Diseases And Treatments
How To Cure Psoriasis Fast: Best Natural Treatment & Home Remedies
HOW TO CURE PSORIASIS FAST: BEST NATURAL TREATMENT & HOME REMEDIES
Statistical reports estimate that about 7.5 million people living in the U.S have psoriasis. While this number represents less than 2% of the entire U.S population, the increasing occurrences of psoriasis calls for some attention.
One good fact about psoriasis is that it is not a contagious disease. That is, you cannot contract psoriasis by getting in contact with someone suffering from the disease. However, like many other diseases, psoriasis there is no known cure for psoriasis, at least for now. The best that can happen is for the disease to go into remission, causing the skin to revert to its normal state.
There are measures that can be taken in order to manage the symptoms of the disease. These treatment methods can be as simple as applying anti-psoriasis creams on the affected skin area or as complex as exposing the affected skin to ultraviolet light.
In this article, we shall focus our beam on natural ways of treating psoriasis that can be done at home.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is marked by dry, red patches on the skin, which I is covered with scales. This is a chronic disease that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells making the cells to accumulate on the epidermis and the extra cells forming scales and the patches.
The areas of the skin usually affected by psoriasis include the knees, elbows, and scalp. However, this does not mean that psoriasis may not affect other areas of the skin, as the legs, neck and nails may also be affected.
Types of psoriasis
Basically, there are five major types of psoriasis namely:
- Plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris: This is the most common type of psoriasis. Of the nearly 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis, about 5.5 million ? about 80% of the total U.S. psoriasis population ? are plaque psoriasis cases. This type of psoriasis is characterized by red patches covering the skin which are covered by plaques. Plaque psoriasis usually affects the scalp, knees, and elbows.
- Inverse psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis causes inflammation of the affected skin with smooth red patches. This type of psoriasis normally affects the armpits, groin area, or around the genitalia.
- Guttate psoriasis: This form of psoriasis is common in children, and is marked by small pink spots around the arms, torso, and legs. The patches or lesions are not as raised as those in plaque psoriasis. The main cause of guttate psoriasis is the bacteria called streptococcus.
- Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is a rare kind of psoriasis that mostly affects adults. This type of psoriasis is marked by recurring blisters that have pus and are located in small areas like the hands and fingernails.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is the rarest form of psoriasis. Unlike most other types of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can affect a large area of the skin at a time making the skin look as if it is sunburned. In addition to being the least common form of psoriasis, this type of the disease is also the most dangerous as it can lead to death.
Other rare forms of psoriasis include nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Causes of psoriasis
Although there are various factors that contribute to the development of psoriasis, such as genetics, the exact cause of the disease remains unclear. A hypothesis suggests that the disease may be due to a malfunctioning of T cells in the immune system. Hence, psoriasis may be classified as an autoimmune disorder.
That said, psoriasis may result from the effect of various factors. Common factors that increase the risk of developing psoriasis include:
- Smoking
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Genetics
- Stress
- Sunburn
- Skin injuries
- Obesity
- Infections
- Consumption of certain drugs
Symptoms of psoriasis
Since there are different types of psoriasis, the symptoms of the disease can vary across persons.? With that said, the following are some of the most common symptoms of psoriasis:
- Itching and soreness of skin
- Red patches of skin with scales
- Dry skin with crack or bleeding
- Thick nails with holes
- Scalp dandruff
- White scales on the patches
- Stiff and swollen joints
Natural remedies for psoriasis
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for years in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. This anti-inflammatory property of ACV is what makes it an effective remedy for psoriasis. In addition, ACV has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can benefit psoriasis sufferers. The use of apple cider vinegar in the treatment of psoriasis symptoms should be limited to scales and patches and not be used when there is a crack in the skin.
- De-stress: Stress does so much harm to the body. People who suffer from psoriasis can benefit by reducing their stress levels. You can de-stress naturally by practicing yoga or meditation. Doing this will help to prevent the aggravation of psoriasis symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol has been linked with psoriasis. Thus, reducing the intake of alcoholic beverages, or completely avoiding alcohol consumption will help to improve the symptoms of psoriasis.
- Tea tree oil: Topical application of tea tree oil on psoriasis patches is another natural and simple way of reducing the itching and plaques. Remember to first dilute the tea tree oil in a carrier oil like olive oil before applying.
- Oregano grape: Also called Mahonia aquifolium, oregano grape is another effective home remedy for psoriasis symptoms. Oregano grape has been confirmed as a home remedy for psoriasis symptoms. A recent study conducted in Germany found that more than 80% of people who were given oregano grape experienced improvements in the symptoms. You should, however, use this remedy after due consultation with a doctor as oregano grape has been shown to have drug interactions.
- Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water during the day helps the body in many ways. Water is needed for many operations in the body such as in digestion and in metabolism. Thus, taking more water than the recommended average is important. This is particularly beneficial to psoriasis sufferers because a hydrated system functions optimally.
- Acupuncture: Psoriatic arthritis can be treated using acupuncture. This is due to the fact that acupuncture is a natural way of treating chronic pain conditions.
- Quit smoking: We already listed smoking as one of the risk factors that contribute to psoriasis development. Thus, stopping the habit is a natural way of reducing the risk of the disease as well as in reducing the symptoms. Second-hand or indirect smoking is also to be avoided if you have psoriasis.
- Relax in the sun: Exposing your skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun is another natural way of treating psoriasis symptoms. Besides, we already stated that exposure to UV light is an effective method of treating psoriasis. Furthermore, relaxing in the sun is a good way of getting vitamin D, whose deficiency is another risk factor for psoriasis.
- Cayenne pepper: Hot peppers like cayenne pepper and black pepper are loaded in antioxidants like capsaicin, which is a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin can help to reduce the inflammation in the skin and also in reducing the itching.
- Fish oil: Fish oil is one of the best sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are considered to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis by inhibiting the action of arachidonic acid responsible for the swelling.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is the source of the spice?s anti-inflammatory property. In addition to curcumin?s anti-inflammatory property, it also helps in combating the effects of free radicals in the body that can also contribute to the development of psoriasis. You can use turmeric by pouring a teaspoon of the powder in water and drinking or by sprinkling it on your food.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is used in treating many skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory, emollient, and wound-healing properties of aloe vera are beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis symptoms such as itchy and swollen skin can be improved by rubbing aloe vera gel on the affected area.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the body. Psoriasis inflammation can be reduced by introducing probiotics in the body, according to a 2013 study in the Gut Microbes
- Oatmeal bath: Anecdotal reports about the use of oatmeal baths as a remedy for psoriasis symptoms suggest that it can be an effective treatment. Symptoms such as the redness and itching can be reduced by having an oatmeal bath.
- Epsom salt bath: If you find the idea of having an oatmeal bath uncomfortable, then you can try having an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is loaded with many minerals including magnesium and sulfur that can help in improving psoriasis symptoms. All you have to do is to pour some Epsom salt in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soak yourself in it.
- Exercise: Some psoriasis symptoms can be reduced by regularly exercising. This is because regular exercise helps in boosting the body?s immune system. Furthermore, during exercise, the body releases gets rid of waste materials by sweating.
- Milk thistle: Milk thistle can also be used as a remedy for psoriasis symptoms. According to research, milk thistle contains silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes the plant quite beneficial for psoriasis patients. You can get milk thistle extracts from stores in the capsule or tablet form.
- Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed oil is another rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Adding flaxseed oil to your meals is a good way of improving the inflammation associated with psoriasis.
While this is an article about natural methods of reducing psoriasis symptoms, it is important that you first consult with your dermatologist before going on with any of the aforementioned remedies.
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