Psoriasis is a serious, uncomfortable and disfiguring condition, where the skin erupts in red, silvery white, raw, scaling, intense itchy lesions with clearly defined borders. The fingernails are also frequently involved, showing pitting or thickening.
The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while.
Normal skin cells take up to a month to mature, but in patients with psoriasis this process is shortened to 5 to 7 days, producing excessive skin cells that cause the skin to thicken in raised red areas with silvery scales.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the skin, commonly:
- Face / inside mouth
- Soles of the feet
- Elbows / Palms
- Knees / Legs
- Groin / genitals
- Scalp / occiput
- lower back
- Fingernails / toenails – showing pitting or thickening.
COMMON CAUSES & TRIGGERS
As with many skin disorders, most doctors or researchers are unsure about what causes psoriasis but is thought to be an immune system problem that causes skin cells to grow faster than usual. Other factors may include:
- Genetic or inherited
- Viral or bacterial skin or strep throat infections
- Weather, especially cold, dry conditions
- An increased number of T cells in the blood, dermis and epidermis (skin layers)
- Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape or severe sunburn
- A bug bite
- Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids
- Poor diet
- Abnormal small intestine absorbency
- Difficulty digesting protein
- Emotional stress
- Hormonal disturbance or changes
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Poor liver function
- Genetically inherited
- Obesity
- Sedentary or unhealthy Lifestyle
- Weaker immune system
- Dry skin
- Cold water
- Use of certain medications like beta-blockers, steroids, lithium, anti-malarial, blood pressure and ibuprofen etc.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
- Usually affects both sides of body symmetrically.
- Well circumscribed red, dry, flat plaques of various sizes, covered with scales.
- Removal of scales gives rise to pin-point bleeding points.
- Lesions are coin shaped or circular with central clearing.
- Rashes that vary in color, tending to be shades of purple with gray scale on brown or Black skin and pink or red with silver scale on white skin
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Joints can get affected especially finger joints known as psoriatic arthritis.
- Nails frequently become pitted and thick with brownish black discoloration.
- Pain, flaking and itching.
- Loose skin or lesions that can be sensitive.
- Dandruff on the scalp
- Cracked, discoloured skin that easily bleeds and bruises
- Discoloration in the finger and toenails or growth of toenail fungus
- Nails that detach from the nail beds and can be painful or bloody.
- Emotional problems, feeling embarrassed and hopeless about their skin.
DIETARY MANAGEMENT
The most successful treatment is to find the root cause of the problem rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Most diseases of the skin have a direct link to the lung and large intestine network, which also governs the immune system. When the lungs are weak and attacked by pathogenic wind or microbes, the skin doesn’t receive proper nourishment.
Heat toxins in the blood can also manifest as skin disease. Psoriasis is best treated when the underlying conditions are addressed either by dispersing the wind or clearing the heat and toxins from the skin.
The Psoriasis Diet – Our diet is the basis for good health, and it’s no different when it comes to treating psoriasis. What we eat eventually ends up in our skin. Many of our foods today contain chemical and artificial ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and irritate the immune system.
Probiotic foods can help remove toxic substances, support digestion, reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Organic, raw, cultured dairy like kefir, yogurt and cultured vegetables are good sources.
High-fibre foods — By intake of high-fibre foods you can help to keep your digestive system healthy, which helps avoid constipation and keep your natural detoxification processes on track. Fruits, vegetables, beans and seeds are all rich in fibre.
Eat a wholesome diet – with foods that nourish the skin – lowering high acidity – helping balance pH levels.
Foods high in antioxidants — Antioxidant consumption is especially important since psoriasis sufferers are at a greater risk for cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants include vegetables, fruits, herbs, beans, nuts, goji berries, wild blueberries, pecans, cilantro and kidney beans etc.
Foods high in zinc — Zinc is critical for keeping skin healthy. Zinc helps reduce pain and joint swelling for psoriasis sufferers. Grass-fed beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, kefir and chickpeas are all great sources of zinc.
Foods high in vitamin A —which is critical for skin healing. Reliable sources of vitamin A includes cantaloupe, carrots, mango, oranges, yellow & dark leafy vegetables, tomatoes, kale, collard greens and watermelon.
Wild-caught fish — Fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are both key to improving psoriasis. Vitamin D is clinically proven to help fight psoriasis.
Include high levels of essential fatty acids in diet – which are found in, avocado, raw virgin cold pressed olive oil, nuts and seeds especially Linseed.
Raw dairy — Raw milk is a much healthier choice than conventional milk. Rich in vitamin D and enzymes, raw dairy products can be therapeutic to psoriasis.
- Favour broccoli, dandelion greens, mung beans, lentils, split peas, chickpeas, black beans, lima beans, pinto beans, seaweed, pearl barley, oats, adzuki beans, water chestnuts, winter squash, winter melon, watermelon, carrots, brewer’s yeast, olives, raspberries, papaya, pineapple, cherries, peaches, apples, pears, raisins, and grapes.
- Water is essential for cleansing the body. It tends to have better bowel habits and develop fewer allergic reactions. Drink at least 1.5 litres of water daily – dehydration can worsen skin conditions.
- Only use gentle, chemical free washing powder / fabric conditioner.
- Use natural based deodorants rather than antiperspirants.
- A regular exercise program is recommended – to help the body to eliminate toxins, improve oxygenation and blood filtration.
WHAT TO AVOID
- Exposure to temperature changes, cold or hot water, and detergents.
- Exposure to excess sunlight with strong UVA rays, as it can trigger psoriasis. (Small amounts of sun are helpful.)
- Dehydration and constipation, keep your skin moist.
- Harsh chemical creams, lotions and especially avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulphate foaming agents in bath and shower gels, shampoos and conditioners.
- Many naturopaths believe psoriasis outbreaks are triggered by the “leaky gut syndrome” and avoiding highly refined foods, excess sugar, caffeine and especially saturated and trans fats can be helpful – as can lowering dairy and wheat
- Processed foods, alcohol, conventional dairy and meats, hydrogenated oils and fried foods. You should also keep caffeine intake low. For some sufferers, a gluten-free diet helps improve symptoms. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are irritants that can worsen psoriasis.
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional upsets, can initiate flare-ups of psoriasis.
- Foods containing artificial additives, bleached white flour, soft drinks, spicy, deep-fried and greasy foods.
- All animal foods, including meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and shellfish, as well as highly allergenic foods such as wheat, corn, tomatoes, eggplant, peanuts, citrus fruits, and some soy products.
- Foods such as potatoes, peppers, paprika and tobacco, but most importantly tomatoes.
Avoid precipitating or trigger factors.
- Avoid food you are allergic to.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Avoid foods high in fat or sugar.
- Avoid non-vegetarian food – meat, poultry.
DO
Warmth may help to control relapses.
Do regular exercise helps by improving blood circulation.
Practicing yoga will help in reducing stress.
IN NUTSHELL – CONSUME
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat fresh and raw fruits and vegetables as they provide antioxidants and flavonoids which help in reducing inflammation and boosting up immunity.
- Consume figs and fish oil might help you feel better.
- Eat a well-balanced diet – Proper nutrition will improve general health and reduce the severity of the disease. Do not overeat even healthy foods.
- Limit intake of red meat and dairy products.
- Eat foods that contain psoralen before you walk out in sun – Celery, carrots, citrus, figs, fennel, and parsnips. It makes the skin more sun-sensitive to the positive effects of UV light. But do not over expose to sun.
- Consume oily fish, may help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis – mackerel, salmon, black cod, albacore tuna, herring and sardines.
- Have a low-calorie diet if you are over weight – about 1,200 calories per day. Some researches have shown relations between psoriasis and obesity.
- Consume gluten free diet, it benefits individuals with psoriasis (Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in some cereals, particularly wheat) – avoid wheat, rye, barley and oats they contain gluten.
- Increase intake of vitamin D.
- Increase intake of omega 3 fatty acids and reduce intake of omega 6 fatty acids (ratio of 2:1), omega 3 fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Food rich in omega 3: Canola oil, flaxseed, flax seed oil, walnuts and green leafy vegetables.
- Reduce (do not completely avoid) intake of food rich in omega 6: Cereals, vegetable oils, whole-grain breads, baked goods and margarines, eggs and poultry.
- Consume diet rich in vitamin A and zinc, helps in regeneration of the skin.
- Increase intake of vitamin C, it helps maintain healthy skin.
- Have coriander leaves frequently, its high in vitamin C and helps to maintain healthy skin.
- You can have 3-4 strands of saffron in milk, it is beneficial for skin.
- Basil leaves (tulsi) are said to be helpful in skin ailments, eat 3-4 fresh leaves daily.
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Are you concerned about your health or have been suffering from a chronic, recurrent health disorder?
A ready-made kit that comes with instructions as how to take or use the remedies etc., containing 2 homeopathic remedies and one external use application.
Give it a try, if you truly believe in Natural holistic remedies!
Ideally, complimentary remedies should go hand-in-hand with conventional treatment for optimal recovery, and you may take them along with your regular medicines, if any, for additional benefits!
All our remedies are prepared according to Hahnemann principles, using traditional method of dilution or succussion, by a fully qualified naturopath practitioner after a lot of research, proving and great success results from a number of our in-house patients having similar conditions – Still the results may vary from person to person!
You may need to continue taking these remedies from few weeks to few months or until the desired results – depending upon the severity and chronicity of your condition.
You may also contact us and speak to one of our naturopaths and to discuss any dietary requirements or allergies you may have, or ingredients used in preparation of the above kit.
If you are looking for a particular remedy or a kit not listed on this site, you may contact us, as we stock a wide range of complimentary remedies that you may need.
We also make tailor-made homeopathic remedies, as per your causative factors, physical & mental peculiar signs & symptoms etc., if you need any further information please feel free to message.
DISCLAIMER: Although, most natural remedies including herbal supplements, homeopathic remedies or aromatherapy formulations for external use etc., are generally very safe even in children and old age, we still recommend you to seek medical advice from your GP / personal health provider before making your purchase etc., if unsure.
Some patients may experience a little aggravation or worsening of their symptoms, specially in skin disorders – which is absolutely normal and a good sign, as most natural remedies tend to bring the disease in its expressive state – rather suppressing it deeper under the skin etc.
This complimentary remedies kit is taken with your own responsibility. Please avoid self-medication specially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have been suffering from any chronic or terminal medical conditions etc.
Due to strict UK regulations on the sale of medicinal products, we cannot give specific advice, without a face-to-face consultation.
