Many Herbally Radiant customers
suffer from skin allergies and skin disorders like psoriasis. Besides
embarrassingly visible, this takes psychological toll severely with disrupted
social interactions and self-image issues.
What is psoriasis? It is
a common, chronic condition in which the skin develops red, itchy patches and
thick, silvery scales. Autoimmunity is suspected as the core problem, and the
course of the disease typically involves periods of symptom flares alternating
with periods of remission.
The human body produces new skin
cells at the lowest skin level. Gradually those cells move up through the
layers of skin until they reach the outermost level, where they eventually die
and flake off. The whole cycle - skin cell production to skin death and flaking
off - takes between 21-28 days. In psoriasis, the cycle takes only between 2 to
6 days; resulting in a rapid buildup of cells on the skin’s surface, causing
red, flaky, scaly, crusty patches covered with silvery scales, which are then shed.
What are the symptoms? The hallmark of psoriasis is the appearance of one or more
small patches of thick skin. These areas are usually not painful, but are
readily visible, often embarrassing.
Experts are not sure what causes
psoriasis. Most believe there is a genetic component that can be triggered by a
prolonged injury to the skin, skin infections, sunburns, cuts or scrapes, excessive
alcohol consumption, smoking, mental stress, and over-medications.
Natural remedies:
Aloe Vera: Gel
from the aloe plant can be applied to the skin up to three times a day. Research
shows it can help reduce redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. Look
for creams containing 0.5% aloe.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Used
by ancient cultures as a disinfectant, it may help relieve scalp itch from
psoriasis. Some people dilute it with water on a 1-to-1 ratio that helps
prevent a burning sensation. Skip this remedy if your scalp skin is cracked, or
has open wounds, or bleeds.
Dead Sea Salts : Adding
Dead Sea or Epsom salts to bath water and soaking in the tub for about 15
minutes may help remove scales and ease itching. Be sure to moisturize skin thereafter.
Oats : Considered
one of nature's best skin soothers, oat paste, or taking bath in oats has been
found to relieve itchy skin and reduce redness.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is from the leaves of a
plant that is native to Australia. Tea tree oil is believed to have antiseptic
qualities and can be applied to the skin. Some people find using shampoos with
tea tree oil helps relieve their scalp psoriasis.
Turmeric : This
herb is being frequently studied for its powerful anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric also has
the ability to alter gene expression. A 2012 review by the International Union
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology highlights turmeric's ability to alter
TNF cytokine expression. This is the likely reason some patients find it
helpful in minimizing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares.
Mahonia Aquifolium (Oregon Grape) : Mahonia
is a powerful antimicrobial herb that plays a role in immune response. Studies
show that applying a cream containing
10% mahonia is effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
(In serious cases, consult
your doctor. Also, do not take some
herbal remedies if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have medical conditions such as diabetes or
high blood pressure.)
Dietary changes: Follow an
anti-inflammatory diet, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables,
particularly those rich in carotenoids (mangoes, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots
and squash, as well as leafy greens and tomatoes).
Herbally Radiant physician is available, by appointment, for free consultation.
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