Psoriasis Monthly Newsletter
October, 2007
With featured articles on Psoriasis and skin-care, information on treating Psoriasis, reviews of recommended products, and interviews with practitioners.
Psoriasis Remedies
by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin that is characterized by an abnormally rapid proliferation of skin cells. This causes patches of thickened, itchy, red skin that is covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis affects about two to three percent of the general population in the United States. It can affect men and women of all ages and races. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly depending upon the location of the condition and the percentage of the body that is covered with psoriatic lesions.
Psoriasis tends to be symptomatic throughout one's life, causing recurrent flare-ups and episodes. The condition is not curable, but there are several remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and control flare-ups. These remedies will not permanently cure the condition, but they can alleviate the pain, itching, and sensitivity of skin that is affected by psoriasis. Psoriasis remedies include bath products, medications, acupuncture, ultraviolet light therapy, and evolving surgical procedures.
Bath Products
Psoriasis causes itchy and painful lesions on the skin that can be somewhat alleviated with the use of organic bath salts and organic moisturizers that you purchase from your local health food store. These products can be used to moisturize the skin and soothe pain and itching of psoriasis. However, they will not usually completely eliminate or clear up a psoriatic outbreak.
Ultraviolet Light Therapy
Depending upon the location and severity of the condition, your health care provider may recommend ultraviolet light therapy either on its own or in combination with other treatment options. Natural sunlight can be quite effective in the treatment of psoriasis, as can office sessions using artificial ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet works to clear up psoriatic flare-ups by killing off activated T-cells within the skin. This process reduces inflammation and slows down the regeneration of skin cells that causes scaling. Brief exposure to ultraviolet light on a regular basis can therefore help to clear up psoriasis and improve the condition for most patients. Ultraviolet B or UVB light has a short wavelength and can be used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. Physicians often used this treatment method instead of topical agents to treat widespread psoriasis, or for lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of light therapy can be performed in a doctor's office using a light panel or light box.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that uses specialized needles that are placed at specific pressure points in the body to relieve pain and treat disease. Some people have experienced effective relief from psoriasis using acupuncture, while others report no effect at all.