Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a huge problem and while we do not claim to heal or cure psoriasis, we have found that some of our clients affected by psoriasis have obtained a level of relief by using some of our products.

Although we cannot cure psoriases, and to make such a claim would be irresponsible of us, we added this page to our web site, as some clients have reported relief brought by some of our products.

On this psoriases page

• Copy of e-mail from a client
• The disease
• Medical treatments
• Naturopathic and alternative treatments
• Things to avoid when you have psoriasis
• Our contribution to psoriasis sufferers
• More psoriasis information

Copy of e-mail

This is an unsolicited e-mail we received from J. S. in Austin, Texas, after using some of our products:

Please note

We do not claim that our products can cure or heal psoriasis, yet we have a lot of clients that find our products give them some level of relief.

In discussion with these clients it is apparent that medical science has not evolved to the point of having a cure for psoriasis, and until then, many of such suffers turn to alternative remedies, including some of our products to keep their condition at an acceptable level.

The disease

Psoriasis is a recurrent disorder in which patches of the skin becomes covered in dry silvery scales, which have new blood vessels to nourish the new cells, but which gives the typical reddening of the skin. These patches are formed by the abnormal growth of new skin cells.

Normal skin is constantly renewed with new skin cells forming, and the old ones sloughing off – but in the case of psoriasis, the skin cells are replaced at such a accelerated pace that they do not follow the normal transition from the dermis to the outer part of the skin, and form the characteristic silver scales.

It is thought to be an autoimmune disease with perhaps an inherited predisposition and affects about two (2) percent of the population, although marked regional differences are found. The disease is mostly present in young adults to late middle age.

The psoriasis scales are normally found on the hands and feet (near the nails) scalp, behind the ears, back of the neck, between the shoulders as well as on the knees and elbows. The eyebrows, navel, underarm and genital-anal area may also be affected.

Normal dermal psoriasis can develop into a far more serious problem – psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints are affected in much the same way as rheumatoid arthritis.

Localized psoriasis can also be varied and be “exfoliative psoriasis” where the entire body is covered with the patches, as well as “pustular psoriasis” where the areas also form blisters – normally in the palms and on the soles of the feet.

The disease is not medically serious and seldom life threatening, yet cause the sufferers unknown discomfort – both physically and mentally.

The patches itch constantly, causing great distress to the affected person, with very few lotions or creams giving relief from this constant and nagging itching. Both men and women affected by this disease have a problem with what they look like, as these silvery patches are aesthetically not pleasing and people tend to hide their affected body parts, or develop anti-social behavior.

The cause of the disease is not known and the scaly patches can disappear for some time, only to come back in a couple of weeks, months or years, in full vengeance. These recurrences can be triggered by a variety of factors – from sunburn, medication, diet, hormonal imbalances, stress or injury. Alcohol is another trigger for psoriasis.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment of psoriasis normally includes cortisone-based lotions and in very severe cases the use of photo-chemotherapy (PUVA) in which the skin is exposed to ultraviolet A light rays while psoralen is taken orally to enhance the healing effect of the light.

In some cases anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate are also used to slow the growth of the new cells and acne medication can be used to treat pustular psoriasis.

Naturopathic and alternative treatment

Naturopathic treatment of psoriasis looks at the diet, the liver and the metabolism of fat and proteins. To help alleviate this problem you can look at replacing refined sugars and carbohydrates with a more raw diet, that is high in essential fatty acids.

Flax seed oil, salmon, herring and mackerel can be looked at to increase your intake of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentanoic acid (from the fish), which is used in the body like alpha linolenic acid. Red meat should be cut from the diet and can be replaced with tofu, nuts (except peanuts, walnuts and hazelnuts) and beans to supply protein. While yellow vegetables like carrots, pumpkin and yams will supply the body with much needed vitamin A, all spices derived from flowers (such as aniseed, cumin, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, paprika etc.) should be avoided.

Except for the essential fatty acids discussed above, lecithin and evening primrose oil can also be added to the diet, as well as vitamin B and C. Folic acid, digestive enzymes, selenium, zinc and vitamin E can also be useful in helping to treat psoriasis.

Milk thistle herbal tea can help to give your liver a helping hand, as the health of the skin is coupled to the health of the liver.

Fresh yarrow juice can be rubbed on the affected areas, and a few drops of yarrow essential oil in the bath can also be beneficial.

Warm compresses to the affected areas containing lemon juice or liquid whey can help to soften the hardened scales.

Having a rising-temperature bath with coarse sea salt and an infusion of horsetail and marshmallow three times a week can also be of use.

Avoid

Excessive stress and try to put time aside to do mentally relaxing exercises such as yoga or simply spend some time meditating.

Excessive sunlight as it can worsen the situation or bring about a recurrence. Mild sunbathing is beneficial and it is best to expose the skin for 5 – 10 minutes in the early morning.

Of skin irritants such as any item containing turpentine, which would include floor waxes, paints etc.

Our contribution to psoriasis sufferers

To have a look at our Herbal Healing Cream that is found very useful by people suffering from psoriasis, please click here.

Our Ageless herbal product range

Herbal information