It would be nice to launch into an explanation as to what causes psoriasis, but unfortunately we are not sure what causes this affliction, except that it is an autoimmune disorder (our own immune system attacks our body tissue) and we don’t know why.
Over stimulated immune cells trigger an overgrowth of skin cells. These over-produced skin cells pile into areas like the knees, elbows, scalp and other body sites.
Dermatologists have conjectured as to what causes the pile up:
* allergies
* nutritional deficiencies
* too much animal fat (in the diet)
* a build up of toxins in the liver
While the conjecture is wide spread, most doctors agree psoriasis attacks are triggered by:
* dry air
* cigarette smoke (or smoking)
* too much or too little sun exposure The Solution
A little sunlight could be just the answer. Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which slows skin cell production, but it’s a fine line regarding sunlight. Too much sunlight can worsen the condition.
Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on sunlight to slow the growth of skin cells. You can improve the condition by eating less meat and dairy products. Drink lots of water and eat more fruits and vegetables for a long term solution.
For the short term try the following:
Soak in a tub
Soak in a warm bath, adding two boxes of baking soda. It will soften the thick lesions.
Soak in Dead Sea Salt
Soaking in Dead Sea Salt has been known to clear up to 90% of psoriasis lesions.
Use Petroleum Jelly
Bathe your affected areas twice daily, pat dry then apply layer after layer of petroleum jelly. 80% of your affected areas will be gone in one week.
Peanut Oil
Soak in a bath of Epsom Salt, then pat your itchy area dry and massage with warm peanut oil. Now- cover the area with a paste made with baking soda and castor oil. Cover with clean cloth and allow the substance to work on the plaque through the night.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle helps the liver eliminate leukotrienes, which are responsible for inflammation and the deregulation of skin cell growth.
The suggested dose is 120 to 175 milligrams of Milk Thistle in capsule form or &fraci2; teaspoon of liquid extract. Check your health food store.
Fish Oil
It has been noted that people that develop psoriasis tend to have low’ levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 acts to reduce the level of inflammation causing arachidonic acid. To balance your fatty acid ratios (the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be around 3 to 1) you will need to limit your intake of red meats and increase your consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for example:
* Fish
* Nuts (particularly walnuts)
* Flax and Flaxseed Oil *Canola Oil *01ive Oil *Soybean Oil
Working on the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 *s a good health plan, but oils can be high in calories, so some caution is called for.
Omega-3 can increase the risk of bleeding. People with bleeding conditions or who take medications like:
*Coumadin
*Plavix
* Anti-inflammatory Drugs (non-steroidal)
*Brilinta
Anyone who is taking the above medications should talk to their doctor before taking extra Omega-3 in the form of supplements.