Natural Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder resulting from an immune system dysfunction, causes red, scaly patches to develop on the body and scalp. The disease affects million of Americans and can range from mild and annoying to severe and disabling. Psoriasis typically itches severely, and inflamed or damaged areas of the skin are prone to secondary infections. Although there are a number of traditional, prescription medications on the market to treat the disorder, many cause significant side effects. Fortunately, it is possible to clear up existing cases of psoriasis and help prevent recurrence through the use of a natural psoriasis treatment.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 7.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. The reduction in quality of life experienced by sufferers of psoriasis is significant, and the disorder is associated with a host of other, serious diseases. As many as one in three people with psoriasis go on to develop a condition known as psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis has also been linked to diabetes, obesity and heart disease. The cost of treatment with traditional medications for psoriasis can be considerable, and many of these medications cause serious side effects in some people. Natural psoriasis treatments are typically cheaper and safer than traditional, prescription medications, and most are widely available.

The itchy, red, scaly skin patches of psoriasis are caused by an abnormally fast rate of skin cell growth. The skin cells multiply more quickly than they are shed, which causes them to build up on the skin. Psoriasis treatments focus on decelerating the growth rate of skin cells in order to improve and control psoriasis long-term. Natural psoriasis treatments also help relieve the inflammation and itching associated with the disorder, while reducing redness and improving the appearance and texture of the skin.

Anyone seeking a natural psoriasis treatment has the option of using a topical cream or ointment, or a systemic treatment, which is generally ingested. Effective topical treatments include aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil. A study published in a 1996 issue of "Tropical Medicine and International Health" showed aloe vera to be very effective at reducing inflammation and treating psoriasis in most people. Evening primrose oil is one systemic treatment that has proven effective at treating a variety of skin diseases, and vitamins A, B5, B7, D, and E all provide important benefits to the skin. Supplementation with selenium and zinc may also provide relief for some people with psoriasis. Phototherapy is another natural psoriasis treatment that has been used successfully for years. This therapy involves exposing the affected areas of the skin to artificial ultraviolet light in order to slow the rate of skin cell growth.

Natural psoriasis treatments can provide relief from symptoms, treat existing flare-ups of the disorder, and help prevent new flare-ups from occurring. Many natural treatments have proven to be as effective as traditional medications at controlling itching, reducing inflammation and slowing cell growth without the associated side effects that typically result from using prescription drugs. Moreover, most natural treatments for psoriasis are beneficial to the skin and body in general, improving overall health and well-being.

Severely inflamed skin, or skin that has become raw from scratching, is prone to infection. Skin infections can quickly become serious in psoriasis sufferers. Because of this, it is essential to avoid scratching psoriasis patches and to treat any possible skin infections as soon as they develop. Regular use of topical anti-itch creams that contain aloe will help control itching, and use of shampoos containing tea tree oil with help prevent skin infections from developing on the scalp. It is also important to test any new psoriasis treatment on the inside of your arm before beginning treatment, as allergies are possible that may increase itching and inflammation and lead to more serious complications.