Psoriasis treatment

can wheat grass cure psoriasis? what treatment is better for this disease?
(October 20, 2010)

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects the cells of the skin. When a person suffers from psoriasis the lifecycle of the skin cells get altered to a great extent, causing them to buildup on the surface if the skin at a rapid pace. This abnormal buildup of skin cells leads to the formation of thick, itchy and dry scales on the skin, which can be quite painful at times. This disease usually lasts for a long duration, but there may be occasions, when the symptoms disappear completely; however, at times, the symptoms may worsen. While psoriasis may be relatively mild in some people, others could be disabled by it, especially the elderly people, or those who suffer from arthritis.


Therefore, even though there is no permanent cure for this, people try to control the symptoms by undergoing psoriasis treatment, using home remedies and following a psoriasis diet.

Psoriasis causes

The main cause of this condition is believed to be immunity problems, mainly in a type of white blood cell, which is called the T cell or the T lymphocyte. When a person gets afflicted with psoriasis, these T cells attack the healthy cells in the body, instead of attacking the bacteria, virus and other harmful bodies. This in turn triggers off a dilation of the blood vessels, which leads to an increase in the production of healthy skin cells as well as T cells in the body. This forms an ongoing cycle, as the new skin cells collect on the top layer of the skin, before the old ones are discarded. Hence scaly patches should become visible, on the surface of the skin. As these scales thicken, the problem gets worse. Moreover, this cycle continues, until some form of psoriasis treatment is administered.

Psoriasis treatment

Although this condition cannot be cured, psoriasis treatment is often suggested by experts, to interrupt the production of T cells and skin cells. This in turn reduces the discomfort and could gradually decrease the scales on the skin too. Doctors usually prescribe topical medicines, which include Vitamin D analogues, corticosteroids, moisturizers, coal tar, retinoids, salicylic acid, calcineurin inhibitors and anthralin. People may also choose to go in for therapy, such as light therapy, which includes sunlight, UVB phototherapy, narrowband UVB therapy, excimer laser and photo-chemotherapy. Psoriasis treatment options for severe cases can include oral and injected medication too.

Psoriasis home remedies

There are several ways of controlling psoriasis, by using simple home remedies.

Given below are some of the most commonly used psoriasis home remedies:

• Soaking in a tub or applying a wet compress at regular intervals, to re-hydrate the skin
• Moisturizing the skin frequently, to keep it from drying out
• Covering the affected area with a moisture-based ointment and leaving it on overnight can be very helpful too
• Using a humidifier, to increase the moisture in a the environment
• Exposing the skin to small amounts of sunlight, as recommended by a doctor
• Avoiding the consumption of alcohol
• Maintaining a psoriasis diet that is high in oily fish, flax seed, Brazil nuts, breakfast cereals, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, whole grains, shellfish, and fiber. Foods that should be strictly avoided are red meats, dairy products, peppered meats, spices, condiments and citrus fruits.

Psoriasis treatment, including the use of home remedies, as well as a Psoriasis diet should be closely monitored by a doctor.

Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition, wherein dry patches of dead skin are seen. Cessation of the old skin cells happens once in 30 days and these are replaced by new cells. In the case of individuals with psoriasis, this cycle occurs once in four days. This results in a dry patchy appearance. Certain medications, anxiety, alcohol, stress, sun burn and overweight are some of the risk factors that worsen the condition of psoriasis. Application of wet compress and soaking in a bath tub helps in rehydrating the skin, making it suppler. Avoid bathing in hot water, as it increases the itch.

Take care while using certain medications, as they worsen the condition of psoriasis, such as beta blockers, lithium and anti malarials. Avoid the usage of harsh soaps and chemicals on the affected area. Do not scratch the skin and avoid wearing tight fitting clothes. Wear loose fitting cotton clothes, as they help in breathing through. Soap free cleansers are also preferred. Excessive weight worsens psoriasis. So, keep a check on your intake and expenditure. Topical application of aloe vera gel or any moisturizer proves beneficial.