Psoriasis

Psoriasis is considered an immune-mediated genetic disease of the joint or the skin or both, characterized by patches of abnormal skin. An autoimmune disorder is a type of disease in which the body’s immune system incorrectly identifies tissues and organs of the body as a threat and begins attacking them. A part of the immune system called T Cells travel through the body looking for bacteria or viruses to fight but mistakenly begin to attack the skin.

There are several types of psoriasis each with its own symptomatology. The most usual symptoms include red, itchy, and scaly patches which can cover significant parts of the skin - especially hands, neck, scalp and face. It can be accompanied by widespread blistering, intense discolorations of the skin, and lesions or small sores with outbreaks possibly lasting months at a time. Psoriasis can also affect the colour and shape of toenails and fingernails.

Psoriasis can have an affect self-esteem, body imagine and life quality.

What causes Psoriasis?

The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood. It is known that Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, and that there’s a genetic component. About one third of people with psoriasis report a family history of the disease, and people with identical twins face a 70% chance of developing the disease if their twin does so. Both of these facts lend support to the problem being mostly genetic.

Triggering factors

Psoriasis can be triggered by a number of factors. Some of these include:

• Infections of the throat - such as strep-throat
• Bacterial or fungal skin infections - such as ringworm 
• Injury to the skin - such as insect bites or bad sunburns
• High stress 
• Cold weather
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption

What can help?

The Naturopathic approach to any autoimmune disease aims to reduce inflammation and tissue damage; reduce oxidative stress and increase detoxification pathways. Encouranging stress management protocols and promoting a healthy life style are considered important factors to include. 

Reduce inflammation        

There are many foods and supplements available which offer an anti-inflammatory action. Three important ones which can help with psoriasis are omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric and green tea. 

Omega-3 fatty acids 

Omega-3 lowers the production of pro inflammatory mediators, resulting in reduced inflammation. It is found in fish (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines), nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts) and plant oils (such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil). 

Turmeric

The active ingredient from turmeric, curcumin, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in many autoimmune diseases.

Green Tea

Green tea contains the polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to support the immune system by reducing the activation of autoantigen-specific T-cell.

Reduce oxidation

Antioxidants - such as resveratrol, quercetin and alpha lipoic acids help reduce oxidation. It is oxidation which causes damage to tissue. 

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound naturally found in peanuts, the skin of grapes, red wine, cocoa, and berries such as blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries. In supplement form, resveratrol is obtained from Reynoutria japonica (Japanese giant knotweed) root - one of the richest botanical sources of Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) with potent antioxidant properties. It can be found in foods such as red onions, tomatoes, red grapes, raspberries, cranberry's, black and green tea, apple and foods from the brassica vegetables (broccoli, kale, spinach). 

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that helps regenerate vitamin C and E and raises intercellular antioxidant - glutathione. Glutathione is produced in the liver and is involved in many body processes - including detoxification, tissue building and repair, and supporting the immune function.

Topical treatments for Psoriasis

Topical treatments aim to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a plant containing high amounts of antioxidant polphonols and offers antibacterial properties. It can be applied to the skin several times per day and has been shown to reduce psoriasis scaling. Choose topical gels with 0.5% aloe content. 

Tea tree oil

Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity. It can be used as topically in creams and shampoos and has been reported to help with a host of skin conditions, psoriasis among them.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used to help relieve the itch from psoriasis. It can be applied several times a day, diluted if necessary. Rinse skin once the solution has dried and avoid using on open wounds.

Detoxification pathways

Detoxification pathways include the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, lymphatic system, respiratory system, and skin. These pathways can be enhanced by drinking water, eating nutritious foods (and avoiding processed foods, additives and preservatives), enjoying fresh air and exercise.

Bowel function can be supported with a diet of probiotic and fibre-rich foods to encourage regular bowel motions. Psyllium husks, chia seeds, flaxseeds, slippery elm and probiotics can be supplemented for added support.

Liver function. There are some medicinal herbs which can support liver function. These include: 

• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). St. Mary’s thistle has antioxidant properties to help combat potential free radical damage and can help with digestive disturbances such as bloating, flatulence and the feeling of fullness. MIlk thistle can protect the liver.
• Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf helps relieve digestive symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, flatulence and cramps and helps with the production and flow of bile from the gallbladder.
• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) fruit  is considered a valuble tonic for the liver.

Epsom salt baths (magnesium) can help with skin detoxification.

Dietary considerations

Certain foods can help reduce inflammation and other foods can exacerbate inflammation. 

Increase intake of:

• Vegetables - for fibre, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins
• Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines; nuts, seeds and olive oil - anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids
• Probiotic-rich foods - for gut health

Reduce intake of:

• red meat, dairy, grains and sugar - considered inflammatory
• Reduce or remove coffee and caffeinated drinks

People suffering from celiac disease can be more prone to psoriasis.

Lifestyle considerations

Low self-esteem can be helped by an active lifestyle. Exercise increases circulation and reduces stress. Avoid exercising in extreme temperature or becoming over-heated. Relaxing exercise such as Yoga and Tai Chi may be of benefit. 

Conventional treatments for psoriasis

Conventional treatments aim to treat the symptoms and help the body’s resistance to disease.

For mild cases. Topical agents such as corticosteroid preparations and vitamin D can be combined as an effective treatment. 

For moderate cases. Phototherapy can be used. This involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light which produce ultraviolet-B light. The very same that is associated with skin cancer. Although studies show only a small increase in the incidence of skin cancer from this type of treatment, it is still present.

• Some medical practitioners suggest supplementing with nicotinamide to decrease the risk of skin cancer. Nicotinamide is a form of B3 found to reduce skin cancer. Click Here for further reading

In severe cases. When psoriasis is spread over a wide part of the body, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Treatments such as oral or injectable medications are frequently required. Most of these drugs are immunosuppressant in nature. They reduce the reaction of the immune system to stimuli. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a systemic treatment involving high doses of vitamin A. 

References

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