Moisturizers

...now browsing by tag

Psoriasis Home Treatments – Steroids, Moisturizers and Botanicals

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Psoriasis is a life-consuming concern for a significant percentage of the population. Fortunately, there are a number of home-based treatments available for those who are willing to change their daily routine to find a cure.

Home-based psoriasis treatment options seem to be expanding rapidly, on a daily basis, with new tips and tricks being exchanged on the internet and in a variety of publications. While there is no official cure for psoriasis at the moment, there are any number of treatments that can eventually put an end to the disease and its bothersome symptoms. Some of the most common treatments are available over the counter, including creams or lotions that contain either steroids or other more natural remedies.

Steroid creams are one of the most frequently recommended psoriasis home treatment options by doctors. These are extremely effective in stopping the itching that is associated with this condition, as well as helping to slow down the growth of psoriatic skin cells, allowing healthy skin to develop unhindered. There are a number of side effects that can be associated with these steroid treatments, however, which means they should be used under controlled circumstances – limited concentrations over limited periods of time.

More natural creams are also a viable alternative when it comes to psoriasis home treatments. Remedies containing aloe vera extracts, for example, have been effective for many. Aloe contains naturally soothing properties and keeps the skin feeling refreshed and smooth, with a cooling sensation. Green tea extract, vitamin C, and grape seed oil are all also common herbal ingredients that can be used alone as a topical treatment, added to the diet, or combined in a number of skin care formulas.

A simple, non-petroleum-based moisturizer goes a long way as a good option for psoriasis home treatment. It’s essential to keep the skin well-moisturized, so that it retains its elasticity and strength. One of the side effects associated with psoriasis is weakened skin, or skin that is easily damaged and thus prone to further break-outs. Many experts recommend moisturizing at least twice per day, once in the evening and once in the morning. Heavier lotions and creams, even oils, are better at night before bed to lock in moisture and repair damaged skin while you sleep. In the daytime, a lighter, less greasy lotion can keep the skin feeling itch-free and refreshed.

Posted in Psoriasis | 6 Responses »

Treating Psoriasis with Aloe Vera – Soothing Relief

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Psoriasis affects a significant percentage of the population, so it’s not surprising that so much time and effort is being poured into finding effective treatments. There are a number of soothing, botanical treatments, for example, which medical professionals recommend. Aloe vera, which is already familiar to many can be particularly effective for soothing irritated skin. Aloe is natural, thus posing minimal side effects, all the while offering effective relief for irritated, psoriatic skin.

Aloe vera is commonly used to soothe different kinds of skin irritations including sunburns or poison ivy. It has also been shown to reduce the effects of insect bites or stings, making it an essential product to have at home or when going out into the woods.

At present Aloe is being used as a main ingredient for ointments and creams designed specifically to treat psoriasis. Aloe vera can be used to make therapeutic gels, for example, which can be applied directly to psoriatic outbreaks.

While the exact mechanism by which psoriasis and aloe vera interact is not entirely understood, both anecdotal and experimental evidence supports the claim that aloe is an effective treatment. A 1995 study undertaken in Belgium showed that approximately 88% of those patients who used a topical aloe vera cream on portions of their skin affected by psoriasis found relief, compared to only 6% of those who took the placebo. A variety of different studies have supported the conclusion that aloe vera is an effective balm for irritated skin – now psoriasis can be added to the list of conditions it combats.

It’s recommended that any patients using this treatment apply psoriasis aloe vera gel or moisturizer to the affected area about three times per day for a minimum of four weeks. While results can take some time, most users report a reduction in itching and burning, and improved cosmetic appearance of the skin. There are also no known side effects to this plant; medical specialists agree that Aloe is generally safe for children as well, who can be some of the most negatively impacted by psoriasis. The most effective way to apply aloe can be via the leaves directly, which can also be cost effective and refreshing. There is no need to go out shopping for special ointments if you already have aloe vera growing at your house (here in Arizona that might be more common than elsewhere).

Posted in Psoriasis | 2 Responses »

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.

Posted in Psoriasis | 3 Responses »

Psoriasis and Moisturizers

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

I would argue in favor of at least a moderate use of moisturizers if you have psoriasis because moist skin heals faster and then stays healthier / stronger. During the winter months in Phoenix, when a chilly, desert wind blows over the valley, my knuckles dry out so much that they crack and bleed. They also itch, which is not so much from psoriasis as it is irritation from being damaged and possibly from being infected.

Some of the areas that are prone to psoriasis such as the elbows, legs and torso are prone to dryness, which can result from seasonal climate changes. Excessively dry skin is a mild sore of skin trauma, which can lead to minor infections. This is a bad thing because both skin trauma and infections are common causes of psoriasis outbreaks.

So at least some amount of moisture is good… but the kind of lotion or moisturizer you apply should also be chosen with care.

I personally prefer moisturizers that “feel clean” on my skin, or any kind of lotion or oil that won’t clog my pores.

Common ingredients found in moisturizers that can react negatively with psoriasis include: Aloe vera, lanolin, vitamin E and alpha-hydroxy acids. Depending on your body, you may have negative reactions to any, all or none of these ingredients.

Moisturizing alternatives that you might consider include olive oil, petroleum jelly and anything containing lactic acid. Oils and/or ointments can be more effective than creams at preserving a consistent layer of skin moisture. On the other hands, oils might not be such a good choice for people who already have oily skin.

Posted in Psoriasis | No Responses »

Psoriasis Guru

...Itching for a Cure