|
Psoriasis refers to a skin condition in which the skin cells grow faster than normal, and thus patches of thick, red skin develop in elbows, knees, scalp and trunk. The main symptoms are development of scaly patches of skin in these areas, and sometimes even behind the ears, underarms and genital areas, as well itching. In rare conditions, the nails become rough and pitted.
Psoriasis mainly occurs due to an abnormality in the mechanism or in the metabolism of amino acids. Certain medicines, infections and even hereditary factors can trigger off an attack of psoriasis.
There are several simple home remedies for psoriasis. You should bathe daily in warm water to soften and gently rub off the scales using a loofah. However be careful not to over-soak the skin. Always apply a good moisturizer to lubricate and soften the scaly patches. This will reduce the itching and irritation. Apart from this, avoid using harsh chemical products on the skin; opt instead for gentle products with a natural base. Take care to keep your towels separate and also ensure that your clothes are clean and washed in mild detergents. Exposure to the sun is recommended to improve the texture of the skin, but avoid stepping out between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun's rays are the harshest.
Consumption of cod liver oil, lecithin, linseed oil, Vitamin E and zinc are said to be beneficial in treating psoriasis. Apart from this, ensure that your diet includes plenty of green vegetables, cucumber, carrots, beets and grapes. Curd should be consumed twice a day in the form of buttermilk. Buttermilk can also be used as a compress on the affected areas to soothe the itching. Another effective compress can be prepared using fresh cabbage leaves, washed in warm water, dried, rolled out, warmed gently and then applied to the affected areas and secured with an elastic bandage. Since cabbage is effective in treating psoriasis you can also consume cabbage soup daily to hasten the healing process. Bitter gourd juice consumed first thing in the morning keeps the system clear and helps to fight psoriasis. Apart from this, you can soak sesame seeds overnight in a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning. Onions and garlic are also beneficial in treating psoriasis and should be included in food preparations. Other effective remedies include application of avocado oil, calendula oil mixed with olive oil and oregano oil as well as a mixture of castor oil, wheat germ oil and sunflower oil.
|
