People wonder if any physiotherapy units may be used effectively at home. Several kinds are indeed available, and they can be quite helpful.
The five most important are:
1. Whirlpool-either built in, such as a hot tub, or portable, such as a unit that may be attached to the side of the tub Of laid flat in the tub, producing air bubbles. Smaller, self-contained units are available for hands and feet.
2. Steam bath cabinet (for home use)-made of fiberglass with stainless steel and aluminum fittings. The patient sits comfortably in the unit and closes a door, but the head is always exposed. (Note: The same precautions apply in using a whirlpool Of a home steam cabinet as they do for taking an Epsom salts bath or a professional steam bath.) This is not to be used if the patient has a heart problem.
3. Electrical heat cap, mitts, and boots-used for treatments of the scalp, hands, and feet, respectively, in conjunction with various oils.
4. Humidifier-particularly for use in the winter months, to offset the dry air caused by artificial heating. A humidifier can be very effective in preventing or alleviating winter itch (astearotic dermatitis). (Caution: Units must be thoroughly cleaned our regularly, as spores may form that may be inhaled, causing serious respiratory ailrnents.)
5. Ultraviolet lamp (optional)-used as directed by the patient’s dermatologist.
In addition, every psoriatic should have a juicer and a blender for making fresh vegetable and fruit juices, and a home enema device, especially if ccnstipation is a problem. Never retire for the night without having at least one bowel movement that day. The above units are readily available to the general public at a nominal cost. In remote areas where professional services are not available, these horne units can be a godsend, provided they are used properly and with discretion. They are all a patient needs, from a physiotherapeutic point of view. Again, these products become more worthy of consideration when the convenience of using them in the privacy of one’s own home is taken into account.
The Effect of Wearing Synthetic Fabrics
Patients who wear nylon or synthetic undergarments sometimes have an adverse reaction to this fabric, especially after their skin has been cleared up. Because skin cannot breathe properly under synthetics, these fabrics in fact can caused adverse reaction. Consequently, wear only cotton undergarments and bathing suits containing as little synthetic fiber as possible, prefetably consisting mainly of cotton.
In addition to these, a cool shower or an ice cube placed on a small area may provide relief. There are a number of prescription as well as over-the-counter items available that claim to relieve itching, Whatever works, works!
Remember, once the internal cleansing process begins to take effect, the annoying itch is the first symptom to disappear, and that is the first sign that the process is working.
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