Treating Psoriasis Naturally
August 17, 2009
Psoriasis can affect anybody irrespective of age and gender. This is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly and dry patches on any part of the skin. Besides the skin, psoriasis can also occur on the nails.
Knees, elbows, lower back and scalp are the areas particularly prone to psoriasis. Fortunately, psoriasis rarely develops on the face. Sometimes psoriasis may cause arthritis.
Psoriasis causes
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. In normal circumstances, the immune cells of your body produces antibodies to kill invading germs. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system of the body considers certain part of the body as its enemy and starts attacking it.
Psoriasis is one such condition, in which the immune cells, known as T-cells, attack the skin cells, increasing the multiplication process of the skin cells. In healthy skins, it takes about 28 to 30 days between the birth and death of a skin cell. In case of psoriasis, cell multiplication becomes nearly 7 times faster. The outer skin layer is poorly formed, causing inflammation and scaly patches.
This might be a genetic condition that runs in the family. According to some studies, stress might trigger psoriasis. Extreme climatic conditions, that tend to dry our skins, might cause psoriasis. Psoriasis might be the side effect of certain skin care products. Food allergens can also cause this skin condition.
Applying moisturizers on the effected area could help to reduce the dryness and itching. Tar is often used for alleviating the condition. Salicylic acid is also used for treating psoriasis.
To reduce the itching, dilute apple cider vinegar with water in the ratio of 1:9, and apply it on the effected area. Saline water can be applied on the effected areas to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
It is seen that seawater can be extremely effective in treating psoriasis. Dead Sea salt baths are often recommended for psoriasis sufferers. Regular consumption of flax seed oil can help to heal psoriasis.
Increasing intake of vitamin D can also help to reduce the symptoms of the disease. If you are prone to psoriasis, avoid using fragranced detergents and harsh chemicals.
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