What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition. It occurs in a recurring form. It causes red, itchy patches that develop on the body especially knees, face, elbows, and scalp. It is a common disease and flares up after a month of treatments. It is a non-curable skin condition and requires proper treatments. Psoriasis can be cured by changing lifestyle habits.

Signs and symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms can be changed from person to person depending upon their skin conditions. The most common affected areas are the knees, lower back, face, elbows scalp, etc. Here are some most common signs and symptoms listed below:

1. Red patches on the skin 
2. Small scaly spots on the skin
3. Itchy skin with the burning sensation
4. Soreness of the skin
5. Stiffed and swollen joints 
6. Ridged nails
7. Dry and cracked skin

Types of psoriasis

There are many different types of psoriasis conditions that need proper medications and treatments. The various types of psoriasis are mentioned below:

• Plaque psoriasis- generally appears on the elbow, knees, lower back, and scalp.
• Nail psoriasis - appears on nails and causes decolouration of the nail.
• Guttate psoriasis - appears on arms and legs and mostly affects children and youths.
• Inverse psoriasis - mainly affects breast, buttocks, and groin area.
• Pustular psoriasis - develops on smaller areas like the palm of the hands and soles of the feet in pus-filled form.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis - appears on the entire body causing redness, itching, and burning sensation on the skin.
• Psoriatic arthritis - This causes swollen joints and is the typical form of arthritis.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes are common for almost every type of psoriasis. Psoriasis is mainly caused due to both genetic and environmental conditions. As psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder it is considered a non-contagious disease. The factors or causes that trigger psoriasis are as followed below:

• Stress causes psoriasis
• Smoking 
• Certain medications
• Throat infections or skin infections
• Any injury to the skin such as sunburn or a cut on the skin.
• Alcohol consumptions
• Dry weather or atmospheric conditions. 

Although psoriasis is a condition it is an autoimmune disorder that develops from inside the body.

Even though it affects your skin, psoriasis affects your skin, and actually begins deep inside your body in your immune system. These autoimmune disorders are caused because of the active T cells in the body that fights against infections and other diseases. As there is no proper treatment for psoriasis it is always important to consult dermatologists.

Here are some home remedies that help in treating these skin conditions and provide relief from psoriasis symptoms:

There are many dietary supplements that can help in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis from within the body. Dietary supplements like vitamin D, aloe vera, fish oil, milk, etc helps in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis. You must take these dietary supplements with the recommendation of doctors only.

Everyone knows yoga is the best stress reducer and reduces pain caused due to psoriasis conditions. Yoga improves arthritis caused by psoriasis. Yoga includes breathing, Strengthening of muscle movements, stretching, and also requires meditation and keeps the mind cool and mindful. You must practice yoga as it keeps your body fit, healthy and stable. 

Preventing your skin from drying helps you to trigger psoriasis plaques. Always use a humidifier if you live in a dry and hot climate which can irritate the psoriasis skin condition causing flaky skin. A humidifier keeps the skin moist which helps your skin retain moisture level thus preventing the formation of the plaques.

Drink plenty of water as it is the natural way for psoriasis treatment. Drinking water hydrates your skin and prevents your skin from getting dry.

Eating and drinking healthy keeps your body fit and fine. You should avoid drinking refined sugars, carbohydrates, alcohol, and saturated fats when you have psoriasis as these foods reduce the flaring up of this skin condition. Some foods like seeds, nuts, omega 3 can reduce inflammation on the skin. 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is caused due to stress too. Thus taking stress can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. To reduce stress levels you can also practice at home and do meditation and exercise.

A skin condition like psoriasis can worsen because of strong fragrances used in soaps, perfumes, and detergents. They may irritate your skin, though they smell they can cause inflammation to the affected areas of the skin with these skin conditions. Avoid such fragrances and products and only use those products which show sensitive skin.

Turmeric is a natural herbal product that is used for any skin treatment. Turmeric helps to minimize the psoriasis flaring ups. Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps in reducing inflammation in the skin. Turmeric is used in foods and it is also beneficial for health.

Take Away

As psoriasis is a skin condition that has one particular treatment, there are many home remedies that can prevent the skin condition. Use the above remedies and keep your skin healthy from getting such types of skin diseases at bay.