Psoriasis is a medical skin condition which presents as red thick patches called plaques and can become dry, silvery scales. It is a chronic skin condition where their is an abnormal accelerated rate of growth of skin cells than normal. The normal rate of skin renewal is approximately 28 days and versus the abnormal accelerated rate of 4 days in psoriasis. These plaques or thick scaly lesions appear often on the scalp, face, elbows, knees, palms, and soles of the feet. Sometimes it affects the fingernails and toenails which can present as pitting, discoloration, shape changes, or even loss of the entire nail.
There are several types of psoriasis and only a medical doctor can make the particular diagnosis and give the appropriate treatment. This article will help give some ways to find relief from the symptoms of psoriasis and live with this medical condition.
Instructions
1. To try and find some relief form the itchiness and dryness of the psoriatic skin try using different types of emollients like body oils or petroleum jelly. The most effective way is to use it in the bath so you can soak in the solution and this will help to soothe the skin and reduce the itchiness.
2. Another way to find relief is to use oatmeal bath or compresses. You can mix a packet of oatmeal into a bowl of warm water and make into a paste. Then apply directly on to the affected area repeat as necessary.
3. Coal tar medication seems to work on reducing the severity if the symptoms of psoriasis. Over-the-counter coal tar can be found in shampoos for people with psoriasis on the scalp or as tar soap bars which can be used in showers and baths. The problem with coal tar is that it can leave a strong odor and stain clothes. Also be careful since coal tar can make the skin very sensitive to the sunlight.
4. Another way to find relief form psoriasis of the scalp is to use olive oil. Warm some olive oil and massage into the scalp or leave on the scalp for 20 minutes or overnight by wearing a shower cap. Wash out the oil with a medicated coal tar shampoo and repeat the process several times during the week until the psoriasis clears up .
5. Direct sunlight is a wonderful way to find relief the symptoms of psoriasis. UV light works on fighting against psoriasis in particular the ultraviolet B rays. But be careful when exposed to direct sunlight since this will increase the risk of skin cancer. remember to cover the exposed skin with sun blockers.
6. To help with the itching use hydrocortisone topical creams. look carefully to make sure you buy either the 0.5 % or 1% cream. Sometimes the psoriasis is so severe that only prescription cortisone cream will be able to help the inflamed itchy symptoms of psoriasis. Remember that continuous use of these medications will make the treatment less effective. There is also the rebound effect of the medication where the drug becomes ineffective and the psoriasis will return.
7. Another way to reduce the spread and even clear up the psoriasis is to cover up the affected areas with tape for several days. This will make the skin soft and reduce the proliferation rate of the skin cells.
8. Adding eicosapentaenic acid (EPA) to the diet has the effect of reducing the area and thickness of the lesions as well as reducing the redness and swelling.
9. Avoid drinking alcohol because this will make the psoriasis even worse.
10. Losing weight and exercising will help to reduce the severity of the psoriasis. Research into the onset off psoriasis is related in part to the stresses we are faced with in life. Try to find the major stressors in your life and find ways to reduce them or eliminate the stresses from your life.
11. try herbal remedies to find some relief from psoriasis. For example, try Oregon grape root, a herb with known chemicals that fight the bacteria and decrease skin eruptions.
12. Nutrition is an important factor to consider when you are suffering from psoriasis. Taking in the right amount of minerals and vitamins will help to keep the skin in a healthy condition and also to help heal the and reduce the lesions or plaques on the skin.
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