Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis affects 80 million people worldwide. At least two per cent of people have the skin condition to a degree, whether it's in one toe nail or over most of the surface of the skin. It's caused by acceleration in the skin's replacement process. Skin cells take between 21 to 28 days to mature and replace dying and dead cells. Psoriatic cells mature in around two to three days and are then present with dead and living cells in visible layers on the skin. Psoriasis has the appearance of raised red patches with silvery scales, and although it can be found on any part of the body is most common on knees, elbows, and scalp, usually with some accompanied irritation.
While there is no permanent for cure for psoriasis, there is a host of reported natural remedies. Sunlight is said to be a very good short term remedy for psoriasis especially when combined with bathing in seawater. Thousands of individuals with psoriasis and other skin conditions visit the Dead Sea in Israel each year for safe sun exposure (the Dead Sea is 1200 feet below sea level allowing longer exposure to the sun's rays without burning); the sea also offers a comparatively high salt and mineral content. In fact, there are a number of clinics in the Dead Sea offering treatments for skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Where topical products are concerned, an important factor in the treatment of psoriasis is moisturizing the skin. Aloe vera has been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis in this way especially when combined with a dietary supplement of aloe vera extract. Neem oil, emu oil, and jojoba oil are also said to help control psoriasis, as is any moisturizing product containing oat derivatives (bathing in a warm bath with oats can also bring relief from the condition).
Bergamot, cedarwood, and geranium essential oils are used to treat psoriasis in aromatherapy. A few drops of the essential oil can be mixed into a "carrier" oil such as almond or grapeseed and then massaged into the skin. Or add 10 drops of essential oil to a warm bath and soak for around 15 minutes.
When it comes to diet, there is little evidence to show that changing it will have much affect on psoriasis, although folic acid and zinc are reported to be beneficial in treating the condition. Folic acid can be found in lentils, spinach, and broccoli, and zinc is present in protein-rich foods such as beef, turkey, chicken, and salmon. These minerals can also be taken as dietary supplements in tablet or capsule form.
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