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Psoriatic Pruritus – Finding Relief

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

The technical name for itchiness, which is a common symptom of psoriasis, is pruritus. If you have pruritus, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to give it a label. You’ll be well aware of this fact, and find that scratching the itch at times only makes it worse. There are a number of sources for pruritus, a couple being the dry skin and the scaly rash that’s developed by people with psoriasis. It any case, it tends to be maddening… leading to a loss of sleep or ability to concentrate during the day.

How can you find relief from this troublesome symptom?

One of the most effect ways to beat the pruritus that results from psoriasis is to moisturize. Specialists recommend using a non-petroleum based moisturizer at least twice per day. Before bed, you can use a heavier moisturizer such as shea butter or natural oils, which will have a chance to seep into the skin overnight, repairing any damage done by dehydration. In the morning, a lighter lotion or moisturizer is recommended so as not to leave a greasy film on the skin.

Using cortisone creams or botanicals such as aloe vera can help have a soothing effect on the ravaging itch of psoriasis-inspired pruritus. These can be applied along with a  moisturizer, or many topical creams will include all of the above ingredients for maximum relief. These are best applied after a shower or bath.

Bathing in warm water rather than hot is also a good way to help lock in moisture, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave you feeling dry and itchy afterward. If you bath once a day or more, it’s particularly important to retain as much of this moisture as possible, especially in colder months.

Drinking an adequate amount of water and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can also help in the battle against psoriatic pruritus – these help you fight the problem from the inside out. For anyone who habitually does not drink enough water, the difference in skin tone and overall health will be noticeable right away.  Many times skin problems, including infections or pruritus of all types, can be traced to dehydration. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables will also help with this problem.

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Psoriasis and Alcohol – What’s the Connection?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Although psoriasis has been known for some time to be a hereditary illness, there has also been a great deal of research about finding the most common triggers of psoriasis outbreaks. Such efforts have led researchers to find a not-so-surprising connection between psoriasis outbreaks and consuming alcohol. Besides the commonly known health issues associated with alcohol, the fact that it has been linked to psoriasis would be added incentive to cut back or stop consuming it entirely.

While thus far the psoriasis alcohol connection has been mainly anecdotal, there are new research studies that help back up their findings. Some speculate that this connection is hereditary, much like the condition itself. Alcoholism has also been found to be a hereditary illness, so the same genetic predisposition towards one could make you more likely to contract or aggravate the other. This exact link however has not yet been proven, if it can indeed be boiled down to genetic chance.

The psoriasis-alcohol connection has been demonstrated in a variety of settings (including in my own life), particularly when consuming large amounts of alcohol at once.  If someone is predisposed to psoriatic outbreaks, binge drinking can make them more severe and frequent as well.  Many who have suffered from psoriasis find that when they quit drinking their outbreaks decrease in frequency and intensity.

In addition to the psoriasis-alcohol connection, there also seems to be a link between smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. The harm that smoking does to the immune system exacerbates psoriatic outbreaks and smoke can also irritate already sensitive skin. Putting an end to smoking and/or drinking is, of course, easier said than done but, for encouragement’s sake, many have already done so and there are a variety of helpful resources available in case you need a nudge in that direction. Even cutting back can greatly increase your overall health and, by extension, the state of your psoriasis.

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Vitamin Supplements – Natural Psoriasis Alternatives

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Positive lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce the severity of psoriasis flare-ups and prevent the condition from worsening over the long haul.  Using vitamins and minerals as supplements as well as ingredients in creams and ointments is part of this change. Instead of a petroleum based cream or ointment, for example, you might try using zinc oxide.

Making sure your body maintains a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals is an inexpensive alternative to prescription drugs and often works as well as if not better.  Zinc, for example, is also available in supplement form (a long-term deficiency of this mineral may trigger psoriasis). Vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D are recommended by physicians to keep skin healthy (though only in specific, prescribed amounts).

The skin derives vitamin D naturally from exposure to sunlight.  Thus, depending on the treatment regimen for psoriasis, exposing inflamed skin to the sun is prescribed by doctors in small doses. Vitamin B folate, also known as folic acid and Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended. A variety of vitamin supplements could be added to enhance any average person’s diet.

Vitamin B is found in asparagus, leafy green vegetables, fruits, orange juice and yeast.  Most people do not consume as much of these foods as they should thus, taking supplements helps reduce any nutritional deficit.

Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in some fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties. If fish is not a common part of your diet, fish oil can be added as a supplement (be careful to choose brands that specifically avoid excessive mercury content).

Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and vision, a strong immune system and growth for bones and cells. Liver, butter, whole milk, egg yolks, and dark green fruits and vegetables are high in Vitamin A.

In addition to protecting the immune system, vitamin supplements help improve the texture and color of the skin. This is particularly essential for people with psoriasis. Selenium and vitamin E can be used to boost the immune system. Studies have shown visible improvement of psoriasis lesions after six to eight weeks of use.

One thing that is common to many if not all psoriasis sufferers is the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. Ongoing deficiencies in combination with stress and severe weather can increase the frequency and severity of flare-ups.  But a healthy, well-balanced diet will help reduce the impact psoriasis might have on a person’s quality of life.

Psoriasis is considered an incurable, non-infectious disease but there are different methods available for treating associated symptoms. Ointments and creams that contain coal tar, vitamin supplements and retinoids are routinely used. Pills and injections are also commonly prescribed to alleviate the symptoms associated with moderate to severe psoriasis.  Using natural supplements, however, tends to be the least invasive and most sustainable option for curing psoriasis long-term.

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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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