Unlocking the Secrets of Psoriasis Care

Psoriasis on the scalp is a common place where this skin condition can occur

• Scalp psoriasis is a type of plaque psoriasis. It can occur on parts of your scalp or on the whole scalp.
• Scalp psoriasis often causes red, scaly patches on the scalp that may itch or feel sore.
• These patches can extend beyond the hairline, and there may be silvery scales or dandruff-like flakes.
• In some cases, it can lead to temporary hair loss.
• The condition can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities like combing or washing hair and some will find the condition extremely itchy while others are fortunate to have no discomfort.

•  It causes patches of skin covered in thick scales.

What are the other types of psoriasis? 

Pustular psoriasis - This is a more rare type, causing pus-filled blisters to appear on the skin and affecting different parts of the body.

Generalised pustular psoriasis - This is a rare and more serious form of psoriasis usually requiring emergency treatment and causing pustules to develop very quickly on a wide area of skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not a sign of infection, appearing every few days or weeks in cycles and causing fever, chills, weight loss and fatigue.

Palmoplantar pustulosis - This causes pustules to appear on the palms of the hands and the soles of your feet, gradually developing into circular, scaly spots that then peel off.  They may reappear every few days or weeks.

Erythrodermic psoriasis - This is a rare form of psoriasis affecting nearly all the skin on the body and causing intense itching or burning.  It can occur suddenly and may need emergency medical treatment, causing the body to lose proteins and fluid and leading to further problems.

How to help manage the symptoms?

If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, you can help to tackle the symptoms by:

• Taking short lukewarm showers or baking soda baths.  Avoid synthetic with their harsh ingredients or detergents. instead, change to a more natural one with a cucumber, algae or Aloe Vera base.  Avoid scrubbing the skin as this can cause additional irritation and avoid too hot a temperature as this can increase itching.
• Then gently pat dry with a soft towel before sealing in the moisture with a natural moisturizer to help seal in the moisture while making the skin softer.  Moisture and humidity are good for psoriatic skin.
• Wearing loose fitting, soft clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or even bamboo so that the skin can breathe and won't be irritated. Avoid wool and synthetic fibers in clothing as well as bleach and fabric softeners when doing the laundry as skin with psoriasis can be sensitive to these.
• If you are a smoker, then now would be a good time to give up.
• Sea water can be very helpful so if you live close to the sea, take regular ocean swims.  Afterwards, leave your skin damp and let the salt crystals dry on your skin.
• Ensuring regular daily doses of sunlight taken in short exposures of up to twenty minutes as the vitamin D that sunlight produces in your body is a great healing tool. The darker your skin, the more sunlight you need. But always be careful to avoid any risk of sunburn as this could worsen the psoriatic condition.  During the winter months or if you are not able to take advantage of natural sunlight, take a vitamin D3 supplement.
• Alcohol aggravates psoriasis and can also act as a trigger so try to eliminate this from your diet.  In addition, red meat and dairy products should only be eaten in moderation as they contain architectonic acid, a natural inflammatory substance that is believed to make psoriasis sores red and swollen. 
• Also avoid processed meats, spices and pickles and instead, include oily fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and mackerel; plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, mangoes and green leafy vegetables as they are high in beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for healthy skin; flax, sunflower and sesame seeds for omega-3 fatty acids; Brazil nuts for a rich source of selenium to produce those enzymes that stop the formation of certain leukotrienes which may worsen psoriasis; cereals, breads and yeast extracts that are fortified with folic acid to correct any deficiency which is sometimes prevalent in those with psoriasis; and finally any food containing zinc (such as shellfish and wholegrain foods) because zinc loss through the skin is thought to occur in those with psoriasis.
• Cleansing and detoxing your digestive system regularly to eliminate food residues, using one of the teas or internal cleansers available from your local health food store.
• Working on stress management because stress can play a big part in psoriatic outbreaks. It is thought that stress hormones may stimulate an already over active immune system, leading to more itching. Meditation, learning to relax, gentle exercise and yoga are all effective stress relievers. Some people find regularly listening to classical or any soothing music helps.
• Exercising frequently will help those stress levels and your immune system making you healthier all round. Choose the type of exercise that you will find enjoyable to keep up and don't forget that quick lukewarm shower and moisturizing straight afterwards if you have got at all hot and sweaty.

There is a natural way to help with psoriasis

It is possible to control the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms naturally which is safe, gentle and will help to soothe the skin instead of causing further irritation with harsh chemicals.  H-Psoriasis Formula will help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis including any itching, redness or irritation when applied to the affected areas as well as being added to the bath for a healing and restorative soak.  The product can also be used as a preventative maintenance program.

The Formula is topically applied to the affected areas three times per day with just a few drops being used to help clear the flaking and lesions before repairing damaged skin.  The Formula may be used on children over the age of four.  Users will often notice immediate results from the discomfort and itching associated with psoriasis. 

SOURCES:

Natural Medicines. Oregon grape. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. (Accessed Feb 13, 2021).

Kermott CA, et al., eds. Psoriasis. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. 2nd ed. Time; 2017.
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Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Ultraviolet therapy. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. (Accessed Feb 13, 2021).

Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Systemic immunomodulators. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. (Accessed Feb 13, 2021).