Homemade Herbal Skin Care

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects close to one in fifty adults while also causing significant mental distress to those individuals that are afflicted with the problem. One of the most intriguing breakthroughs related to what causes psoriasis is that its onset is rooted in the body’s immune system.

The symptoms associated with a flare-up of psoriasis include skin that is salmon colored, cracked, flaky and irritated. With plaque psoriasis, which is also the most predominant form, the affected areas develop circular, oval or irregular formed areas of red that are covered with skin that is cracked and silvery colored. The shape and sizes of the patches vary widely and several smaller areas can merge together to form one large shape of irritated scaly skin. As well as being unsightly, these bigger areas tend to crack and start bleeding.

Affected skin can be very itchy and often has a burning sensation. Similar to the shape, there is no consistency as to how long a specific flare-up will last. It could go away inside a week but on the other hand, you may be suffering for weeks on end. One of the worst aspects for those affected is that it is a lifelong complaint and recurring flare-ups can happen at any time.

Body areas that are typically affected include the torso, scalp, elbows and knees although any body part can develop symptoms of psoriasis. One strange anomaly is that flare-ups are inclined to be balanced in as much that both sides of the body will be affected in identical areas at the same time.

It appears that hereditary factors also play a part in who is likely to develop psoriasis. Individuals whose parents or grandparents suffered with the complaint have a greater probability of developing it as well. For some unknown reason, T-cells, which are required to produce the white blood cells which assist our bodies to fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. These same cells also trigger some bodily process which results in the over production of skin cells. Since these skin cells are surplus to requirements, they simply stack up on top of each other and in turn produce the telltale raised areas on the skins surface. To sustain these extra skin cells, an increased blood supply is necessary which results in the red appearance.

Although not the causes of psoriasis, common triggers include sunlight, strep infections and injuries, both past and present, to the skin Alterations in the bodies hormone levels as well as stress and anxiousness can also trigger off outbreaks. Higher incidences of psoriasis have also been noted in those folks with the early stages of HIV infection. Folks who smoke cigarettes who also drink alcohol increase their risks of developing psoriasis.

Presently, there is still no known cure for psoriasis. However there are many effective treatment choices that can relieve the symptoms. Resisting the temptation to scratch the affected area and keeping it damp is a good start.

Localized treatments are applied initially with the goal of slowing the excess production of skin cells. Coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, tazorac and anthrallin are common localized treatment choices as are specially developed bathing products and moisturizers. Systemic medications are prescribed to address more severe cases. Another effective means of treating psoriasis is with the use phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the sufferer is exposed to ultra violet radiation.