Treating Psoriasis Naturally

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Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. Because of its scaly appearance, medical practitioners during the earlier times frequently described psoriasis as a variety of leprosy. It is one of the oldest humans illnesses known. Psoriasis symptoms were misunderstood for many years until scholars of science and medicine finally addressed it.

Psoriasis occurs when an individual's immune system sends out defective signals that hasten the growth cycle of his or her skin cells. Because ten to thirty percent of people who have had psoriasis get a related form of arthritis, it is imperative that the skin condition is treated immediately and properly.

Note: The related form of arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis. As the name suggests, psoriatic arthritis is the inflammation of the joints.

There are five types of psoriasis, each of which has unique signs and symptoms. The five types are plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Among these five, plaque psoriasis is the most common. Plaque appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered by a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells called scale. The patches or plaques are frequently formed on the lower back, scalp, elbows and knees. However, the plaques can also manifest themselves on any part of the body. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. The other 20% have any of the other types. Guttate psoriasis appears as small, red spots on the skin. Inverse psoriasis manifests itself as smooth, red lesions formed in skin folds. Pustular psoriasis, on the other hand, appears as white pustules surrounded by red skin, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes widespread redness with severe itching and pain.

It is important to state that anyone may develop psoriasis. This skin disorder can occur on any part of the body. Regardless of the type, psoriasis causes discomfort to a person. Aside from the stubborn itch on the skin, it may also crack and bleed. Severe cases of psoriasis, which are manifested through excessive itching and discomfort, may cause a person to be up all night and the pain that one has to endure can make everyday ordinary tasks difficult. In addition to that, psoriasis is associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease, depression and diabetes, to name a few.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. That means that it is a lifelong condition that people who have already developed them would often experience flares and remissions all throughout their life. Currently, psoriasis has no cure. However, there are various treatments that are available. The treatment, of course, varies depending on the severity and type of psoriasis. The ones that do not cause too much discomfort may be treated at home while those who develop such severe psoriasis may require to be treated in the hospital or medical facility.

There is good news to those who are advocates of herbal skin care. Psoriasis can be treated naturally. Below are some of the Psoriasis natural treatments that have been studied and proven by the medical community and reported by members of psoriasis foundations:

1. Apple cider vinegar - It has been documented that, throughout history, many cultures have made use of different types of vinegar for medical purposes. Apple cider vinegar, for one, has been used for many years as a cleanser, disinfectant or soothing agent. According to some people who have had psoriasis, apple cider vinegar helps treat the skin disorder. The vinegar may be applied directly on the skin, added to the bath, mixed with a moisturizer or have their infected body parts soaked on it.

2. Capsaicin - It is a natural ingredient found in cayenne peppers. Some studies have shown that capsaicin is an effective way to treat psoriasis by reducing the redness, scaling and itching on the skin. The only side effect is that it causes short-lived burning sensation.

3. Oats - Extracts from oats have been used for hundreds of years as soothing topical agents for various skin disorders. Oat plant derivatives can be used as treatment for psoriasis as well as other dry and itchy skin conditions. People who have psoriasis may make their own oatmeal bath to get rid of the skin disorder.

4. Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties and was used in surgery and dentistry as early as the 1920's. Today, like aloe vera, many products have tea tree oil as an active ingredient. Some members of psoriasis foundations found that tea tree oil is an effective way to treat psoriasis, particularly those that manifest on the scalp.

Whatever the type and severity, psoriasis can affect a person's quality of life. As mentioned above, it is a lifelong condition that may take a toll on an individual physically and emotionally. The good news is, members of the medical community and psoriasis foundations are constantly looking for cure for this skin condition. There are now several therapies that have emerged, and it has been reported that more people are experiencing significant improvements to their condition.