Treating Psoriasis Naturally

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that occurs when skin cells accumulate at an abnormally high rate. This unnatural buildup results in the formation of thick, silver-colored scales on the skin that can also cause dry, red patches. Psoriasis may have periods of remission only to flare-up again. There is no cure for psoriasis but some prescription drugs and natural remedies, including lifestyle changes, can diminish its symptoms.

Treatments applied directly to the skin (creams, ointments, lotions, and gels), or topical treatments, are usually the first line of treatment for most patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. In many cases, they’re also used in combination with another type of treatment.

Psoriasis Treatment Drugs,

Topical treatments include:

Cortisone Creams and Ointments
The most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis, these low-dose steroid treatments work to control the excessive production of skin cells, soothe skin, and improve symptoms. However, some corticosteroids are made with stronger steroids and may actually make symptoms worse.

Topical Retinoids
Retinoids (including Tazorac and Avage) are derived from vitamin A and work to normalize DNA activity in skin cells and slow the inflammation process. Though not as fast-acting as corticosteroid ointments, they have less side effects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use retinoids due to a risk of birth defects.

Dandruff Shampoos
Used to treat scalp psoriasis, medicated and prescription-strength versions are available from your doctor.

Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid
Available in over-the-counter and prescription formulas, both acids promote sloughing of dead skin cells, which reduces scaling. Both acids can be used in combination with other treatments.
Systemic Treatment

For more severe forms of psoriasis, or cases that are resistant to other treatments, traditional oral or injectable medicines or drugs may be used. Because many of these drugs have serious side effects, doctors limit their use to only difficult or persistent cases.

Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not take methotrexate due to a risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. (Men should also avoid getting a woman pregnant if he is using or has recently used this drug.) Long-term use may cause liver damage and decreased production of red and white blood cells and platelets.

The only FDA-approved oral retinoid for the treatment of psoriasis is acitretin (Soriatane).

Natural psoriasis treatments.

Like a lot of skin conditions (skin being the largest organ of elimination in the body), psoriasis may indicate that something is awry with your nutrition levels at large.

Potential triggers:

Stress
Digestive problems
Lowered immunity
Infection
Skin wounds
Sunburn

Digestive system
It is important to keep your digestive system healthy. You will benefit from a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. But try to limit your intake of red meat and dairy products, and substitute with plenty of fish, raw nuts and seeds.

Here are some natural therapies treatments to consider:

Fish- provides essential fatty acids, a deficiency of which has been associated with psoriasis; Good food sources of fish oil include canned light tuna, catfish, salmon and shrimp.

Maintain zinc levels to prevent susceptibility to infection and may lead to poor wound healing and skin disorders.

Improving liver and bowel function helps to treat and prevent psoriasis; consider using the herb milk thistle to support your liver, and a probiotic supplement containing acidophilus and bifidus to improve bowel regularity.

Aloe vera extract cream may decrease the scaling, itching, inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis. Several daily applications for several weeks are often needed before there is any noticeable improvement in the symptoms of psoriasis.

Folic Acid
A diet rich in the B vitamin folic acid may lessen the symptoms of psoriasis, according the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Foods rich in folate include fruits, green leafy vegetable, peas, asparagus and dried beans.

Sun Exposure
A limited amount of regular sun exposure may help improve mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. The Mayo Clinic recommends wearing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Stay in the sun only until the skin begins to tan, advises the UMMC.

Read more: Fast Psoriasis Cure