing Psoriasis

Stress-Psoriasis Interconnection – Is There Stress Induced Psoriasis?

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:04:42 +0000

Stress is when our body or nervous system is in a distress resulting from different unfavorable factors, such as any kind of a mental trauma, physical trauma, bad news, feeling cold or being hungry, etc.).

Human’s nervous system is directly connected with the activity of the human’s brain. The brain is a very important organ, which maintains control over numerous functions of the human body, brain controls the emotions and the intellect. Emotions express the individual attitude of a person toward all sorts of experiences, including the sad and the happy.

When human being experiences negative emotions, our body starts to experience various chemicals, for example, the amount of adrenaline levels in the blood may start to rise, when we feel fear or anger.

Such emotions used to appear in people for many millennia, at the time of a real danger. Wise mother-nature supplied us with strong protective reactions. Increasing adrenaline in the body immediately leads to the increased blood coagulation, as well as it starts to contract the blood vessels. Such reactions were vital for our remote ancestors, to lessen the blood loss with injuries, to come to be more alert at the time of threat, and so on.

The 20th century brought major changes to such situations. Nowadays, a person would hardly ever “fight or flight” in any kind of a negative situation, unless it was life threatening. Instead, people do their best to look calm within the negative event, only to afterward think that event repeatedly.

The socially accepted behavior has gone through changes, but our genetic makeup practically did not change. Stress still makes our bodies to excrete adrenalin into the blood.

However, the excessive blood adrenaline isn’t being used up alongside the “fight or flight” reaction. Adrenalin stays in the blood and starts deteriorating internal organs of a human. This eventually leads to various disorders of the internal organs (e.g., kidneys, liver, intestines, and so on), and also it leads to the nervous system disorders.

Stress eventually triggers the pathologic psoriasis mechanisms, and that’s the nature of stress-psoriasis interconnection. Thus, learning to manage your stress is essential for effective psoriasis management.

Does psoriasis influence our mental state? Read the Rest of the Article about Stress-Psoriasis Interrelation Here.

Psoriasis and Diet – What You Should Be Eating

admin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:37:06 +0000

Honestly, though we hear a lot of claims and success stories regarding successful diet-based treatment of Psoriasis, the fact remains that very minimal scientific researches have been done to substantiate those claims. The challenge is in alienating a psoriasis diet amongst the various factors responsible for occurrence as well as the cure of psoriasis. Yet it may be beneficial, from a statistical point of view, to know what diet can alleviate or aggravate the skins’ diseased condition.

Psoriasis – as we know it – is the raised, red patchy, and lesion covered state of the skin. Statistically, 2% or 3% of world population (approximately 125 million people) suffer from this non-contagious condition. Over 7.5 million people in America are affected. Psoriasis diet is not the only approach to treating this condition but it is not harmful to try it out as long as it does not affect the overall well being of the body. Apart from genetics being the reason, it may also be caused owing to metabolic disorder.

Therefore, many dermatologists begin by prescribing psoriasis diet to help cleanse the overall body. They also suggest weight-loss as weight gain flares up psoriasis.

In the core diet, dietitians suggest to avoid acidic and gluten-producing foods like caffeine, coke, sugar, white flour, and alcohol as they worsen the situation. And they ask to increase the intake of water and fiber items like leafy vegetables, carrots, beet, and cucumbers serve well as psoriasis diet. Similarly psoriasis diet comprising of raw vegetables, lettuce, sprouts, and coconut milk do well to improve the itchy skin condition. As a rule of thumb, any food item that is difficult to be digested by the body – like butter, red meat, eggs – should be avoided. Also, Gluten free diet helps to improve the condition. Hence, food items like pasta, beer, barley, and white flour items should be avoided. Needless to say, this demands a high degree of self-discipline and radical change in the patients lifestyle.

‘Supplementary diet items’, as psoriasis diet items, have varying results. Supplementary items include essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and herbal supplements. Fish oil usage has demonstrated mild to moderate improvement in the ailing condition. Shark cartilage has anti-inflammatory attributes and has shown positive results in treating psoriasis but comes with nausea and rashes.

Turmeric, doctor prescribed multi-vitamin tablets and zinc-based tablets also work towards improving psoriasis. With psoriasis, the levels of vitamin B, C and E drop low and therefore Granular Lecithin is important part of psoriasis diet.

Finally, it should be realized that there is nothing is magic psoriasis diet or one food item that cures psoriasis. Dermatologist will suggest different food items to different patients based on their body condition, history, food allergies, and other factors. Psoriasis diet just reinforces meaning of well balanced diet in life.

Do you suffer from Psoriasis or maybe you know someone who does, live a psoriasis free life where you don’t have to worry about the way you look or feel.

If you found this article helpful you might want to visit Psoriasis Diet Secrets where you will find more psoriasis articles and information.
Yunus Hussein has been a psoriasis sufferer and researcher who helps people cope with this condition.

Psoriasis

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:30:13 +0000

Psoriasis is a significant problem for dermatologists in the US. Over 7 million people suffer from this chronic skin condition and it affects both women and men of all ages.

Recent research indicates that Psoriasis may be caused by liver dysfunction and may also be related to immune system functions. Generally patches of inflamed red skin called plaques characterize symptoms. While these are the most visible symptoms Psoriasis causes significant discomfort due to pain, itching, limited joint mobility and depending on the affected area, it may also cause emotional distress.

Human blood contains T-cells, which normally protect the body against disease. Research indicates that in Psoriasis victims these T-cells are over-active and become responsible for excessive skin cell reproduction resulting in the plaques.

Symptomatic treatment of this disease results in destroying the excessive skin production caused by malfunctioning T-Cells. This is done by use of Ultra Violet light, which can destroy these excessive growths. The process of destroying these skin cells is called Apoptosis and is included by many doctors as a treatment option.

Many alternative therapies are also available and widely publicized. These include the use of Dead Sea salts and soaps with high salt content to purging liver treatments. None of these have been proven conclusively effective in removing the symptoms entirely. Because of the chronic nature of this condition and its often painful symptoms, patients often tire of non medical intervention and seek help from doctors.

Phototherapy treatments for Psoriasis can be done using UVB and UVA light. For most mild to moderate cases doctors generally elect to use UVB Narrow Band Spectrum treatments. Current knowledge of these treatments suggests that these Narrow Band UVB (NBUVB) treatments have better results than Broad Band treatment options.

When UVA light is used, doctors include topical and oral administration of a drug called Psoralen. This drug improves skin sensitivity to UVA light and improves the effectiveness of the treatments. While the disease may not be entirely curable, such treatments provide significant symptomatic relief to patients suffering from Psoriasis.

Psoriasis provides detailed information on Psoriasis, Psoriasis Treatment, Scalp Psoriasis, Psoriasis Cure and more. Psoriasis is affiliated with Acne Rosacea.

Scalp Psoriasis

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:24:16 +0000

Psoriasis appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with dead skin cells on the skin. Scalp psoriasis can be mild, with fine scaling or thick with crusted plaques, covering the entire scalp. The areas of the skin grow very rapidly and form red, scaling patches. Patients experience severe itchiness, a feeling of tightness and soreness, accompanied by hair loss. Scalp psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis affecting over 50% of patients.

Treatments for scalp psoriasis are generally temporarily effective and continued over a long period. Moderate exposure of the scalp to sunlight and regular washing of the head helps reduce the spread of the condition. Certain shampoo treatments control the spread of psoriasis. Other treatments prescribed by doctors include coal tar, dithranol, salicylic acid, cortico-steroids and Vitamin D derivatives.

The correct method of application of the treatment is important. The hair is parted into sections and the medication is rubbed into the exposed area. It is necessary to comb and brush the hair regularly in order to remove scaling. Shampooing with a coal tar based shampoo followed by a cortisone lotion rubbed into the scalp is recommended. A frequent break in the regimen ensures that the psoriasis does not become resistant to treatment.

Topical medications like corticosteriods are effective against scalp psoriasis. They are available in solutions, gels, creams, lotions and ointments. A two-week cycle of treatment is commonly recommended for strong steroids.

In cases of mild scalp psoriasis, doctors inject the scalp lesions with steroid medications. The medication is absorbed into the system and is therefore sparingly used.

Systemic medications or prescription medications are administered to patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. Biologic drugs that are made from living human or animal proteins block or eliminate various immune system cells involved in scalp psoriasis.

Since psoriasis is known to be a waxing and waning condition, it usually subsides with regular treatment. It is unusual for anyone to suffer extensive scalp psoriasis for a long time, especially if they seek medical help and use treatments as directed. Any medical regimen for psoriasis needs to be closely supervised by a dermatologist.

Psoriasis provides detailed information on Psoriasis, Psoriasis Treatment, Scalp Psoriasis, Psoriasis Cure and more. Psoriasis is affiliated with Acne Rosacea.

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:23:58 +0000

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

Whether you’ve developed psoriasis yourself or you know someone who has, one of the first questions to cross your mind is probably: “Is psoriasis contagious?”. And the answer, thankfully, is no.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that many people suffer from all their lives. In fact, it’s estimated that four to seven million Americans are diagnosed with psoriasis each year. Psoriasis is not contagious though, because it’s believed to be a problem created from your body’s own immune system.

When the human body is functioning normally, it produces new skin cells gradually. The skin cells on the surface of your skin need about thirty days to die off and shed themselves. During that time, new skin cells are being created deep below the surface of your skin, and these new cells gradually rise to the surface over the thirty day time period, arriving just in time to replace those that are ready to shed.

With psoriasis however, your body’s immune system is reacting to some sort of trigger. Commonly known triggers include getting a severe illness or infection, such as strep throat, or going through an extremely stressful period in life. Your body starts pushing the new skin cells to the surface much more rapidly than normal. In fact, the new skin cells reach the surface in just a few days, instead of taking about a month as they normally would. With these new skin cells rising so rapidly, the existing surface skin cells have not had time to die off and shed themselves. So you end up getting a “pile up” which tends to manifest itself in the form of dry, white, flaky areas known as psoriasis.

And since psoriasis is caused by something in your own immune system, you cannot pass the condition on to others. Thus psoriasis itself is not contagious.

Now if you develop psoriasis due to one of the common triggers such as a severe illness or infection, that illness or infection can of course be passed on to others. But not everyone develops psoriasis when a contagious disease or illness is caught, so the psoriasis itself is not contagious, but the underlying factors which cause you to develop psoriasis could be.

Even though psoriasis is not contagious, you are probably looking for a way to cure the problem. Some people have severe cases of psoriasis, and this can be quite uncomfortable… at times even debilitating. Most doctors and scientists feel that psoriasis cannot be cured, but they do have medications and treatments which will help relieve some of the most common and problematic symptoms.

Herbal medicine specialists however, believe that you can greatly reduce the severity and frequency of psoriasis flare ups, and some believe you can cure the problem completely.

Common alternative remedies for treating psoriasis usually involve treating the internal problems within your body. You can reduce the inflammation and itching with external applications of herbs such as aloe vera, but to actually reduce or eliminate the psoriasis itself, herbalists feel you need to cleanse and detoxify your body. This process is achieved through various diet changes, getting additional vitamins and minerals into your system, and cleaning out the liver, colon, and digestive tract to remove built up toxins and waste.

Note: Statements in this article are not approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice.

If you found this article on Is Psoriasis Contagious?, informative, please visit http://www.psoriasis.healthanddiettips.com/ for many more informative articles on Psoriasis.

Psoriasis – The Intoxicating Concept

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:17:59 +0000

So, what is the Intoxication concept of psoriasis and who developed it? The Intoxication concept of psoriasis was first mentioned by a well-known osteopath John Pagano. Pagano studied psoriasis and the reasons of its development for more than 20 years. Pagano was the one to first connect the toxins in the bowels and intestines with the appearance of psoriatic plaques.

According to Pagano, when we consume some toxic substances, like alcohol, nicotine, preservatives and dyes in the food products, etc, and our liver or kidneys can not purify them, these toxins are being taken out of the body through our skin.

The question arises: there are millions of people that consume toxins with food, drinks, medicines, smoking etc. Why do only 2-3% of them develop psoriasis?

Well, the answer according to Pagano is that the walls of the intestines and duodenum of people with psoriasis are too thin. Pagano calls it “the syndrome of a non-hermetic bowel”. And so the consumed toxins, which were not purified by the liver or the kidneys, find their way out through the skin of the person with psoriasis.

If we look deeper into this process, we will find out that people with psoriasis are not the only ones with the thin intestinal lining. So why only in them do psoriatic plaques develop on the skin, which do not appear on the skin of other people with the “non-hermetic bowel” syndrome?

Here comes into play another factor – the autoimmune aggression that takes places in the body of the people with psoriasis. In the places where the toxic substances come out through the skin, the body of the people with psoriasis starts attacking the skin cells, through which the toxins found their way out.

A person keeps consuming the toxic substances (with bad foods like cola drinks, marinated, fried, spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, breathing in polluted air, taking some medicines etc), the liver and kidneys keep failing to purify these toxic substances, the substances find their way into the blood flow of the person with psoriasis through the thin lining of the bowels and duodenum, and the body keeps attacking the skin cells, which let out these toxins. This is a vicious circle.

So what is advised in order to break this vicious circle? Pagano and others say to adapt a healthy diet, quit smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as to start doing a colon hydro-therapy (cleaning your lower intestine with water). Another thing that may help is regular bowel movements.

The Intoxicating theory of psoriasis has loads of followers around the globe. It used to be especially popular a couple of decades ago. Then it was forgotten, and nowadays it has started becoming more and more popular again.

Whether to believe in the Intoxicating theory of psoriasis or not is an individual choice, but one thing clearly makes sense: healthy diet, no smoking and very moderate alcohol consumption will help us not only to improve our overall well-being but also may help us to clear our skin from the psoriatic plaques.

I have been fighting psoriasis for 14 years – since my teenage years. During those years I have collected loads of information that helps me battle psoriasis and keep it under control.

I share hundreds of pages of unique information on psoriasis and various psoriasis treatments with other people on my website.

Please visit my website for more Unique Psoriasis Information

I have been fighting psoriasis for 15 years – since my teenage years. During those years I have collected loads of information that helps me battle psoriasis and keep it under control.

I share hundreds of pages of unique information on psoriasis and various psoriasis treatments with other people on my website: Psoriasis-Aid.com

Females Develop Plaque Psoriasis Earlier Than Males

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:13:32 +0000

Psoriasis vulgaris, also known as “plaque psoriasis,” is the most common form of psoriasis and affects 80% of people with the disease. It tends to be a relatively persistent or chronic pattern of psoriasis that can be improved with treatment but is difficult to clear completely with topical treatments alone. Environmental factors such as smoking, sun exposure, alcoholism, and HIV infection may affect how often the psoriasis occurs and how long the flare-ups last.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common presentation of psoriasis and of all the patterns is the most likely to affect the typical areas of the elbows, knees, umbilicus and lower back. As the name suggests it is marked by the presence of plaques on the skin. It is characterized by large areas patches forming particularly on the limbs and trunk; including the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Of the 7 types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is the most common and accounts for approximately 80% of psoriasis cases.

The first peak occurrence is in people aged 16-22 years. Females develop plaque it earlier than males. Chronic plaque psoriasis is usually managed initially with topical agents. If it is too extensive or severe to be effectively managed with topical treatments, phototherapy or systemic agents can be used and are usually very effective at improving and even clearing the psoriasis.

Rapid production of skin cells forces premature skin cells to the surface of the skin where they form thick plaques. Although Plaque psoriasis usually will not cause itching, itching, cracking, and pain on the skin may also be symptoms of plaque psoriasis. The skin plaques take on a silver white appearance and the inflamed skin underneath is red. The burning sensation can be brought on when adjacent skin or clothing rubs against the plaques.

As with other types of psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis generally is a persistent, chronic pattern of psoirasis, which can be improved with treatment, but proves to be difficult to cure with just topical treatments. Treatments with the least side effects should generally be tried first and more potentially-dangerous treatments instituted only when resistance is demonstrated. First line management is with topical treatments, including vitamin D analogues, topical corticosteroids, tar-based preparations, dithranol, salicylic acid and topical retinoids. Among the natural treatments available, special blends of essential oils are considered very good. Psoriasis treatment depends primarily on the type of Psoriasis you have and the severity of it.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common and affects 9 out of 10 sufferers. It is usually stable and remains unchanged for longer periods than the guttate variety and is called chronic as compared to the acute nature of the guttate psoriasis. If plaque psoriasis is too extensive or severe to be effectively managed with topical treatments alone, refer to a dermatologist for phototherapy and/or systemic agents. Psoriasis treatments include various topical creams, internal medications and light therapy. Very often such psoriasis treatments are used as phototherapy or biologics methods, but the chosen way of treatment depends on the disease degree and doctor’s recommendations.

As with other types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis generally is a persistant, chronic pattern of psoirasis, which can be improved with treatment, but proves to be difficult to cure with just topical treatments. Find out more about Plaque Psoriasis

Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products

Psoriasis Help Online

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:12:55 +0000

Psoriasis is a chronic ailment of the skin that is defined as an inflammation and scaling of the outer layer of the skin. There are many symptoms. A few are chronic skin rash and blisters. The ailments of having this problem are recurring skin rashes, scaly red plaques and grayish scales.

When the occurrence of psoriasis happens, parts of the skin thicken, they get more red and eventually become covered in grayish scales known as plaques. Side effects are itching or a burning sensation with a slit or crack in the skin at the joints. Most areas affected by this on the human body are elbows, knees, lower back, scalp, face, fingernails and bottoms of the feet. Sometimes there are reports of this occurring inside the mouth on the soft tissue parts.

There have been many assumptions that psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system and it can eventually lead to arthritis. There are also ways to make it worse. Having infections, stress and living in a climate that is too dry may advance the condition more.

Even certain medications have been linked to worsening psoriasis. Everyone taking medications should read all of the information included on the prescription bottle before taking it. Talk to your doctor first and always before stopping a medication and always consult a doctor if trying something different.

There are many different kinds of treatments for dealing with this problem. However, not all of them work. Some even have bad side effects when taking them. To find out more information on this, please continue reading.

All I have to tell you is that if you want to get rid of Psoriasis once and for all, check out this amazing information below: Psoriasis Help Online

What is Psoriasis? – An Explanation of the Symptoms and What Causes Them

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:06:20 +0000

If you’ve ever had thick, reddish, scaly patches of skin you might have psoriasis. But what is psoriasis exactly? It is a chronic skin disorder that is fairly common, occurring in approximately 3% of the population. Any part of the skin may be affected but the most commonly affected areas are the knees, elbows, and scalp.

The severity of this skin disease can vary from person to person and treatment options also vary according to the severity of the condition. For most people, psoriasis tends to be mild with just a few lesions. In more severe cases the lesions cover a larger area of the skin and can also cause an itching and / or burning sensation that can be quite uncomfortable.

Psoriasis is not contagious so you don’t have to worry about anyone catching it from you. It is believed to be a genetic condition in which the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered and because of this, skin cells are produced very rapidly. Everyone is constantly shedding dead skin cells which are replaced with new ones. Normally, new skin cells mature over the course of about 3 to 4 weeks before they die off and are replaced.

In people with psoriasis, the replacement process is greatly accelerated and only takes about 2 to 6 days. Because of this acceleration, living cells and dead cells build up on the skin’s surface causing the thick, reddish, scaly appearance.

There are a number of different treatment options available and you should consult a dermatologist to diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options for you.

If you’re looking for psoriasis relief, check out this Dermasis review and learn how you can relieve your symptoms safely and effectively. Visit http://dermasis-review.weebly.com/

Psoriasis – Understanding the Most Wide Spread Chronic Dermatitis

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:03:09 +0000

Psoriasis as a word derived from the Greek word “psora” – “itch”.

Psoriasis is the most wide spread chronic dermatitis. According to statistics, about 2-3% of the total population of the Earth has psoriasis – approximately 120 – 180 million people! For instance: Canada – about 1 million people, Great Britain – 1 million, Scandinavian countries – 2 million people, France – 2 million people and the U.S.A. – 7 million people.

There are countries, where psoriasis is encountered less frequently – for example Japan, China – less than 1% of the population.

Psoriasis is also more frequently recorded in locations of a moderate and cold climate and it is relatively less frequent in the tropical countries.

In rural areas the frequency of psoriasis is usually 3-4 times less frequent than in the urban areas.

Psoriasis appears on skin as inflamed lesions, peeling and scales. The scales can be easily removed, and beneath them there lays an yet denser scale. In addition to the skin psoriasis may as well strike the nails and joints.

The average cycle of shedding of normal skin cells occurs approximately in 4 weeks, with psoriasis this process takes only 4-5 days. The course of psoriasis usually has a sharply expressed seasonality. Psoriasis can be located in any sections of the skin, but predominantly the plaques are located symmetrically on the knees and elbows, on scalp and on the skin of the rest of the body.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which stays with a person for their whole life, and is accompanied by the variation of flare-ups and remissions. Psoriasis is a non-contagious disease.

Psoriasis develops due to many factors, with the prevailing importance of genetic factors.

Psoriasis is not fatal, but it causes loads of problems for the sufferer. Psoriasis may bring serious complications; it causes commonplace inconveniences, which start dominating the life and the thoughts of a person and affect the quality of life. Usually these are cosmetic, which limit the choice of the selection of hair-do, outfit, and the behavior. People with psoriasis often experience inferiority complexes. Being bothered by their appearance, they may become “people in a box”: seldom in public, wear maximally closed outfits etc.

Countless famous people, including Ben Franklin, Henry Ford, Joseph Stalin and many others had psoriasis. In the 1930’s, Winston Churchill, who as well had psoriasis for many years, proposed a golden monument for the person, who cures this disease.

I have been fighting psoriasis for 14 years – since my teenage years. During those years I have collected loads of information that helps me battle psoriasis and keep it under control.

I share hundreds of pages of unique information on psoriasis and various psoriasis treatments with other people on my website.

Please visit my website for more Unique Psoriasis Information

Psoriasis Is Of Unknown Origin

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:59:36 +0000

More than 4.5 million United States citizens of adult age are affected with psoriasis. There is no known origin of this disease. However, there are about 150,000 more cases detected each year. People develop this condition during different stages of their life. Forty percent of those who develop it do so before they are 20 years old. Then percent were diagnosed as having the illness before they turned 10 years old.

As for as family history is concerned, approximately 35% of people who have psoriasis have one or more family members who have the condition. Twenty-eight percent of them have one parent who is affected. Sixty-eight of them have both parents who have psoriasis.

People who have psoriasis which is only mild to moderate can benefit from regularly sunbathing yp to the extent that they begin to tan. It is recommended that the person cover the areas of their body with clothing or sunscreen so that the area will not be exposed directly to the sun. Sunburn has been known to cause skin cancer. It can cause psoriasis to become even worse.

A vacation or long stay in a sunny area of the world has been known to make a remarkable improvement in condition.

Some studies show that psoriatic arthritis affects approximately a million people through out the United States and that about five to ten percent of these people will have some disability because of it. Psoriatic arthritis will generally develop in those thirty to fifty years old. All people who have his don’t necessarily end up with psoriasis.

During research there have been genes identified which cause psoriasis. These kinds of genes determine the way someone’s immune system will react. The chance increases when there is already a relative who has psoriasis. Some of the conditions which start the development of the condition are strep infection, stress, sunburn, and particular medications.

The effects of having to live with this chronic condition can be both mentally and physically challenging. Physical challenges such as soreness, itching, and cracking skin, along with bleeding skin are expected of psoriasis. The inability to perform certain jobs is common with this type of disorder. Frustration generally sets in causing matters to be worse.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation due to psoriasis 56 million work hours are lost every year. Also the moderate form of the disease has caused many people to alter or stop their normal activities, instead they have been replaced by stress, low self-esteem, loneliness and anxiety, and some even become suicidal.

There are treatments available, as of late, which are helping to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from psoriasis. If you are developing dry and itchy skin, it can be most uncomfortable. Try to soak your body in a warm bath for around 15 minutes. When you are finished with that, you should apply some salicylic acid which is used to remove scaly dried skin and provides both moisture and topical prescription medication. Apply a thick emollient such as Vaseline.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.psoriasis-relief-advisor.com

Psoriasis

An Overview of the Different Kinds of Psoriasis

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:32:35 +0000

Psoriasis is a chronic condition characterized by reddening and thickening of the skin. It has effects on 1 percent to 3% of the entire population. Here we’re going to look at the 5 differing kinds of psoriasis. Plaque Psoriasis This is the commonest form of psoriasis. It is usually indicated by thickening and flaking of the skin on several areas of the body. In some instances, the patches cover a massive portion of the body. Although they can wax or decline, they have the bent to be prolonged. This condition can take place in any area of the body. The most prone areas include the elbows, knees, knuckles, scalp, trunk, arms, legs, and external sex organs.

Though not necessarily itchy, it can cause inflammation when scratched. This is known as the Koebner Phenomenon. Guttate Psoriasis This is commonest in children and young adults. They manifest themselves as tiny reddish bumps on the skin. Their appearance is unexpected and last for several weeks after an infection. If triggered by infections, antibiotics can be helpful in treating the guttate type of this condition. It generally replies to treatment and may gradually disappear on it’s own. If you have suffered from this condition, another episode is improbable for years ahead. In adults, the manifestation of tiny droplike bumps could mean the disease is flaring up. Specialised types of Psoriasis Seborrheic psoriasis is a condition influencing scalp. It is similar to dreadful dandruff.

Thickening and flaking of the skin may protrude to the forehead just below the hairline. Scaling can become prevalent in the outer ear. Psoriasis can also have an effect on the connecting tissues of the nails. Pitting is an early manifestation of nail psoriasis, which can also take place in other diseases. Nail psoriasis involves the presence of dark spots similar to droplets of oil which can end up in flaking of the skin below the nails. Palmoplantar psoriasis occurs in the palms of the hands as well as soles of the feet.

Severe cases of this kind can end up in disability. Pustular psoriasis has effects on the palms and soles. It is distinguished by little, deep pus-filled blisters as well as copper-colored hue with a shade of red, flaky skin. It is similar to acropustulosis or palmoplantar pustulosis. Other Varieties Erythroderma is a condition distinguished by reddening, flaking, and thickening of the skin in most parts of the body. Erythrodermic psoriasis takes place when an individual has a record of plaque psoriasis. It could also be a consequence of widespread eczema, skin reaction to drugs, or cutaneous lymphoma. It may be accompanied by fevers and chills and needs treatment in a hospice.

Pustular psoriasis is a rare and severe sort of the condition distinguished by the formation of small, pus-filled blisters on the skin. It may need treatment in the hospice as patients become unwell from fevers and chills. Except for that, it may require special treatments because traditional treatment approaches can easily irritate their skin. It can cause disability when the condition reaches to the palms and soles. Inverse or flexural psoriasis usually is affecting the area of the body where there is skin folding such as the armpits, groin, and webs of the toes. It is sometimes whitish in color and usually soft like a fungal infection. Understanding the various types of psoriasis can be beneficial in determining the strategy of treatment which will be used.

Find out how to cure Psoriasis for life the natural psoriasis treatment.

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What is Psoriasis and What to Do About This Disease

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:11:50 +0000

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin condition characterized by thick discolored patches of skin. It most typically affects adults, but younger children and teenagers can have it, as well. Because of its unsightly nature, people with psoriasis often feel very ashamed and embarrassed about having it and go through great lengths to cover it up in public. Understanding how to treat psoriasis is crucial in learning how to properly manage its symptoms. Having a general understanding of what it is and what causes it helps in understanding the treatment methods available.

Pronounced “suh-ry-uh-sus”, psoriasis is caused by an overreaction of the immune system, which then causes skin inflammation and skin flaking. Normally, in skin where psoriasis is not present, new skin cells grow and are shed within about 4 weeks. Skin cells affected by psoriasis, however, grow at a much faster rate and do not shed like healthy skin cells should. The result is a build up of excess skin, which is referred to as psoriasis plaques.

Many fear that psoriasis is contagious, but it is not and there is no chance at all of it being spread by coming in contact with a person who has it. Psoriasis may be hereditary, as it does seem to run in some families. However, researchers are not yet sure of exactly how it is passed through family members.

Once a person has psoriasis, there are certain conditions that trigger its flare-ups. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

· Stress
· Certain types of mental illness (and certain medications used in treatment)
· Cigarette smoking (particularly in women)
· Certain medications (especially high blood pressure medications or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
· Cold and/or very dry weather

Psoriasis symptoms can seem to come and go, even without treatment. Also, some people only have a very mild case while others experience far more severe symptoms. When symptoms do arise, the following are the most recognizable:

· Thick skin rash (generally located on the hands, feet, knees, elbows, scalp or lower back areas)
· Rash may be red, white or a silver looking color
· Itchiness
· Tender skin

In more severe cases of psoriasis, people can experience arthritic symptoms known as psoriatic arthritis. People with this type of psoriasis commonly complain of swollen, painful joints. Severe psoriasis even sometimes causes a loss of finger and toe nails as a result of dead skin building beneath both surfaces and pushing the nail out of the nail bed.

Psoriasis treatments largely consist of managing and controlling flare-ups by reducing the probability of them through lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is important that a person with psoriasis take the following daily precautions:

· Avoid stress as much as possible
· Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight
· Keep the immune system strong and avoid infections, such as strep throat, which can trigger a psoriasis outbreak
· Avoid excessive exposure to the sun (and especially avoid sunburns)
· Avoid all skin injuries (including even minor injuries to the skin surrounding the fingernails and toenails)
· Avoid medications that trigger or increase psoriasis symptoms
· Avoid cigarette smoking
· Avoid alcohol consumption

Proper skin care is always in order for those with psoriasis. This includes keeping the skin as moist as possible throughout the day. A person with psoriasis should make an effort to discover which bath and skincare products work best in this effort and use those products regularly. For some, products containing Aloe Vera gel may be particularly soothing to the skin.

If psoriasis appears in the scalp, there are over the counter shampoos that can help with this condition. Psoriasis shampoos are normally found alongside dandruff shampoos and are known to be very effective. Regular shampoos may contain alcohol and other ingredients, which deplete the skin’s moisture and should, therefore, be avoided by those who suffer from psoriasis.

Although over exposure to sunlight can cause sunburn or otherwise trigger symptoms of psoriasis, short daily exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet lighting is recommended in controlling psoriasis. Regular sunlight exposure for approximately 15 – 20 minutes at a time may help. If this amount of time begins to irritate or dry skin too much, consider reducing it to a level that feels more comfortable.

Skin patches that appear during a psoriasis flare-up are often itchy and uncomfortable. It is never recommended that these be scratched, however, as this could cause further injure the skin, cause a worsening of symptoms or infection. Instead, a person can try to moisturize and soften the patches before attempting to pull them from the skin. However, never forcefully tear patches away, as this could further damage skin and cause conditions to worsen.

Psoriasis is considered a chronic condition and, though it can go into remission for long periods of time, it is generally one that people must live with forever. However, with adequate skin care and by avoiding conditions that trigger flare-ups, a person with psoriasis can manage the condition well and help minimize its occurrences. When psoriasis symptoms do surface, following the simple steps outlined above are beneficial and should be regularly practiced for best results. In severe cases, including those that are accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, medical treatment can provide relief.

Those with more severe cases of psoriasis are often noted to experience bouts of depression and feelings of low self-esteem. Research has even shown that people with severe symptoms often report problems engaging in daily activities in the same ways that are recognized among cancer patients or those with heart disease. Because stress largely contributes to psoriasis, these conditions can lead to seemingly never-ending cycles of psoriasis flare-ups. If you or someone you know is emotionally affected by psoriasis, it is important to note that support groups for people living with psoriasis or emotional counseling with a qualified therapist may help. Even in the most severe cases of psoriasis, there are empowering steps, such as those previously described, which a person can and must make in order to improve their overall quality of life and largely reduce the impact that psoriasis can have on daily living.

Bernadette Maclennan

We at East Coast Dermatology, understand that there are two main reasons why patients visit a dermatologist. The first one is to treat a problem and the other one is to look better. We offer a full range of services including detection, analysis, and treatment of various skin conditions, both medically necessary and aesthetic. We treat sun damaged skin, acne in teenagers, red rash in babies, skin cancer, skin lesions, hair disorders, nail disorders, psoriasis skin of color, actinic keratoses, eczema and rosacea.

We are committed to explaining your medical problem and guiding you through the medical or cosmetic solutions and options for your treatment. Knowledge about your particular problem will improve the outcome of your treatment. Your questions are always welcome and are a valuable part of our patient-doctor relationship.

Please do not hesitate to call our office to set up an appointment or an evaluation or treatment.

East Coast Dermatology is a Leading Charleston Dermatology provider.

Do You Have Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms Or is it Just Dandruff?

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:54:42 +0000

It is often difficult to tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff. This is because both share similar symptoms such as itchy scalp and white flakes of dead skin cells. However, there is a difference between these two scalp problems and it’s important to know the difference in order to seek the correct treatment.

The first thing to note is that psoriasis may be the underlying cause of dandruff. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by immune system and a genetic predisposition to psoriasis. Quite often if a member of your family has psoriasis, you may have inherited the genes. However, not all people who have the psoriasis genes go on to develop psoriasis. People of any age can get psoriasis: children, teenagers, adults and older people. Psoriasis tends to affect males and females equally.

As mentioned, both scalp psoriasis and dandruff can cause similar symptoms. Scalp psoriasis can be triggered off by anything from cuts, abrasions, scratches and even sunburn. More often than not a flare up will happen in winter: the skin becomes flaky and dry because of a lack of natural sunlight. With scalp psoriasis, the patches are commonly seen on the back of the head but can be seen on other areas of the scalp or even cover the entire scalp. The psoriasis may not be confined just to the scalp. Scaly, silvery patches may appear on areas such as elbows, knees, lower back, groin and other body folds.

Dandruff, on the other hand, is primarily caused by naturally occurring fungus, the Malassezia yeast that feeds on the natural oils of the skin. This causes the skin to shed more quickly and to itch. Other possible causes of dandruff include not brushing hair regularly, not enough shampooing, dry skin, diet and stress. Mild dandruff often occurs after puberty, usually between 20-30 years, and tends to affect more men than women.

The treatments for both scalp psoriasis and dandruff tend to be similar. Treatments include using shampoos that contain coal tar and salicyclic acid or topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation. Since dandruff is caused by fungus, using an anti-fungal shampoo to inhibit the growth of the fungi usually does the trick.

The difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff is that scalp psoriasis may be more resistant to regular treatment. If specific shampoos or steroid creams do not work, then your physician may recommend exposure to ultraviolet light to help the skin repair itself. If this doesn’t work, then oral retinoids may be prescribed, but usually as a last resort.

Now you know that even though scalp psoriasis and dandruff look similar in appearance, there are different causes which may require slightly different treatments.

Having either scalp psoriasis or dandruff need not be the end of the world: there are a lot of effective products and help available. If you think you have scalp psoriasis or any other form of psoriasis, study the psoriasis symptoms and consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. You should be aware that as well as conventional treatments, there are also natural psoriasis treatments.

Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.

The Top Five Natural Psoriasis Cream Ingredients

admin — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:47:45 +0000

There are so many natural psoriasis creams on the market that it can often be difficult to decide which cream is the best one to use and which ingredients to watch out for. Here are my top five natural psoriasis cream ingredients: Oregon grape, aloe vera, Dead Sea salts, tea tree oil and vitamin E. My choice is based upon both scientific and empirical evidence.

1. Oregon Grape
Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub with purple berries that look almost like grapes. It is native to the American northwest and has been found to have medicinal properties. Studies have shown that the Oregon grape contains a high concentration of berberine which has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Recent clinical trials found that using the Oregon grape in a topical cream is significantly more effective than other treatments and they concluded that it is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. Oregon grape can be used in tincture, ointment and cream form. Many people have found that taking a combination of oral tincture and topical cream does the trick.

2. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has long been used in a variety of ailments. When taken internally it helps treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems and when used topically it can treat burns, wounds and skin diseases. Aloe vera contains many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars and amino acids which has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and analgesic properties.

There have been very few clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of aloe vera for psoriasis, but the ones that have been undertaken have shown aloe vera in cream or gel form to be extremely beneficial. From my own experience, taking aloe vera gel internally helps boost the immune system and improves energy levels, whilst used on the skin it soothes burns and bites and clears spots. I have recommended an aloe vera and propolis cream to a friend with psoriasis who found that it really helped.

3. Dead Sea Salts
Many people have found that using Dead Sea Salts improved their psoriasis. In fact, studies in Israel have shown that bathing daily in the Dead Sea completely cleared the psoriasis in over 80% of sufferers. Dead Sea Salts contain a high concentration of minerals and salt which scientists found reduced inflammation, itching and skin roughness. There are two effective ways to treat psoriasis with Dead Sea Salts. The first is to put the salts in your bath water and soak for at least 20 minutes and the second is to use a Dead Sea Salt cream to soothe the skin.

4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia plant which is native to Australia. In recent years it has become extremely popular for treating many conditions because of its proven anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, tea tree has become an ingredient of many products used to treat psoriasis and other skin diseases. Unfortunately, very little research has been done specifically on the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis. However, some studies have reported that tea tree oil is beneficial for treating scalp psoriasis and dandruff. In fact, there are many shampoos containing tea tree oil which claim to treat dry, itchy scalps and to keep the scalp free of bacteria.

5. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an ingredient of many skin care products because of its antioxidant properties which are vital in protecting the skin cells from damaging free radicals. Even though there is very little evidence to suggest that Vitamin E is effective in treating skin diseases, many people have found benefit using creams containing Vitamin E because it helps to soften the skin and relieve itching and irritation.

Of course, there are many ingredients that can help treat the symptoms of psoriasis, and I have only talked about my top five natural psoriasis cream ingredients. For more information about the best psoriasis creams take a look at my Clear Skin Guide website where you can also check out the other natural psoriasis treatments.

Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.

Treating Psoriasis With Natural Home Remedies

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:43:21 +0000

As a long term sufferer of psoriasis, I know what it can be like living with the disease. It effects each person differently and can make life hell for those who suffer with the worst symptoms. Common symptoms include flaky skin, red patches, itchiness and pain. Symptoms can come and go or they can be constant. Unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis and it can take years to find a treatment that works to reduce your individual symptoms.

Prescription treatments have been scientifically researched and been through vigorous clinical trials to prove that they are safe and can have benefits. However, even the strongest medical treatments do not work for every victim of psoriasis. It is worthwhile looking for natural remedies that you can carry out at home using natural products. Although some people do have adverse reactions to natural products, these are rare and the benefits can be extraordinary.

Below are some of the natural remedies that psoriasis sufferers have tried and found to help them.

Food: Spices are known to have a healing effect and Chinese medicine makes use of a variety of natural products we would associate with food. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities that have been proven to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with psoriasis and can be taken with food or as a supplement. Unusual but effective, cabbage leaves which have had the large veins removed and been washed in purified water can be useful as a compress, reducing swelling and itchiness.

Oil: Natural oils that are derivatives of food and plants can have moisturising effects and help to reduce the flaky skin that most psoriasis victims suffer from. Olive oil, cashew nut oil, garlic oil and Aloe Vera can all ease symptoms when used regularly.

Natural Products: Substances that grow naturally but are not linked to food or plants can also have an effect. Sea salt can help to remove flaky skin cells and sterilise the affected areas. Salt is particularly effective when followed with the application of oil. Mud is also a natural remedy that has been known to draw toxins away from the affected area, cool itching and relieve swelling.

It is not guaranteed that any of these remedies will work for you, especially if you have extremely severe attacks of psoriasis. However, you may find that using oils and bathing in salt water will ease your symptoms at the least. There are other natural remedies being discovered all the time and many companies use them as the main ingredient in some of their products. Reading testaments from fellow sufferers will help to discover if any of these products could help you, just remember to keep seeking advice from your doctor and stop using any substance that has an adverse reaction. Your health and safety is the most important thing.

Author Mark Woodcock is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site on Eczema and Psoriasis. Visit http://www.saponaqua.com today.