Hello dear steemit friends
In today's article I want to share with you 6 practicable steps you can take to manage the symptoms of Psoriasis. If you or a loved one has this condition then I hope you find this information useful.
Psoriasis is a life-long autoimmune skin condition and is a relatively common problem affecting up to around 3% - 4% of the population. There is no pattern when it comes to age, race or sex. When a person has psoriasis their immune system triggers skin cells to grow more quickly than someone with healthy skin. New skin cells are formed at the bottom layer of the skin and gradually move up to the outer layers where dead skin cells are shedded. This process should take around 3 to 4 weeks, however in cases of psoriasis sufferers this process can take only 3 to 4 days!
This rapid growth of skin cells leads to a build-up of new and old skin cells that results in red, scaly looking patches of skin.
These plaques usually appear on the elbows, knees, and scalp, but in reality they can be anywhere on the body.
The current hypothesis from the scientific community is that psoriasis is caused by a default in the immune system, wherein messages are received that causes this upturn in cellular turnover.
Psoriasis is often itchy and painful, and its appearance can cause emotional distress and embarrassment for people who have it. In fact it is the number one disease with the highest cases of depression linked to it.
Sadly there is no cure, but a number of treatments are available so without further ado here are the Derma Solutions top tips for psoriasis sufferers.
Exposure to sunlight
There is evidence that the sun's UVB rays may help to treat psoriasis. Many people with psoriasis find that exposure to sunlight can improve the appearance of their skin. Individuals should expose themselves to the sun gradually and for short amounts of time.
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommend starting with 5 to 10 minutes of sun exposure once a day at midday. It is important to cover healthy skin with sunscreen and clothing, leaving only the affected areas exposed. If the skin tolerates it, an individual can slowly increase sun exposure.
Beware the sunburn
If a person gets sunburnt, they should avoid any further sun exposure. They should also talk to a doctor because sunburn can also make psoriasis worse. Psoriasis suffers often have a love/hate type of relationship when it comes to sunshine.
Why not sunbeds?
It is the sun's UVB rays that are beneficial for psoriasis symptoms, not the UVA rays. Sun and indoor tanning beds emit mostly emit UVA rays, which greatly increase a person's risk of skin damage and cancer. Many experts, including the National Psoriasis Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology, do not recommend the use of commercial tanning beds.
Patients should ask their doctor before trying sun exposure as a home remedy. Some medications can make skin more sensitive to the sun. People with a family history of skin cancer may be advised to stay out of the sun and look for alternative treatments.
Fish oil or omega-3 fats
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and fish oil supplements, have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve autoimmune diseases. For this reason, they can be helpful for psoriasis, which is both inflammatory and autoimmune.
A study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that omega-3 fatty acids improved psoriasis symptoms when combined with a topical treatment such as Xbalm.
Fish oil supplements are widely available in stores, and this source of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to be the most effective. People should follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid possible stomach discomfort. Because fish oil supplements can interact with some medicines, people should talk to a doctor before taking them.
XBalm OTC topical ointment
Derma Solutions XBalm combines 6 powerful Psoriasis and Eczema fighting natural herbs.
Chickweed: is soothing and cooling, and reduces the itching and irritation of psoriasis and eczema.
Calendula: The natural astringent and antibiotic properties of calendula make it a natural choice for healing and soothing the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Witch Hazel: This plant has been shown to have soothing and anti inflammatory properties that ease the symptoms of Psoriasis and Eczema
Chamomile: A plant that has been trusted for hundreds of years, it has soothing and calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin E Oil: We only use the highest grade of Vitamin E oil which has been proving to be beneficial to skin.
Organic Olive Oil: We only use the highest grade of olive oil from the Il Molino organic olive farm in Italy. This Olive Oil has won the prestige Ercole Olivario Competition in Japan making it the number one olive oil in the world in 2017. You will not find such a high grade olive oil in any other skin cream.
Use this often to keep the itching and other symptoms to a minimum.
Which ever skin cream you use make sure to always check for added fragrances or dyes. If it has any then avoid.
Probiotics
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that can be found in yogurt, fermented foods, and supplements. Experts agree that the right balance of bacteria in the body helps the immune system. Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, probiotics may be helpful in managing psoriasis symptoms.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be particularly helpful to soothe the itching and burning associated with scalp psoriasis. It contains natural germ-killing properties and can be soothing for the scalp. It should not be applied to broken or cracked skin. For a gentler treatment, the vinegar can be diluted with equal parts water. If it burns when applied, stop using it.
Bathing with a combination of colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts and apple cider vinegar has been reported to help the symptoms of psoriasis. Add one cup of each to a bath and soak for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 30 min. Baths can be relaxing, but baths or showers that are too long or too hot can strip the skin of its oils, and this can make psoriasis worse. Immediately after bathing or showering always apply the XBalm to your skin.
Avoiding psoriasis triggers
It is not always easy to determine what causes an episode of psoriasis because triggers vary from one person to another.
Common triggers include:
Stress
Skin injury, including cuts, scrapes, and sunburn
Certain medications, including some drugs for high blood pressure, psychiatric disorders, arthritis, and malaria
Infections and illnesses - such as strep throat, colds, and other common conditions - can tax the immune system, causing psoriasis to flare
People who suspect a certain trigger should take steps to avoid it, as this can help to keep symptoms under control
Well that's it for today everyone, we hope you found this article helpful and if so please upvote us and follow. We would really appreciate it.
Until next time my steemit friends, take care and as always we wish you an itch free day.
Scott