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Skin Conditions If you have a skin problem it is important to get a diagnosis.
Psoriasis
NOTE: There are a number of types of psoriasis. I will only consider the
plaque psoriasis here.
Symptoms
Red patches with raised silvery plaques, often oval, sometimes irregular in
shape. These may itch or burn. Psoriasis is usually found on knees, elbows, the
trunk, or scalp. It usually begins in early adulthood. Fingernails may become
pitted and ridged in some cases. Psoriasis may also be associated with
inflammation of joints (psoriatic arthritis).
Causes
An immune system imbalance in which T cells (a variety of white blood cell)
causes skin cells to replicate more quickly than normal.
There is a familial element in the cause of psoriasis.
There are a number of possible triggers that may lead to flare-ups:
 | Injury to the skin, including that caused by scratching |
| Streptococcal infections |
| Taking some medical drugs. Lithium, Beta-blockers, non-steroidal
anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen |
| Hormonal changes as in puberty and menopause. |
| Stress |
| Alcohol |
Treatment
There is no cure for psoriasis as yet but it can be controlled.
When you have a flare-up think about what might have changed in your life.
Look at diet, stress levels, climate change, medication, and injury
Some lifestyle changes can help alleviate or remove the symptoms:
| Use plenty of lotions and creams to combat dryness. Avoid soap. |
| Avoid getting too hot or too cold and environments that are dry A
humidifier can be helpful in winter when the central heating is on. |
| Sunlight may to heal lesions but sunburn will make it worse so always use
sunscreen for sensitive skin and avoid over exposure. |
| Take high strength fish oil daily. |
| Keep your bowels regular as toxins from the bowel are absorbed into the
blood giving your liver extra work. Take plenty of fibre in the form of fruit
and vegetables. Cut down on refined carbohydrate, sugar and animal products.
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| Avoid stressful situations and try using relaxation techniques |
| Supplementing your diet with vitamins A & C and a B complex along with
15mg of zinc may help but it would be better to increase your intake of these
in your diet. |
| A probiotic with food may help to ensure balanced gut bacteria. |
| Wear cotton rather than synthetics or wool. |
| Be conscious of when you scratch. Try keeping a record of times and
situations when scratching is worst, and then try to reduce your exposure to
such situations |
Herbs for Topical use
| Greater celandine will help to reduce the proliferation of skin
cells and therefore help to reduce the plaques. |
| Comfrey is an emollient and good to combat thick dry skin. |
| Aloe vera gel will reduce itching and speed healing |
| Marigold is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. |
| Chamomile essential oil (10 drops per 30 grams) is
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic |
| Liquorice is also anti-inflammatory and is soothing. |
Herbs for Internal use
I would strongly suggest that if you wish to takes these herbs it is
advisable to visit a local herbalist who will prescribe herbs after considering
your case history and examining your skin. As with other skin diseases, the
liver needs to be supported because of its role in the elimination of toxins.
Normalising bowel function is important as is dealing with any existing gut
infection. Where stress is a factor, a nervine will be included to aid
relaxation.
| Dandelion root and Yellow Dock help to improve liver
function and improve bowel function. |
| Milk thistle protects and helps to heal the liver. Avoid alcoholic
tinctures. It is best taken ground and sprinkled on cereal. A good
dessertspoon full is best. |
| Oregon Grape root & Goldenseal will help to deal with gut
infections and rebalance gut flora but do not take for long periods. |
| Burdock root & Red clover are good blood cleansers. |
| Cleavers helps to clean up the lymphatic system. |
| Skullcap and Valerian are useful for reducing stress. |
Drinking tea made from young nettles tops and cleavers in the spring is
advisable for those suffering from skin problems.
I am not offering any treatments by post for Psoriasis because the nature,
severity and complexity of the complaint is such that you should consult a local
herbalist for a specific diagnosis and treatment.
Please Note
The information given here should not replace consultation with you doctor.
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