Psoriasis Treatments

Psoriasis Treatments

Richard Haigh

A brief look at the causes and treatments for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that affects over 6 million people in the United States alone. Research has not definitively established what exactly causes psoriasis, but recent studies have indicated that it may be an immune mediated disorder. Psoriasis occurs when the body generates too many skin cells and may change from one type to another within a matter of days.

Psoriasis described as a constant skin disorder that generally affects 1% to 3% of the world's population, and is characterized by periodic flare-ups of red patched covered by a silvery and flakey scale typically on the scalp.

It is believed that a combination of several factors contribute to the development of psoriasis. There are several variations of psoriasis, but the most common is plaque psoriasis, but the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown

When alternative treatments are used in conjunction with other treatments the patient is given a feeling of control over the negative mental aspects associated with psoriasis. Although it may improve, flare up, and even go into remission only to return at a later date.

The success rates of alternative psoriasis treatments are difficult to measure due to conclusive test results not being readily available. Psoriasis has long been one of the most difficult skin conditions for researchers to cure. Many alternative treatment options available may not work and may play on the need of the patient only as a means to make money, which is a shame; but that is the way of the world. Try and find out what works for you ( it may not work for another)

Before a patient suffering with psoriasis tries an alternative treatment, they need to seek consultation from their physician who may refer them to a dermatologist. It must be understood that there is not one miracle cure for psoriasis, but several alternative treatments are available. Many of the natural treatments include acupuncture, manipulation, diet, dietary supplements, and herbal therapies.

Acupuncture is a technique which relieves pain and treats disease by inserting and manipulating fine needles in the body at varying depths in acupressure points. Acupuncture, however, is not a common way to treat psoriasis in China, but there is evidence that is an effective psoriasis treatment. It's success varies largely from person to person and may take several treatments in order to help. It can also be expensive.

However, Acupuncture is becoming more accepted as a means of treating and controlling the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatism. The benefits of acupuncture includes, no side effects which indicates that no negative side effects are an issue.

Manipulation treatment is another term used to describe any method of treating pain which includes realigning the joints. Manipulation of the joints must be done only by a highly skilled person in order to avoid any risk that the manipulation treatment might actually harm the inflamed joints rather than help them.

There is little physical proof that manipulation is actually a helpful psoriasis treatment, but massage can be very helpful in relieving the muscle pain and restoring joint health due to inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment options that are not alternative treatments that are available for psoriasis range from topical therapies to phototherapy and systemic therapy for the more severe cases of the disease. As has been said, there is currently no cure for psoriasis and the existing treatments available are aimed at controlling the symptoms of the disease rather than curing it.

All of these different treatment options are considered to have lots of drawbacks by psoriasis patients in terms of convenience, safety, or usefulness. The arrival of new biological therapies may potentially give patients suffering from psoriasis a bit of hope, at least of long term treatment which is safer than the current accessible options.

Topical therapies have remained the mainstay of treatment for many patients suffering with mild psoriasis. Topical treatments work relatively quickly at clearing lesions and are typically well tolerated by the majority of psoriasis sufferers.

However, topical treatments must be used repeatedly to remain effective and are often not able to maintain remission of an outbreak. Dithranol is a topical therapy which has been used often to treat psoriasis. It can be effective for mild to moderate psoriasis and is often used with ultraviolet treatments for patients with more severe psoriasis.

There are very important key issues which restrict the use of Dithranol as it can cause frustration and burning to the skin and tends to stain everything it comes in contact with.

Weather is another strong factor in triggering psoriasis. Exposure to direct sunlight tends to help improve psoriasis, but cold and shorter days, as seen in the winter months, can trigger the rash to worsen.

Psychological pressure has been a frequent trigger for psoriasis flares, but studies are very much unclear as to why this happens. Everyday life with its hassles can trigger a flare as well, which is justifiably very frustrating for those people with psoriasis. It can also be low levels of calcium have that can trigger a psoriasis flare up, but low levels of vitamin D do not seem to trigger a flare up.

Studies have shown that a good healthy diet and lifestyle benefits people, particularly those who suffer from psoriasis. It is very helpful for patients to eat just what makes them feel the healthiest. Dietary food supplements that encompass vitamins; herbal products, Aloe Vera (using it as a skin treatment and drinking it) and minerals can frequently benefit the entire body.

However, there is no evidence that a particular supplement is a cure for psoriasis. In fact, there is a risk that certain dietary supplements, including multivitamins, could potentially interfere with prescription medications and patients should discuss with their doctors before starting any new supplements.

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