treatment options.
.....While the exact cause of psoriasis is not known, the unique looking symptoms are. With this disease, certain types of skin cells grow abnormally. This leads to the formation of thick, scaly, inflamed patches of skin, usually called plaques. These plaques are usually silvery in colour. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are typically found on the scalp, knees, elbows and chest.
.....As with most skin disorders one can experience flare-ups, or periods when the condition worsens. This is true with psoriasis. People often say that their psoriasis worsens after a stressful event. So naturally avoidance of stress might be helpful, but sadly not always possible. There are always ways to help your body and mind cope with stress. The easiest way is to get lots of rest. Our body and mind rejuvenate while we sleep. Get plenty of exercise or at least take a walk to help clear your mind. Do things that are relaxing; garden, read a book, do yoga or Tai Chi, paint or write in a journal. I am not a big fan of watching TV for relaxation, unless it is a comedy movie or another non-action movie. The images on TV change very rapidly and the audio volume often unexpectedly increases when commercials appear (this is intentional by the way). While your body may be comfortable in a comfy chair, your brain and eyes are
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hard at work trying to process all this information that the TV is flashing at you. I personally never watch the TV news; I find it too stressful. There is only so much violence, famine, murder, crime and political scandal that a person can handle in 30 minutes. Most of which is not directly applicable to my daily life.
.....Are there any supplements that will help treat psoriasis? One of the most promising treatments for psoriasis is a topical ointment made with 10% Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium). In one study, people found significant relief from symptoms after using the ointment 2-3 times a day for 8 weeks. There were few side effects with using the ointment, but some people reported local irritation and itching.
.....Aloe vera also can help treat psoriasis. In one study, 83% of patients who used a special aloe vera cream reported that their symptoms were ‘cured’. This is an interesting statement considering the fact that psoriasis is commonly thought to be incurable. This sounds quite impressive, considering the fact that aloe vera is a very safe product. These patients had slight to moderate forms of psoriasis. Before you rush out and buy some aloe vera, make sure you read the bottle fully. I find that most aloe vera products contain very little |
symptoms. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this disease is the emotional toll of those who suffer from it. As much as we may deny it, the phrase “beauty is only skin deep” rings true in our society. Those with diseases of the skin may be embarrassed by their condition and avoid social situations to limit the negative reactions from others. This month I will write about what psoriasis is (and is not) and some of the
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