When someone has psoriasis, the skin is affected, however it is actually an autoimmune condition. Red itchy areas appear followed by silvery scales. The parts of the skin affected are called plaques. Elbows, armpits, the scalp and the back can all be affected. Approx 2% to 5% of people can get psoriasis. It can appear any time in someone’s life whether young or old. but can be hereditary
Psoriasis cannot be caught from other people and it cannot be transferred from one part of the body to another
Psoriasis is not caused by external conditions; it is what is called an autoimmune condition.
The dead cells on the surface are replaced by the new cells growing up from the lower levels of the skin. The new cells move upwards to the top of the skin layer, displacing the dead cells on the surface of the skin.
When you have a shower and towel yourself dry, literally thousands of dead skin cells are rubbed off.
When someone has psoriasis, T cell in the immune system bring about inflammatory chemicals that simulate the conditions of an infection. The chemicals produced make new skin cells to be created much faster. The new cells move upwards very quickly producing an accumulation of cells on the surface of the skin.
The 30% of people who have a genetic problem, might only get psoriasis after an infection or harm to the skin.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, so creams and ointments can have only a local impression on the skin symptoms. Creams and ointments cannot rectify the real cause of psoriasis, but only alleviate the symptoms.
The only way to do this is through diet and lifestyle.
A good healthy low fat diet with exercise and stress reduction actions can benefit the psoriasis sufferer.
It should be emphasised that everyone is an unique and the physical diet followed should be adjusted by experimentation to suit that person. Diverse amounts of protein or carbohydrate benefit different people in diverse ways. A diet consisting of fresh organic fruit and vegetables, raw wherever workable, lean poultry, wholegrain carbohydrates and a minimal of diary is an requisite method in overcoming the condition.
Food with high levels of saturated fat and red meat should be avoided or decreased. Processed food, ready meals and high fat, salt and sugar foods should be eliminated if at all possible.
If you can eradicate sugar from your diet, this is very much beneficial. Sugar is a substance that creates conditions in the body that encourage many of the ailments that people in western industrialised societies especially diabetes.
Essential trace elements and minerals are often lacking in foods that have been grown for many years on the same soils, so a good mineral supplement is crucial.
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is generated by the body when exposed to sunlight. For those who live in the parts of the world who see little sun in winter, vitamin D supplements are essential.
Your levels of Vitamin D can be topped up on a sun bed or by taking 2000IU per day in supplements.
A part of your approach on psoriasis should be suitable exercise.
Running, cycling and swimming are all great. If after many years of inactivity you are planning to start exercise, ascertain with your doctor.
Stress reduction is also good in any autoimmune condition. Planned relaxation sessions, meditation are all very good. Try to comprehend and understand where any stress in your life that is causing problems comes from and try to find a way to vary your lifestyle to eliminate this.
If all these measures are combined, a reduction or even eradication of the condition should be gradual over a period of time.