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Is There a Cure for Psoriasis? – A Fundamental Question

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

There are several different varieties of psoriasis, all of which tend to be troublesome (at the very least) for those who are afflicted. Psoriatics represent a large portion of the U.S. population – estimates place the number at around 2% of the entire population. These people, as well as their loved ones, can’t help wondering, “Is there a cure for psoriasis?” The answer is: Not officially. In any case there are certainly a number of ways to treat the symptoms of this bothersome condition, even to the point of keeping it entirely in check.

Psoriasis does not have to run or ruin your life. In fact, if you are wondering if there is a cure for psoriasis, then you have already taken the first step in learning how to control it. Treatments come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, from over the counter drugs, to natural remedies to tightly controlled prescriptions. Itching and burning are symptoms that are fairly easy to find relief from with topical steroid creams or soothing botanicals. Because there has been a link between psoriasis and alcohol, simply cutting back on cigarettes and drinking can have a significant impact on how you feel overall, including your skin.

Researchers are acutely aware of the public’s desire for a “silver bullet,” or a straightforward cure for psoriasis. Medicinal experts are working tirelessly, with the help of such organizations as the National Psoriasis Foundation, to fund studies that help not only find relief for right now, but a long-term cure for the future. Because this is an immune disease, current research efforts are focused on stop the disease on a cellular level. This involves keeping unruly skin cells from regenerating by blocking the processes with which they replicate. This is, as you might imagine, easier said than done… but new advancements are being made on a daily basis.

To learn more about the answer to this question, “Is there a cure for psoriasis?” you might consider visiting a doctor or medical care facility or do research on your own to learn all the available methods that have been concocted to treat this disease.

After you become convinced that psoriasis should not (and need not) control your life, you can then develop a day-to-day pace by which you keep learning about all the latest advancements in psoriasis treatments. A cure could be right around the corner with all the promising studies being published these days! There are newsletters sent out by health care organizations that can also help keep you up to date on the latest news in addition to all the discussion opportunities available via online forums and/or support groups.

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Battling Psoriasis with an Improved Diet

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

carrots and potatoes

Medicinal products (drugs) are not the only way to reduce psoriasis symptoms. A balanced diet, high in vitamins, minerals and healthy lifestyle, not only improves overall health but it has been proven to help manage the disease.

One of the first things many doctors recommend for people seeking a cure for their psoriasis is to to quit smoking, control their weight and limit alcohol intake.

There are some foods that interact with medications for an adverse affect, so it is wise for patients to discuss any diet changes with their doctor. A healthy diet in any case, regardless of whether a persons suffers from psoriasis, includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fat and cholesterol should be kept at a minimum and sugar and salt used in moderation. Small meals and healthy snacks eaten throughout the day are recommended over one large meal.

For psoriasis sufferers, there are some nutrients that can help improve the overall appearance of the skin and reduce inflammation and flare-ups. A diet designed to battle psoriasis should include foods that are high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, folate and zinc.

Antioxidants remove chemicals from the body that damage cells. Though many foods contain them, there are some that are higher than most. They include berries of all types, from cranberries and blackberries, to raspberries and strawberries. Apples, potatoes, artichokes, carrots and black beans also contain high levels of antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are found salmon, mackerel, trout, and tuna.

Many patients who consume higher levels Omega-3 fatty acids have been able to reduce steroidal cream usage. Beta-carotene is a nutrient found carrots, mangoes and apricots. The body converts to beta-carotene to vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin. They are also high in vitamin C. A diet that includes these nutrients may help prevent psoriasis from occurring. As with many healthy foods, they are also low in fat, high in vitamins and minerals. Red meat and dairy products should be eaten in moderation. They contain a naturally occurring inflammatory acid that may increase the severity of symptoms.

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Psoriasis is an immune disorder that effects skin cell production. Though there is no official cure, though there are several treatments available to help control the symptoms including creams, lotions, gels, shampoos and ointments. These topical treatments tend to contain zinc, coal tar and a variety of vitamins and minerals and are available either over the counter or by prescription. Stronger psoriasis medicines are reserved for more severe types of psoriasis.

A variety of discounted psoriasis products are available online.

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Alcohol and Psoriasis

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

alcohol

On the rare occasion that I get sick it is almost always a result of alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation. It just so happens that these are also the main instigators of my psoriasis flare-ups.

Coincidence? Not at all. Consuming large amounts of alcohol and not sleeping are some of the best ways to weaken the body, opening it up to infection as well as psoriasis outbreaks.

Alcohol has the same basic effect on the body as poison. Thus, when this hostile invader is coursing through the bloodstream, the body strains to get rid of it. Much like any person, when the body is required to do multiple jobs at the same time, it eventually becomes exhausted and gives up.

When alcohol is consumed over a longer period of time, it negatively affects the way food is metabolized, thus causing deficiencies in a variety of basic nutrients. Some of these, in particular folic acid and vitamin D, are particular vital to keep psoriasis under control.

The success of any psoriasis treatments depends on the body healing itself. Exfoliants, moisturizers and UV therapy, for example, only give the skin a nudge in the right direction. The body still has to do most of the work as old skin cells need to be replaced with new, more healthy cells. Unfortunately, the weaker the body is from outside influences such as alcohol, the less able it will be to effectively replace these cells.

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Taking Steps Toward a Natural Recovery from Psoriasis

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Psoriasis is a highly unpredictable condition, so much so that it is an elusive target for even the strongest modern medications. The malleable nature of this disease has led many to develop their personal health to fight it off rather than experiment with any other potentially harmful drugs. Natural remedies also tend to be much less expensive than prescription drugs.

Some non-strenuous exercises such as yoga, walking and general stretching can help to loosen up the joints, get the blood flowing, strengthen the immune system and promote mental health, all of which are useful for fighting off every kind of psoriasis.

Supplements such as vitamins A, C and D as well as fish oil and folic acid are also known psoriasis killers. In the case of vitamin and mineral supplements, however, keeping a balance is more important than loading up upon one thing or another. Some supplements can have adverse effects when combined with other medications, so proceed with caution (and consult your doctor of course).

Baths treated with either minerals/salts or a small amount of bleach has been shown to bring about significant improvements in plaque psoriasis. Bleach, it is believed, kills bacteria and infection, thus reducing the chances of psoriasis outbreaks (which are instigated by any kind of infection or irritation).

The most famous mineral bath in the world is probably the Dead Sea, where psoriatics come from around the world to soak up the super-salty water and therapeutic mud. If you get the chance to visit the Dead Sea, you probably should also soak up some of those gentler sun-rays, as this has also proven to help battle off psoriasis. Both UVA and UVB rays have been attributed to significant improvements for people with psoriasis, especially when combined wither other treatments.

Changing your diet can help you recover fully from psoriasis as well. Generally, it is better to consume less red meat, pork, caffeine and alcohol. On the other hand, it is better to eat more fruit, veggies and anything that isn’t process or loaded with preservatives.

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