Psoriasis - Symptoms, treatment, home remedies for Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. Psoriasis is a common skin condition producing red scaling elevated plaques commonly on the elbows and knees. It may be more extensive or even universal (psoriatic erythroderma). There are different forms of psoriasis (including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic). It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but not as severe. It may affect the fingers, toes, neck, lower back, knees and ankles. It is non-contagious, aggravated by stress (physical or emotional), may produce depression and loss of self-esteem, affects all ages, affects the sexes equally and is a challenge to treat.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known. Psoriasis occurs about equally in males and females. Recent studies show that there may be an ethnic link. It seems that psoriasis is most common in Caucasians and slightly less common in African Americans. Some of the triggers that can cause psoriasis are:

Stress;
Injury to the skin;
Infection;
Reaction to drugs;
Vaccinations;
Sunburn;
Scratches;
Weather;
Diet;
Allergies.

What is SCALP PSORIASIS

About fifty percent of people suffering from psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the body producing too many skin cells on the scalp, resulting in red lesions covered with a white scale (made up of dead skin cells). In extreme cases of scalp psoriasis, thick plaques can cover the scalp and cause hair loss.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Dry, red patches of skin are the most well-known symptoms of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. Psoriasis may begin with small red bumps that eventually grow into large patches of dry skin that flake off in scales. Patches of affected skin often are symmetrical, meaning that they are present in the same place on both sides of the body. The skin will also be itchy.

Home Remedies for psoriasis

Treatment for psoriasis depends on the type of psoriasis you are suffering from and the psoriasis treatment that works best for you. With the emergence of several new therapies, including the biologic agents, more people are experiencing substantial improvements and reporting a greatly improved quality of life.

Baths can be beneficial by themselves in relieving itchiness. Oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts can help remove the scales and also help in soothing itchiness.
Aloe Vera is often used to soothe and moisturize skin.
Apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe the skin. You may also add it to a bath.
Capsaicin is found in cayenne peppers. It can help treat red, scaly and itchy skin.
Evening primrose oil can be found in cream or lotion form. It can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.
Tea tree can be applied to the skin or added to baths.
Fish oil, taken as a supplement, can help improve the symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Milk thistle can be purchased in tablet or fluid form. It helps stop T-cell activation.
Turmeric can help relieve psoriatic arthritis.