Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which can be very painful and quite frustrating. One of the telltale signs of psoriasis is thick, red, silvery, scaled patches of skin that usually flake and itch. With psoriasis, new skin cells reproduce rapidly to the surface of the skin within days, rather than the normal growth period of a few weeks. These skin cells build up and form thick patches (plaques). While a doctor should treat severe psoriasis, many home remedies can be used to treat mild cases of psoriasis.

Psoriasis affects both males and females equally and is more common between the ages of fifteen to thirty, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious and you can’t “catch” psoriasis from touching someone who has it.

Psoriasis Symptoms

The following are common symptoms of psoriasis:

• Patches (or plaques) of red, irritated skin (may be slightly raised) that may be covered with bright silvery scales
• Scaling spots
• Itching, burning or soreness of skin
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Change in fingernails and toenails—thickened, pitted or ridged nails that change color and separate from the nail bed
• Swollen, stiff and painful joints—restricted movement of the joints
• Emotional distress

Psoriasis patches can vary. You may experience dandruff-like scaling in a few areas or there could be major eruptions over large areas. Patches usually occur on the scalp, elbows, hands, knees, feet, chest, back, arms, legs, toenails and fingernails. Although psoriasis is more common in adults, teens and children can also develop psoriasis.

Mild cases of psoriasis can be a nuisance and many people who suffer from it may avoid swimming and other situations where patches can be seen. More severe cases of psoriasis can be very painful and even disfiguring.

Most types of psoriasis involve cycles:

1. Flaring for a few weeks or months
2. Flaring subsides or goes into remission
3. Flaring returns (in most instances)

Psoriasis Causes

Researchers believe that psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system which results in the inflammation and flaking of skin. The immune system consists of a type of white blood cell called a T call which aids in protecting the body from infection and disease. Scientists think that psoriasis is related to an overproduction of T cells in the skin. The T cells trigger inflammation and increased reproduction of skin cells, which leads to inflammation, and flaking of skin.

Heredity can also play a role in the development of psoriasis. If you have a family history of psoriasis, you chances of having the disease are increased. Read this article from eMedicine Health to find out about 7 new genetic clues for psoriasis to find out more.

Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis may occur or worsen due to various triggers. You may be able to figure out what factors triggers your psoriasis and find ways to try and avoid them.

• Stress
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Hormone changes—disease occurrence may peak during puberty and menopause. Pregnant women with psoriasis may experience an improvement in their symptoms. However, during the postpartum period, psoriasis may flare up.
• Overexposure to sunlight—short periods of sun exposure can help reduce psoriasis in most people, but too much skin can damage the skin and sunburn can cause flare ups.
• Cold weather
• Infections—strep throat, oral thrush
• Skin injuries—cut, scrape, insect bite, sunburn
• Medications—lithium, blood pressure medicines, iodides, antimalarial drugs

Psoriasis Home Remedies

Below are skin care treatments and home remedies to help ease the pain of psoriasis:

• Keep your skin moist by using creams, lotions, pills, baths, or soaks.
• Carefully remove psoriasis crusts by gently putting cream on them and then peeling the loose crusts off. This can help your skin to absorb lotions and creams. Be careful not to irritate the skin.
• Take a bath with hot Epsom salts then apply a little olive oil. Keep your skin clean with dry friction or daily sponging.
• Aloe Vera can help to soothe the skin.
• Cabbage leaves—make sure they are thick and green. Wash the cabbage leaves in warm water, dry with a towel, flatten them (you may want to use a rolling pin), make sure they are warm and apply to the affected area. Put a pad or cloth over them and secure with a bandage.
• Avocado oil has been proven very beneficial in treating psoriasis. Gently rub the oil into the affected areas.
• Buttermilk helps to relieve the pain and itch. You can drink it in liberal quantities or you can use it as a compress over the affected parts.
• Take Vitamin E in doses of 400 mg per day to help reduce itching and scab formation.
• Take 6 to 9 lecithin capsules a day (2 or 3 before or after each meal).

–Nolan

Do you have any home remedies for psoriasis? Comment and tell us about them!

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