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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas PsoriasisContents:Definition | Causes | Symptoms | Nutrients
DefinitionA common, genetically determined dermatitis consisting of discrete
pink or dull-red lesions surmounted by characteristic silvery scaling.
Lesions may become confluent. Although they come and go, they usually
are chronic. A specific type of arthritis frequently is associated with psoriasis. CausesNo known causes. Often hereditary, it is linked to a rapid growth
of cells in the skin's outer layer. It may result from a faulty utilization
of fat. Psoriasis is most common between the ages of SymptomsMay begin at any age as flat-topped papule covered with thin, grayish-white
scale spreading peripherally; lesions coalescing; centers regressing,
forming circinate lesions. Under the dry scales are red bleeding points
(papillae). These patches appear on the legs, knees, arms, elbows,
scalp, ears, and back. The toes and fingernails lose their luster
and develop ridges and pits. Only the scales and skin debris, which
are quite itchy, can be removed. There is presently no known cure.
The disease seems to lessen during the summer months. It may go away
on its own, but once you have had psoriasis, it is always possible
that it will return. NutrientsUnsaturated fatty acids (primrose oil), HerbsBack to Top RecommendationsAvoid fats (milk, cream, butter, eggs), sugar, processed foods, white flour, and citrus fruits. Fish oil or primrose oil interferes with the production and storage of arachidonic acid (AA), a natural inflammatory substance that makes the lesions of psoriasis turn red and swell. Avoid red meat and dairy products because the contain AA. Eat a 50% raw food diet. Oils made from sesame seeds, flaxseed, or soybeans are important. Fish should be added to the diet. Apply sea water with cotton several times a day to affected areas.
If a tar shampoo is prescribed, do not use for a long period of time.
Add General and nonspecific measures are utilized to give comfort to
the patient as well as to help control the disease. Methotrexate is
the drug of choice in severe psoriasis not controlled by the usual
nonspecific topical agents. SuggestionsThe freezing of moderate sized psoriasis lesions using liquid nitrogen is being tested, with good results. Moderate sunlight also usually helps. Long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA) has been effectively used to treat psoriasis, but skin cancer may be a side effect. The unsaturated fatty acids have been tested among patients suffering
from psoriasis and showed a low level of these acids in the blood.
When the oils were added to the diet, there was a prompt reduction
in the skin disease. CautionsIt is essential to monitor renal, hepatic, and hematologic function
when this drug (Methotrexate) is used.
Resource LinksLiveStrong.com: Psoriasis Herbal Remedies LiveStrong.com: Rosemary for Psoriasis LiveStrong.com: Aloe Vera Juice & Psoriasis LiveStrong.com: Rosemary Oil for Psoriasis LiveStrong.com: Pomegranate for Psoriasis LiveStrong.com: Curcumin and Psoriasis University of Maryland Medical Center: Psoriasis Bibliography
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Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants
, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000
, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.