Psoriasis

by

Danny T. Siegenthaler

 

Psoriasis affects millions people world-wide and is seen most frequently in both males and females aged between the ages of 10 to 40.

The cause of psoriasis is unknown, however, it is thought to be caused by abnormally fast-growing and shedding skin cells. The reason for the rapid cell growth is also unknown, but a problem with the immune system is thought to play a role. The skin cells multiply so quickly, causing the skin to shed every 3 to 4 days. Though not contagious, the condition is hereditary. Psoriasis is often recurrent and affects 2 to 4% of whites, however, blacks are less likely to get the disease.

The symptoms of Psoriasis can vary widely and be different from individual to individual. Generally however they will include:

• Discoid psoriasis: Also called plaque psoriasis, this type of psoriasis is the most common. Symptoms may include patches of red, raised skin on the trunk, arms, legs, knees, elbows, genitals, and scalp. Nails may also thicken, become pitted, and separate from the nail beds.
• Gut tate psoriasis: This type of psoriasis affects mostly children. Symptoms may include many small patches of red, raised skin. A sore throat usually proceeds the onset of this type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis: Symptoms may include small pustules (pus-containing blisters) all over the body or just on the palms, soles, and other small areas.

The symptoms of psoriasis may resemble other skin conditions, making it difficult to self-diagnose. Therefore you should consult a physician for a differential diagnosis.

Orthodox Medical Treatment Approach:

Many drugs are available to treat psoriasis. Most often, a combination of drugs is used, depending on the severity and extent of the person's symptoms.

Topical drugs (drugs applied to the skin) are used most commonly. Nearly everyone with psoriasis benefits from skin moisturizers (emollients). Other topical agents include corticosteroids, often used together with calcipotriene, a vitamin D derivative, or coal or pine tar or anthralin may also be used. Very thick patches can be thinned with ointments containing salicylic acid, which make the other drugs more effective. Many of these drugs are irritating to the skin, and doctors must find which ones work best for each person.

Phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light) also can help clear up psoriasis for several months at a time. Phototherapy is often used in combination with various topical drugs, particularly when large areas of skin are involved. Traditionally, treatment has been with phototherapy combined with the use of psoralens (drugs that make the skin more sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet light). This treatment is called PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A). Some doctors are now using narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) treatments, which are equally effective but avoid the need to use psoralens and the side effects they cause, such as extreme sensitivity to sunshine.

For serious forms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, drugs taken by mouth are used. These drugs include cyclosporine, methotrexate, and acitretin. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug. Cyclosporine may cause high blood pressure and damage the kidneys. Methotrexate interferes with the growth and multiplication of skin cells. Doctors use methotrexate for people whose psoriasis does not respond to other forms of therapy. Liver damage and impaired immunity are possible side effects. Acitretin is similar to the acne drug isotretinoin and is particularly effective in pustular psoriasis but often raises fat (lipid) levels in the blood and might cause problems with the liver and bones. It can also cause birth defects and should not be taken by a woman who might get pregnant.

Alternative/Traditional Medical Treatment Approach:

Essential oils that may be useful in the treatment of Psoriasis include:
Cedarwood: This oil is antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and sedative and may therefore be useful in treating infection and/or inflammation of the skin
Bergamot: This oil is analgesic, antiseptic, carminative, sedative and has a variety of applications, specifically in the treatment of psoriasis, scabies, general skin care and in the treatment of wounds.
Geranium: This oil is analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, sedative and tonic. It's applications include skin care, dermatitis, eczema (dry) burns and a range of skin infections.

These three oils may be combined in equal portions of 2-3 drops into 100 ml of a carrier oil such as Almond or Apricot oil and applied 2-3 times daily.

Herbal medicines which are useful in the treatment of psoriasis include:

Echinacea purpurea: echinacea has a stimulatory effect on the immune system as well as being an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It's effect on the skin is immeasurably valuable and should always be considered when treating any skin infection.
Yellow Dock: is used to treat skin conditions that are attributed to toxic metabolites from mal-digestion and poor liver function.
Aloe vera (externally)
Burdock: burdock has been used to treat inflammation, and is therefore a herb of choice in the treatment of eczema, acne, boils and carbuncles, psoriasis and other, similar skin conditions.

It is strongly advised that advice from a suitably qualified health professional is sought, as Psoriasis may be confused with other, possibly more serious skin conditions.

 

Psoriasis Resources and References:

• An Orthodox View and Approach to Psoriasis
• University of Maryland - Medical Center
• Herbal Medicine: Information on Yellow Dock
• Herbal Medicine: Information on Burdock
• Herbal Medicine: Information on Echinacea purpurea