The Best Treatments for Dealing with Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. Psoriasis can affect different areas of the body. Choosing a psoriasis treatment can be difficult, as people react differently to different treatments. While choosing a treatment, it is important to consult your doctor and to discuss your psoriasis symptoms. This article deals with:

• What are the different forms of psoriasis?
• How psoriasis can be prevented?
• Which is the most common form of psoriasis?

Choosing a psoriasis treatment can be difficult, as people react differently to different treatments. While choosing a treatment, it is important to consult your doctor and to discuss your psoriasis symptoms. Specific psoriasis conditions (like scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis or pustular psoriasis) may require different treatment.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. There are different forms of psoriasis (including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic). Psoriasis can also affect different areas of the body (including scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis, psoriasis on the face, psoriasis on the hands and feet and psoriasis of the nails).

Usually people have only one type of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes psoriasis can change from one form of psoriasis to another. It is most likely to appear on the scalp, knees, elbows or torso, but it can develop anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not infectious and cannot be caught from another person.

People suffering from psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but not as severe. It may affect the fingers, toes, neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, it can cause irreversible damage to joints.

SCALP PSORIASIS

About fifty percent of people suffering from psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the body producing too many skin cells on the scalp, resulting in red lesions covered with a white scale (made up of dead skin cells). In extreme cases of scalp psoriasis, thick plaques can cover the scalp and cause hair loss.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to be a genetic condition. It seems that the immune system speeds up the growth of new skin cells, so that the skin cells pile up. Often, there is something that triggers the immune system to act in this way and the resulting psoriasis. Some of the triggers that can cause psoriasis are:

• Stress;
• Injury to the skin;
• Infection;
• Reaction to drugs;
• Vaccinations;
• Sunburn;
• Scratches;
• Weather;
• Diet;
• Allergies.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. People suffering from plaque psoriasis will develop 'lesions' on their skin, which are covered by a white scale (from dead skin cells). The skin will also be itchy.

Remedies

Treatment for psoriasis depends on the type of psoriasis you are suffering from and the psoriasis treatment that works best for you. Discuss any treatment with your doctor or skin specialist.

RELIEVING THE ITCH

One of the most uncomfortable things about psoriasis is the associated itchiness. Cool water can help relief this itchiness. Try a wet towel, a cold shower, a cold bath or a cold pack. Many of the medication and natural treatments mentioned below will also help combat the itchiness.

NATURAL REMEDIES

When considering treatment for psoriasis, it may be beneficial to know some of the natural treatments that are available. Although none of these treatments will cure psoriasis, they may relieve the symptoms and itchiness and help prevent further outbreaks from occurring. All natural treatments should be discussed with your doctor, as it may affect any psoriasis treatment he or she prescribes.

• Baths can be beneficial by themselves in relieving itchiness. Oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts can help remove the scales and also help in soothing itchiness.
• Aloe Vera is often used to soothe and moisturize skin.
• Apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe the skin. You may also add it to a bath.
• Capsaicin is found in cayenne peppers. It can help treat red, scaly and itchy skin.
• Evening primrose oil can be found in cream or lotion form. It can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.
• Tea tree can be applied to the skin or added to baths.
• Fish oil, taken as a supplement, can help improve the symptoms associated with psoriasis.
• Milk thistle can be purchased in tablet or fluid form. It helps stop T-cell activation.
• Turmeric can help relieve psoriatic arthritis.