What is Psoriasis, Symptoms & Treatment

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder which may affect any part of the body, but most often the elbows, knees, shins, scalp, and lower back. The characteristic bright pink or red plaques covered with silvery scaling are caused by a thickening of the outer skin layers.

Psoriasis tends to run in families and usually begins in adolescence. Cold damp conditions, stress, anxiety, or an acute illness (such as tonsillitis) may all be triggers. There is also an association with arthritis of the fingers or toes. Psoriasis does not usually cause itching, nor is it contagious.

Symptoms
• pain (rather than itching), with cracks appearing in the dry areas of the hands and feet
• pustules on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• glazed but not scaly plaques in moist areas of the body (flexural psoriasis)
• distortion and pitting of the nails in some cases

TREATMENT

Chinese Herbalism 
Dittany bark and puncture vine fruit may help with itching.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Take at least 1 tablespoonful of olive oil a day and at least one raw vegetable salad. Garlic is cleansing, and may ease the symptoms and prevent attacks.

Herbalism 
Licorice, for the inflammation of psoriasis. Yarrow used twice weekly in bath water has proved beneficial in some cases. Nettle tea and products based on nettles may be helpful.

Aromatherapy 
Sedative and antidepressant oils such as lavender and chamomile can help to reduce the stress that exacerbates the condition. Use in the bath, massage, and skin creams. Bergamot essential oil, cajeput, and Roman chamomile can all be used as a beneficial massage oil. They may also be added to a bath, or placed in a vaporizer.

Homeopathy 
Kali ars., for scaly skin aggravated by warmth. Arsenicum, for burning, hot areas, and feeling chilly and restless. Graphites, for psoriasis that is worse behind the ears and weeping. Sulfur, for patches that become worse after a bath and in heat. Petroleum, when the condition is worse in winter.

Flower Essences 
Impatiens is very useful for people whose rashes are associated with feelings of irritability and impatience. Take internally or mix into a neutral cream. Rescue Remedy, taken internally or used externally in a cream or wash, treats most skin troubles. Crab Apple is the cleansing remedy. It works well when added to water for washing and baths. 

Vitamins and Minerals 
Increase your intake of vitamin A (as beta carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, B-complex vitamins as part of a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, and also protein.