Topical treatments for psoriasis- The treatments may include:

- Sprays to cover a large portion of the skin affected; - Tapes for [...]]]> Ointment and cream treatments for psoriasis abound in health and drugstores, sometimes making it difficult for us to choose which of them are the best cream for psoriasis. In fact, there are classifications for these treatments:

Topical treatments for psoriasis- The treatments may include:

- Sprays to cover a large portion of the skin affected;
- Tapes for parts that are already thickened;
- Gels and foams for psoriasis that are present in hairy areas;
- Oils;
- Diluted liquids;
- Psoriasis cream for damp regions;
- Ointments for dry spots.

In all cases, there are topical products for every individual needs.

Steroid creams-

· A corticosteroid steroid called hydrocortisone is the most common ingredient for every topical preparation. The topical preparation contains 1% strength of hydrocortisone and can be bought as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Hydrocortisone is different from the muscle building steroids that we often hear from body builders since this is the mildest among the group of steroids.

· The use of OTC hydrocortisone may not be sufficient to cure psoriasis; hence, it is does qualify as the best cream for psoriasis. Usually, cortisone is added as part of the treatment process. Cortisone is a hormone naturally secreted by the adrenal gland particularly the adrenal cortex but this was synthesized to become as a drug medication.

· The use of cortisone drug in the form of cortisone cream is applied in the affected psoriasis area. Normally, the purchase of cortisone being a steroid requires a doctor’s prescription especially those with higher levels of strengths. The strengths of steroids are determined by its class; the lower the class of steroid, the stronger the steroid medication. Hence, a class 1 steroid has a higher strength than a class 7 steroid. Therefore, a psoriasis cream containing higher strengths will normally require a doctor’s prescription.

Just like any synthetic drugs, strong psoriasis creams may also result to side effects:

1.  Steroids can cause stretch marks in the groin and armpits;

2.  Thinning of the skin due to prolonged and constant use;

3.  Lessening of the body’s ability to fight stress caused by surgery, injury, or infection.

Thus, it is clearly a must that proper doctor consultations should be made to ensure proper use and application to avoid these side effects.

Non-Steroids

Aside from psoriasis drugs containing steroids, there are also non-steroid treatments available:

1. Protopic (tacrolimus) and Elidel (pimecrolimus)- These are immune modulating drugs that reduce inflammation in the absence of adverse effects common to steroids.

2. Dovonex (calcipotriene)- is a vitamin D derivative that can normalize the growth of body cells.

3. Tazorac (tazarotene)- is a vitamin A like drug (retinoid) which regulates the growth and aging of cells.

4. Anthralin- aims to slow down the swift growth of skin cells common in sufferers of psoriasis.

The side effects of non-steroid drugs are negligible compared to steroid drugs. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the effects of non-steroid drugs are not as impressive and significant, if compared to their steroid counterparts. Based on this, a new drug was formulated called Taclonex (calcipotriene) and it works like a steroid drug for psoriasis with minimal adverse effects.

Under normal circumstances, OTC psoriasis cream is only effective for the time being. Due to the changing nature of the disease, the psoriasis cream may not be effective on the second use. Further, what may be applicable to some psoriasis sufferers may be useless due to different individual reactions even to common ingredients.

The initial use of OTC drugs for psoriasis must be taken with caution and should be referred to a proper medical practitioner if the healing effect ceases.

If you are affected with psoriasis, there are two options available. The first is to treat them with medicated psoriasis creams which require your doctor’s proper medical evaluation and the second is to use the natural remedies available.

Whichever is your option, the important thing is for you to evaluate the risks involved. Consider all positive and negative issues regarding the psoriasis cream or the natural treatment of your choice.

A.  Light Therapy

Of all the alternative psoriasis treatments available, this therapy has gained acceptance [...]]]> Alternative medicines for psoriasis aim to help the patients in two ways; 1) minimize the lesions and pain, and 2) avoid the failure of the skin cells to function properly. The most widely accepted alternative medicine for psoriasis includes the following:

A.  Light Therapy

Of all the alternative psoriasis treatments available, this therapy has gained acceptance even from conventional doctors. In this kind of treatment, the ultraviolet light of the sun and artificial ultraviolet rays are used as healing therapies. This is further combined with some medications for better effectiveness.

B.  Nutritional Therapy

There is a firm belief that the rapid production of the skin cells may be due to nutritional deficiencies. Food allergies are likewise not discounted as possible causes for the occurrence of psoriasis.

Certain food groups with particular nutrients such as selenium, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and cold-water fish oils have known to relieve psoriasis patients. In the absence of whole foods containing the aforementioned nutrients, supplements can be used as substitute.

In England, researchers noted that fish oils given to psoriasis as a form of psoriasis medication, resulted to the reduction of scaling, redness, and itching. Similarly, placebo capsules with olive oil that were given to another set of participants did not elicit improvement of the symptoms.

In the absence of capsule supplements, there are plenty of fish oils that can be derived from cold-water fish like herring, sardines, salmon, or mackerel. Further, flax oil can be used by vegetarians in lieu of fish oil. It is also best to know that in the treatment of psoriasis, certain foods should be avoided, namely; alcohol, wheat, excessive animal foods, and acidic foods so as not to aggravate the situation.

Acidic foods include soda, pineapple, coffee, tomatoes, and citrus. In a study made in Sweden, psoriasis sufferers that were given vegetarian diet from three to four weeks resulted to lesser symptoms. Take note that the vegetarian diet here does not include eggs, milk, fish, or meat in particular.

C.  Hydrotherapy

To supply the skin with certain minerals, moisture, and heat; water therapy is used as alternative psoriasis medicine. Often, the following hydrotherapy can offer relief to the sufferers:

- The use of warm water in bathing to improve blood circulation;

- Elimination of dry air with the use of a room humidifier. This way, lesions will not be aggravated;

- Bathing in water rich in sulfur and other minerals so that it will directly seep directly to the skin as an aid in the healing process.

As a proof that hydrotherapy works in the treatment of psoriasis, the Dead Sea was used by sufferers to bathe because the sea water is rich in salt and minerals. Back then, the location was ideal for sunbathing because of the unique ultraviolet light that radiated. As additional information, the Dead Sea is situated between Jordan and Israel which can be found at the lowest portion of the earth.

D.  Detoxification, Fasting, and Colon Therapy

In order for the skin to regain proper function, one has to remove the body’s toxins and other waste products by means of detoxification therapy. This is based on the detoxification theory that psoriasis is only the body’s way of releasing toxins through the skin. This can be linked to the high level of endotoxins (certain bacteria in the cell walls) found in the intestines of psoriasis sufferers.

One detoxification method is called enema. The procedure involves the introduction of liquid into the rectum and colon through the anus. The rapid increase of liquid causes bloating that can induce bowel movements and irrigation of the colon. The process is expected to release the excess gas and other residues of the large intestine. Enema is also used as an aid in the process of fasting. However, as an alternative psoriasis medicine, this should be properly supervised by a naturopathic physician for safety reasons.

E.  Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda)

Herbal ayurvedic psoriasis treatment originated in India and is considered as one of the oldest medical practice. Its use evolved for over thousands of years based on the principle of Ayurveda. It puts together the balance of the spirit, mind, and body. Hence, others see this as a holistic approach by treating the whole body and not the specific symptoms of the sickness.

Basically, Ayurvedic medicine helps in the promotion of wellness and prevention of illness. Various techniques and products are used in restoring balance and cleansing of the body, making it essential that the methods should only be done by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner. This is important in order to avoid untoward side effects especially when used as psoriasis medicine.

F.  Other Psoriasis Medicines

1.  Herbal medicines- used in treating psoriasis include Psoralen coryliforia, Coleus forskoli, sarsaparilla (to attach with the endotoxins), and a lot more.

2.  Aromatherapy- Carrier oils are mixed with oils from lavender, calendula, and bergamot then massaged into the affected skin.

3.  Hypnotherapy- The sufferer is subjected to hypnotic trances to offer stress reduction, skin healing, and pain control in the subconscious mind.

4.  Traditional Chinese medicines- Chinese medicines involve the use of topical and oral herbs, and acupuncture.

5.  Topical herbs which are effective are tea tree oil, oats, evening primrose oil, emu oil, cayenne peppers due to its capsaicin content, apple cider vinegar, and aloe. In acupuncture, the needle is directed towards the organ or system causing the imbalance of life that triggers lesions of the skin.

In all cases, the use of alternative psoriasis medicine should be used with caution due to possible unknown side effects. For one, the skin a be sensitive to ultraviolet light rays and or certain intakes even if natural or organic may cause unwarranted interaction with some prescription drugs.

I.  Dead Sea [...]]]> If you feel that you are already burdened by the use of expensive topical creams and various psoriasis medications, why not consider trying the psoriasis natural treatment as alternative source of your relief. A lot of them are widely used, and you might like to take a closer look at some of them:

I.  Dead Sea Salts

Because of the rich minerals found in its water, the Dead Sea Salts dramatically clear or reduce the symptoms of the skin disorder. Based on the experience of numerous patients, their use of Dead Sea Salts as psoriasis natural treatment completely cleared the skin disease. Although they still experience less frequent recurrences, the conditions were less severe. This may be attributed to the distinct mixture of therapeutic ingredients of the water which makes it a remarkable psoriasis natural treatment.

II. Water Therapy

All over the world, health clinics, holistic centers, ayurvedics, and spas, use water and sea salts as part of water therapy treatments. Aside from these healing establishments, water therapy is also commonly used by the following:

1. Sports therapy clinics- In helping members recover from muscle and joint pains, these clinics use Hydrotherapy Baths;

2. Dermatologists- They recommend the Bokek Dead Sea Salt baths to sufferers with eczema, psoriasis, and other dry skin disorders;

3. Estheticians- recommend sea salt baths for body detoxification and sanitation of the pores due to its cleansing properties;

4. Cancer patients- deflects the radiation treatment by taking water therapy;

5. Families- There are plenty of bath salts that are bought and used as part of the water therapy they enjoy right in their own homes as part of their daily or weekly relaxation treats.

III. Food

Although no particular diet has been established as having a direct effect to provide psoriasis natural treatment, healthy eating habits is still the best way to free one’s self from illnesses. Medical science has proven that in order to have a healthy body, prudence in lifestyle and diet should be strictly followed, particularly by those with psoriasis.

Nevertheless, psoriasis patients are not required to follow any specific diet while suffering or undergoing psoriasis treatments. Still, it was noted that certain foods can contribute to the improvement or worsening of the skin disorder. This is actually the claim of people with no set of food intake guidelines.

In tests conducted in laboratory animals, fish oil as part of diet supplementation elicits encouraging results both to the immune and cardiovascular systems. This was considered feasible as a psoriasis natural treatment since psoriasis is an immune-related disease. When Max-EPA fish oil was tested as human food supplement, results of significant improvement in psoriasis conditions ranged from mild to moderate.

Aside from food, weather conditions, when warm and stable, often produce positive results to the sufferers. Likewise, exposure to sunlight and salt water help in the improvement of psoriasis conditions.

IV. Homeopathy

In homeopathy, psoriasis natural treatment is done by producing substances that create symptoms in healthy individuals similar to the indications of the disease as a method of addressing the root cause. This is an alternative medicine and can be used as psoriasis natural treatment without any side effects, except in rare exceptions.

V.  Herbs

The use of herbs as psoriasis natural herbal alternative treatment for psoriasis and other skin diseases has gone a long way with relative success. As in any natural treatment, the assumption is to flush out the toxic build up in the body thereby cleansing the whole system. Herbalists used herbs for centuries in the treatment of various diseases including arthritis for one. When deciding to use herbs as natural herbal alternative treatment for psoriasis, it is best to purchase them from an herbalist or pharmacist to get the proper mixture.

Herbs have potent effects which might be toxic if the proper mixture is not attained. Herbalists have the right experience in preparing the concoction of these herbs, which is why they are considered as proponents of a specific science.

VI. Vitamin and Supplements

With the specific aim of strengthening and improving the immune system, it follows that a healthy diet will result to the improvement of overall health and betterment of the immune system. Psoriasis cannot be cured solely by natural herbs, minerals, and vitamins but can be improved by supplements such as sarsaparilla, mountain grape, red clover, yellow dock, milk thistle, and burdock.

The use of these supplements for Psoriasis should be taken in the right dosage for health reasons since they often interact with other prescription drugs.

The psoriasis natural treatments described above are generally considered as safe and effective. However, it still does not eliminate the most sensible method of looking for a cure. Prior doctor consultation is necessary, so that unnecessary risks will be avoided regarding the use of these natural medications.

Usually, people with scalp psoriasis often avoid black clothes [...]]]> Scalp psoriasis can be quite distressing; this is a common consensus among 50 % of patients afflicted with this disease. Flakes similar to dandruff or thick scales exist in the hairline and can extend to the forehead, face, and even at the back portion of the ears.

Usually, people with scalp psoriasis often avoid black clothes in order to avoid getting into embarrassing situations. Much to the detriment of the psoriasis sufferer, evidences of harsh flaking and scaling finding its way on to their clothes.

To add to their mental anguish is the fear of losing their precious hair. However, if it’s any comfort, having scalp psoriasis does not necessarily put the patients at risk of going bald, except perhaps in case of over or extreme scratching.

Due to the nature of the skin disorder, psoriasis scalp treatment becomes less effective after repeated use. It is suggested that treatment for psoriasis on the scalp should be applied or used alternately with other medicines to become more responsive.

If the scalp psoriasis condition becomes moderate to severe, general medication is normally prescribed but does not qualify as an effective treatment for psoriasis on the scalp. In mild cases, the scalp disorder is often treated with salicylic acid and other products containing tar.

Experiencing Moderate to Severe Scalp Psoriasis

There are various psoriasis scalp treatment options that can be tried if the said psoriasis becomes severe in nature until the right medicine is found. It is usual for severe cases to have scaling and crusting right on the scalp.  In other cases, yeast infection exists due to the enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck. Only then will a physician prescribe antimicrobial drugs in order to treat scalp psoriasis.

Frequently used topical ointments include Anthralin, Dovonex, Taclonex, and Tazorac. Additionally, systemic medications consist of Methotrexate, Oral retinoids, Cyclosporine, and Biologics.

Scalp itch

The major concern of a person afflicted with scalp psoriasis, is the itching in his head. Relief can be obtained with the use of over-the-counter scalp psoriasis shampoos containing tar and menthol. In addition, some find relief in taking in antihistamines and topical steroids as additional psoriasis scalp treatment, to achieve itch reduction.

The treatment for psoriasis on the scalp requires doctor consultation, if you want to avoid your worst fears of hair loss from taking place.

The Murdough Family Center for [...]]]> Any mild case of psoriasis, it can be ugly, embarrassing and hell of a pain. More severe cases may involve itching and burning sensations and often discomfort. Whether your case is mild, severe, or somewhere in between, you should be looking for natural cures for psoriasis that can relieve your symptoms.

The Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland was described in a recent article as the first multidisciplinary clinic for psoriasis.

Many experts agree that salicyclic acid is one effective natural component that can be effectively used to combat psoriasis.

PASI score is often used to measure or describe the condition of a patient suffering from psoriasis. Patients at the two highest doses of oral pimecrolimus, also known as ASM 981, achieved measurable reductions in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores without experiencing any side effects. Similar cases have been reported with treatments of salicyclic acid, coal -tar and few other natural home based remedies. Besides, a new variety of drugs – called biologics has been discovered to fight the psoriasis severe conditions. Since it is believed to be an immunity based diseases, these new varieties of drugs seek to improve upon the internal body conditions like immunity mechanisms.

Psoriasis has become quite a common skin disorder occurring in approximately 3% of the population. The symptoms of psoriasis include thick, reddish, flaky skin with an almost scaly appearance. Psoriasis of the scalp or any other part of the body is not contagious so there’s no need to worry about passing it from one person to another. A common psoriasis treatment for more severe cases is exposure to ultraviolet light. A fiber optic brush is used to focus UV-B light on the affected area and is useful in getting the skin peel right. At the same time eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial to the health of skin, hair, and fingernails.

More popular natural treatments and home remedies include bathing in Epsom salts, using aloe vera to keep skin lubricated and hydrated, treating the affected area with apple cider vinegar to help balance pH levels, treating affected areas with zinc and vitamin E, and even exposure to natural sunlight which stimulates vitamin D production can be helpful.

Source:- Medical experts who established the clinic at the University of Rochester, and of dermatologist Neil Korman, who started the clinic in Cleveland. Both these clinics provide the very best care and treatment for patients with psoriasis complicated by concomitant diseases.