Psoriasis vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disease due to autoimmune causes. The body’s immune cells attack healthy skin cells of the body causing disordered skin growth. This results in the characteristic skin symptoms of thick, silvery skin, red patches and usually severe itching.
Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic skin condition and while it may shift into remission and seem to totally resolve, psoriasis often returns within a few months. Psoriasis is among the most difficult skin conditions to treat and focus should remain on managing the condition and reducing the severity of symptoms.
Psoriasis may be accompanied by severe joint swelling and stiffness, as in rheumatoid arthritis and in these cases, the syndrome is referred to as psoriatic arthritis.
Treatment of Psoriasis
Most conventional treatment of psoriasis focuses on symptomatic treatment like hyrdocortisone creams, coal tar lotions, methotrexate, oral corticosteroids and salicylic acid. Treatment does offer varying degrees of relief but is usually short lived and the condition may recur worse than before treatment, especially in cases where corticosteroids are used.
Herbal Remedies for Psoriasis
- A herbal immune modulator administered in 6 week cycles (use for 6 weeks, stop for 6 weeks) may be useful for reducing the recurrence of psoriasis when in remission or easing the symptoms.
- An alterative like Burdock used on a daily basis may be helpful for managing your psoriasis. A herbal alterative complex consisting of burdock, sorrel, rhubarb and slippery elm (Essiac formula) may be more effective than burdock on its own to manage the condition.
- A high strength tea tree cream should be used before bathing to assist with skin sloughing. Apply the teat tree cream as a thick coating over the affected areas. Do not rub into the skin but rather paste on the surface. After 5 minutes, have a bath and firmly rub off the teat tree cream.
- A herbal cream consisting of calendula (marigold) and symphytum (comfrey) can be used after bathing to reduce inflammation and assist with healing.
- An emollient will protect the skin from the environment and moisturize the affected area more effectively than a simple water based cream.
Homeopathic Remedies for Psoriasis
- A homeopathic anti-itch remedy may be useful for symptomatic relief of itching and burning of the skin.
- LM potencies are specially prepared homeopathic remedies and may need to be pre-ordered from a homeopathic pharmacy. Sulphur LM1 should be used daily and slowly stepped up to LM2 and LM3. Arsencium album LM1 should also be considered if you are not experiencing any relief with a Sulphur LM1.
- Avoid 200CH potencies of any homeopathic remedies without the guidance of a homeopathic practitioner as these potencies often aggravate your psoriasis.
Clinical Nutrition for Psoriasis
- A diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables is useful in managing your psoriasis conservatively. Leafy green vegetables should be consumed daily in large amounts.
- Reduce or discontinue animal protein intake, especially meat products.
- Vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as zinc, selenium, omega 3&6 and vitamin C should be used as supplements according to a simplex vitamin and mineral prescription.