Psoriasis can be physically and psychologically scarring for sufferers, but there are an increasing number of treatments for this chronic condition
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which your skin cells replace themselves too quickly - every few days compared to every three to four weeks. Great, you may think - new skin every couple of days, surely that's every woman's aim who's concerned about having dewy, fresh skin? However, shedding your skin this often results in angry, dry, itchy red scales, blisters, and swelling. It can appear on any part of your body - most often scalp, hands, elbows, and legs.
Psoriasis affects an astonishing 1.2 million people in the UK. It normally first appears during adolescence or in young adults and tends to run in families - if both your mother and father have it, you've a 60% chance of developing it too. However, there are a variety of triggers, including stress, throat infections, trauma, smoking and alcohol.
Psoriasis can also have a huge psychological impact on sufferers' lives in terms of socialising and working with other people. Psychological scars can last much longer than physical ones, so even though the condition can improve with treatment, it's crucial that sufferers learn how to keep stress at bay.
Common treatments include steroid creams, tar compounds (particularly good for your scalp), light therapy (which slows the growth rate of your skin cells), and vitamin A and D creams that help build collagen fibres and can provide a mild exfoliant.
There are also seven natural compounds that you should look for in complementary psoriasis remedies. They are: l Bishop's weed. The ancient Egyptians rubbed red, scaly skin patches with plants containing psoralens. Psoralens are chemical compounds occurring in the Psoralea corylifolia species of plants and they inhibit cell division, slowing down skin shedding. Bishop's weed contains a high concentration of psoralens. Available from a medical herbalist, best if the fresh herb is used.
l Red pepper (aka capsicum): A study in Prevention magazine found that capsaicin cream reduced scaling and redness in psoriasis sufferers. Look for one with 0.025% capsaicin and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards so it doesn't get in your eyes.
l Brazil nut. These nuts are rich in vitamin E and selenium, which help keep skin supple and healthy, and applying a Brazil nut oil to your patches can kill the itch.
l Camomile. This dried plant contains flavonoids, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. However, if you suffer from hayfever, use this with caution as it can trigger allergies.
l Licorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), which functions as a natural hydrocortisone, soothing inflamed skin, reducing any potential swelling, and decreasing the frequency of outbreaks.
l Oats (avena sativa). Traditional remedy for reducing the itchiness of outbreaks - poultices or oatmeal baths can help.
l Oregon Grape. This grape contains many invaluable anti-oxidants that fight off damaging free radicals.
Good product ranges/products for the treatment of psoriasis l Barefoot Botanicals SOS range is specially formulated for people with psoriasis and eczema. The products contain camomile, calendula, chickweed and aloe vera, and the range includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser and antiseptic spray. Prices start from £9.95, www. barefoot-botanicals.com or 0870 220 2272.
l Oregon Total Care range contains therapeutic Oregon Grape Root and includes a serum, scalp spray, handwash, and shampoo and conditioner. A set costs £25.99 or individual products start from £6.99, www. skinshop.co.uk or 0871 871 9975.
l Fushi's Evening Primrose, Hempseed and Lavender Psoriasis ointment contains several healing and anti-inflammatory herbs, and the hempseed and evening primrose are high in essential fatty acids for the healthy regeneration of skin cells. £12.99 for a 30ml tub, www.fushi.co.uk or 0845 330 1880.
l Fushi's Burdock Root tincture is an excellent immune strengthener and helps cleanse the blood of toxins. £9.95 for 100ml, as above.
l Elave is an organic, chemical-free range formulated with camomile and the huge range on offer includes a body lotion, body oil, and a facial cleanser. prices start from £3.49 from larger Boots stores, www. elave.co.uk or 0845 070 8090.
l Natura Organics is a natural, ethical, and organic range containing Vitamin E, calendula, aloe vera, and lavender. Prices start from £4.95, from health food stores, www.naturaorganics.com or 01273 808 380.
l Silicol Skin is a facial cleanser, whose main component is silicic acid, a natural element necessary to keep cell walls strong and moist. £7.99 for 50ml, from Holland & Barrett, www.silicol. com or 0870 727 4153.
Psoriasis Scotland, 0131 558 7221 or www.psoriasisscotland.org.uk
