Psoriasis Monthly Newsletter
June, 2007
With featured articles on Psoriasis and skin-care, information on treating Psoriasis, reviews of recommended products, and interviews with practitioners.
Psoriasis and the Liver
by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease that can be caused by genetics or a response of the immune system. It can also be caused or aggravated by trauma to the skin such as cuts, burns, rashes, and insect bites. Under normal circumstances, skin cells take about one month to regenerate and move from the lower layers to the surface of the skin. But for those affected by psoriasis, this process occurs rapidly, sometimes within just a few days.
In addition, skin that is affected by psoriasis does not slough off as it would normally. This causes a thick build up of dead skins and the development of Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can be treated, but not cured. Sufferers usually experience several flare-ups throughout their lives. Certain medications, viral or bacterial infections, obesity, poor exposure to sunlight, sunburn, excessive alcohol consumption, psychological or physical stress, extremely cold temperatures, and excessive friction or rubbing on the skin are associated with flare-ups of psoriasis.
The Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis can occur suddenly, or develop gradually over time. Because it is a life long condition, sufferers may experience frequent episodes or flare-ups of psoriasis throughout their lives. The primary symptoms of psoriasis are itching, pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with the patches and scales of the condition. Psoriasis can be socially embarrassing when it occurs on areas that cannot be covered by clothing, such as the face, hands, or neck. Most people with psoriasis can continue to lead a normal life and enjoy the daily occupational and recreational opportunities of their choosing. But in some cases, the condition may occur on the soles of the feet, affecting one's ability to walk, or on the palms of the hands, affecting one's work and lifestyle.
The Link between Psoriasis and the Liver
Although psoriasis is a skin condition, it is also associated with dysfunctions in the rest of the body. Itching, burning eyes, abnormalities in fingernails and toe nails, genital sores, poor digestion, and liver dysfunction can also be signs and symptoms of psoriasis. In fact, there is a strong connection between the functioning of the liver and the development of psoriasis. Impaired liver function can either be caused by or aggravated by psoriasis. I recommend an intestinal, parasite, liver and gallbladder cleanse. Go to www.ghchealth.com for information and instructions.
Psoriasis is generally treated with a combination of medications, topical preparations, and ultraviolet light therapy. But if liver dysfunction is also suspected, it is important to improve the functioning of this organ as part of one's psoriasis treatment. The primary job of the liver is to filter and detoxify the blood. When excessive levels of microbes and other harmful byproducts overwhelm this organ, the level of these toxins will increase in the blood and aggravate or cause a flare up of psoriasis.
People who develop psoriasis can also develop problems with their liver as a direct result of the medications they are taking. Severe psoriasis is often treated with a prescription medication called methotrexate. This drug is associated with liver damage; therefore, patients who are taking this medication must undergo a liver biopsy at least once a year. Some scientific studies have shown that approximately twenty-six percent of patients with psoriasis also develop cirrhosis of the liver as a result of cumulative doses of methotrexate.
Treating Psoriasis and Liver Dysfunction
There are many different treatment options that can be used to clear up psoriasis flare ups. The appropriate treatment method will depend upon the patient's activity level, the location and severity of the condition, the person's skin type, and whether or not there are any other conditions that are also present. Impaired liver function can be caused or aggravated by medications that are used to treat psoriasis. Therefore, liver problems must be addressed and considered when choosing a psoriasis treatment.
Correcting abnormal liver function is a critical component to the treatment of psoriasis. Improper liver function can be caused by an excessive exposure to food additives, cleaning solvents, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and other toxins. The functioning of the liver may also be impaired by a viral infection, fatty deposits from the over-consumption of alcohol, or a reaction to certain medications such as steroids or oral contraceptives.
One of the best ways to improve the functioning of the liver is to undergo a method of detoxification. Herbs such as dandelion root, garlic, and milk thistle can be used to cleanse and condition the liver. Enemas of coffee or castor oil increase the production of bile and allow the liver to increase its processing of toxins. Therapeutic fasting can also be used to cleanse the liver and remove any buildup of byproducts. With any method of liver detoxification, alcohol should also be avoided as it increases the risk of damage to the liver.