How to Care for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by inflamed lesions and silvery white scales. It may appear in only a few isolated spots, or can be widespread over the body, and most typcially appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Evening primrose oil
• Aloe vera
• Flaxseed oil
• Vitamin C

1. Get some sun. Natural sunlight has been shown to sigificantly improve, or clear, psoriasis. Get regular daily doses, but keep them short and avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the rays are strongest.

2. Add over-the-counter tar solutions, bath oil, oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts to your bath. All of these will help soften the skin.

3. Use moisturizers after bathing and periodically during the day. These may not clear the psoriasis, but will help reduce itching and retain moisture in the skin.

4. Try using aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil or natural vegetable oils as moisturizers. They are a natural and relatively inexpensive way to moisturize the skin.

5. Take flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil according to directions on label. They supply essential fatty acids which are important for the skin and preventing dryness.

6. Take natural beta-carotene, 25,000 IU per day. It helps protect skin tissue.

7. Take zinc, preferably in the form of zinc gluconate lozenges, for maximum absorption. Do not exceed 50 mg per day.

8. Try shark cartilage. Take 1 gm per 15 lbs of body weight. Divide it into 3 doses a day. Shark cartilage has been known to stop the spread of psoriasis, but you will need to give it 2 to 3 months to see results.

9. Take vitamins A (10,000 IU daily) and E (400-1200 IU daily).

10. Take Vitamin C (2,000 to 5,000 mg a day) in divided doses. It is necessary for immune system function and for formation of collagen and skin tissue.

11. Brush scales lightly with a loofah, then apply an alcohol-free extract of the herb goldenseal. This will help reduce inflammation and swelling.

12. Keep a record of your outbreaks. Psoriasis typically flares up and then improves. Write down what you were doing, eating, or what was going on in your life at the time of a flare-up. Triggers to flare-ups include stress, tension, illness, sunburn, certain drugs and alcohol.

13. Decrease or eliminate red meat and dairy products. They contain arachidonic acid, a substance that can cause inflammation and, in turn, make your psoriasis lesions swollen and red.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a number of topical and oral medications currently being used to treat psoriasis. Ultraviolet therapy is also sometimes used. Some have produced good results, but many therapies have possible side effects and may cause problems after long-time use. Discuss the possible therapies carefully with your doctor. Contact the National Psoriasis Foundation for updates on new and less toxic treatments.
• Do not use beta carotene if you have diabetes.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[SharaA]

on 1/5/2009 There is actually a type of psoriasis that is caused by smoking. I have seen some of my patients clear up completely after stopping smoking.

[chica63]

on 12/17/2008 I had my first flare of inverse psoriasis 4 months ago at the age of 45. Hormonal changes, diet/food intollerance and stress were my triggers although I don't know which came first; the inabalances or the fatigued immune system. I first thought it was fungal and treated it as such with NO success. After I finally found out what was going on I went straight to diet and stress management. Within 3 days of eliminating coffee, dairy, sugar and gluten, my psoriasis completely cleared up. I also followed the protocols and supplementation outlined above. Jojoba oil has been a God send and dead sea salts are amazing! I've been able to add back in some of the "forbidden" foods on a limited basis, except wheat, without any flare ups. It really wasn't as hard as it sounds, especially when you can see such dramatic results in such a short time. Plus I've lost 20 lbs in 5 weeks and I look an

[MrPancho]

on 3/6/2008 Best tips I've ever found for the _painful_ outbreaks (and other kinds): Run a warm bath and dissolve about 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda in the water. You can add collodial oatmeal or a very mild shower gel that's non-irritating-- I recommend the Shikai line, as they're oatmeal-based and very mild. Soak in this for at least 20 minutes (longer is better). You'll feel relief and it softens the hard spots. Shower afterwards and lightly rub off to exfoliate the trouble spots, which should be much softer. Don't forget to medicate/moisturize afterwards!

on 8/8/2006 Here is what I do:
1. Spend one hour a day in the sun. I wear low-SPF moisturizing tanning spray. In the winter, I like to go to a tanning salon twice a week.
2. Find coal tar soap. It is black soap and I found it at a Bulk Barn. It almost completely erased my psoriasis within a couple of weeks.
3. Exfoliate when you shower. I have found that removing the flakes through exfoliation (loofah or simply a washcloth and friction) helps in my routine.
4. Find a good moisturizer, something that is for severe dry skin. Look at a few labels and try different types until you find the one you like.
5. Ask your doctor about Dovonex, or Dovobet. I use both (Dovonex twice during the day, Dovobet at night).
Good luck!

on 10/30/2007 I started a regimen that it showing great improvement. My psoriasis shows little flaking and is not raised within two weeks.

1. Tan outside. Direct sunlight (not tanning beds) seems to clear up my psoriasis better and quicker than everything I've tried. The sun isn't reliable though, so you must try a number of things.

2. Take Mg of fish oil. I found a bottle of 120 capsules for a less than $6.

3. Take a multivitamin.

4. Lower dairy consumption.

5. Use a good skin lotion.

6. Use an all-day moisturizing body wash.

7. Use a tar shampoo, such as Neutrogena T-Gel.

8. Lower stress in your life.

I'm only 20 years old and my psoriasis started this year. It was an extremely hard fact to deal with at first. I used to go out on dates all the time, go swimming, wear shorts, etc. Before I found ways of treating this condition I was very depressed. I just want to let everyone know that this skin condition can be beat down to a level where you can be comfortable with your life again. Don't let psoriasis run your life!