Psoriasis Guru

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Dead Sea Salts and Minerals – A Natural Psoriasis Treatment

Written by Psoriasis Guru

Mineral content of the water in combination with low levels of allergens, ultraviolet radiation and high atmospheric pressure in the Dead Sea area has been proven to have positive effects on various skin conditions (including psoriasis). Treatments using Dead Sea salts/minerals pull toxins from the body naturally. The sea itself is unique as it contains several times the salt content of any other body of water.  The water also contains unusually high levels of other minerals including bromide, potassium, calcium and zinc.

Due to the fact that the region surrounding the Dead Sea has low levels of solar radiation, psoriasis sufferers are able to sunbathe for longer periods of time here than any other place in the world. As a result, there have been therapies created around the use of Dead Sea salts/minerals for individuals that suffer from a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Originally, products with these ingredients were only available on site or at nearby luxury spas. In recent years, the healing properties have become common knowledge and they are now readily available. They are the primary ingredients in bath salts, foot scrubs, body wraps and soaps.

For psoriasis sufferers, there are many options for bath solutions and mud masks that include these salts. When used in combination with oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts or certain types of oil, they can help remove the scales and soothe itching skin. The minerals in the salt may help slow rapid cell growth, which characterizes psoriasis. While relief is temporary, it is immediate and there are no adverse side effects. Over time, the condition may improve if treatment is consistent. Unlike many topical treatments, the body does not built up a tolerance Dead Sea salts/minerals. As a result, it can be part of a treatment regimen for long-term use.

When purchasing Dead Sea salts/minerals, make sure the salts are not processed or cleaned. Processing removes many of the minerals that naturally occur. Most of their therapeutic properties have also been removed. There are several specific benefits to using these treatments. Two applications a week for four to six weeks has shown to significantly improve the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and arthritis. The salts and minerals reduce the severity of flare-ups, replace electrolytes and guard against moisture loss. It improves blood circulation to the skin and relaxes the muscles, contributes to cell regeneration and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Dead Sea salt scrub:
Dead Sea Salt Scrub (10 oz.)

Dead Sea mud mask treatment:
Ahava Purifying Mud Mask - Normal to Dry

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Coal Tar – A Traditional, Effective Psoriasis Treatment

Written by Psoriasis Guru

Coal tar has been used as an effective treatment for psoriasis for over a century. It is a by-product of carbonized coal.

Coal is carbonized when it is processed and distilled for use as coke or coal gas. Though many of its components have not been identified, it seems to slow the growth of skin cells. This improves the skin’s appearance by reducing the inflammation and scaling characteristics of the psoriasis. Coal tar is found in many products developed for skin conditions, from shampoos to creams and bath gels. It is also used in combination with phototherapy to improve the condition of the skin.

The side effects of coal tar are few and for most, insignificant. It can irritate the skin, causing it to redden and dry the skin. These symptoms can usually be reduced by using moisturizer. Tar makes the skin photosensitive, which makes it more prone to burning than usual. Liberal use of sunscreen is recommended after phototherapy used in conjunction with the application of an ointment or cream containing tar.

Many people discard the possibility of using coal tar products, as they can stain the skin and clothing.  They also have a very strong accompanying odor and, when applied to the scalp, may temporarily discolor one’s hair.

Despite the messiness and odor, many psoriasis patients prefer products with coal tar over other remedies that contain steroids. The side effects for steroids are numerous and vary from patient to patient. There are some concerns about the safety of products that use tar. The FDA and the National Psoriasis Foundation have deemed it a safe, effective and inexpensive treatment for a variety of skin conditions. The concentration is between 0.5% and 5% and they carry warning labels that meet California’s Prop 65 requirements.

This puts them in the category labeled as No Significant Risk Levels. Solar radiation, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are similarly labeled. Formulas that utilize more than 5% are categorized as Group1 carcinogens and cannot be purchased over the counter. Despite 75 years of documented safe use, there is some controversy over its possible carcinogenic affects and the use of tar in some consumer products, such as cosmetics, is banned in several European countries As a result, many products that used to contain coal tar have been modified, replacing the tar with salicylic acid.  Many, however, feel that salicylic acid is not as effective.

Neutrogena’s T/Gel is a common over-the-counter coal tar shampoo that I use on a regular basis — my scalp would not be able to survive without it.

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What Is Salicylic Acid?

Written by Psoriasis Guru

Salicylic acid, which comes from the willow tree, is a beta hydroxy acid. It can be used in topical treatments to soothe joint and muscle pain. It is also used in ointments, creams and gels to improve a variety of skin conditions that include acne, psoriasis, calluses and warts.

Salicylic acid helps open pores, shed dead skin cells and neutralizes bacteria.  As a result of this exfoliating effect, new skin cells are allowed to grow back unhindered.

Salicylic acid or coal tar are the main active ingredients of many over the counter topical psoriasis medications.  Both ingredients are common in several shampoos developed to treat dandruff as well as scalp psoriasis.

Salicylic acid by itself is not a direct treatment for psoriasis, but it is used to help other medications reach the live, younger skin that is inflamed, below the surface by dissolving the dead skin or psoriasis plaque build up on the surface.  Thus, salicylic acid can be used to complement other topical treatments designed to treat mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms.

Salicylic acid can also be applied as a preparation for UV light therapy for moderate to severe cases. If lesions associated with psoriasis become infected by various types of growths this ingredient is also used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Concentration levels vary by use.

The percentage of concentration in over the counter products for psoriasis is usually about three percent.  In excessive concentrations it can irritate the skin.  The fact that wart removers may contain up to 17% salicylic acid gives you an idea of how potent salicylic acid can be.

In some cases salicylic acid can actually increase, rather than decreases skin inflammation (though nothing like this has ever happened to me).

Products that combine this ingredient with sulphur are not approved for the treatment of psoriasis. The FDA considers this an effective treatment for dandruff only. Moisturizers containing this ingredient should be applied immediately after bathing for best results.

Note: Using moisturizers throughout the day can control psoriasis symptoms between treatments. Though the FDA has deemed salicylic acid safe, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Use sparingly, for brief periods on young children as they are more likely to develop skin irritations. Read the instructions for use carefully. Do not exceed the recommended dosages when referring to concentration and length of treatment. This could result in adverse side effects that include severe skin irritation and poisoning. The treatments containing this ingredient are meant for topical use only. Using in or near the mouth, nose or eyes could result in over absorption by the skin.

Neutrogena’s T/Sal is a common over-the counter salicylic acid shampoo, which I use on a regular basis with very good results.

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How and When to Use Exfoliants to Treat Psoriasis

Written by Psoriasis Guru

Exfoliants are used to remove dead skin cells on the outermost surface of the skin. This removal reveals newer, healthier skin just below. This removal can unclog pores, helps reduce acne outbreaks and keeps the skin clear.

There are two types of exfoliation, mechanical or chemical. When using a mechanical exfoliation method, there is scrubbing of the skin, usually with facial scrubs or micro-fiber cloths. These scrubs and cloths contain a variety of ingredients from sugar, and salt crystals to almond shells and apricot kernels. Commonly used abrasive materials include loofahs and sponges. The coarseness of the material dictates how it will be used.

Users with dry or sensitive skin should avoid exfoliants containing pumice or crushed volcano rock. These ingredients are in products developed for use on the skin of the feet. Chemical exfoliation uses salicylic acid, citric acid or fruit enzymes. They can be purchased over the counter, or applied in higher concentrations by a dermatologist. These products contain enzymes that loosen the substance that holds skin cells together, allowing them to be removed. The mechanical products are generally recommended to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and to treat dry skin. The chemical products are effective when treating blemishes, dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Psoriasis sufferers can reduce the visible build up of excess skin by using exfoliants. They must select products that are friendly to sensitive skin, or they risk increasing the inflammation. Scrubs that use shells, seeds or exfoliating beads are not recommended. They are too harsh and may get lodged underneath the scales. This will make the skin more vulnerable to cuts and bruising.

One of the potential results of exfoliating is that skin can grow back thicker than before. Depending on the type of psoriasis, this may cause skin cell build up to occur even faster.

Scalp psoriasis is painful, itchy and can cause hair loss. Exfoliating gels that contain salicylic acid are particularly effective when treating scalp psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. These exfoliants help stop the itching that accompanies dry skin. Many contain tea tree oil, eucalyptus or mint. These ingredients help the skin remain smooth and clean after the dry outer layer of skin has been sloughed off and contain antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria. The essential oils soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. “Pre-shampoo” products are designed to exfoliate the scales and remove the flakes of dead skin in the hair before shampoo is applied.

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