Herbal Psoriasis Treatment

Understanding Psoriasis and the Available Treatment Options

Psoriasis, which is marked by a red, scaly rash, affects over three million people in the United States each year. For many, the dry, itchy patches are not only unsightly and embarrassing, they can also have a significant impact on their daily lives. In order to understand the condition and psoriasis treatment that can make a real difference, you need to understand what it really is and what causes it.

The Cause of Psoriasis

The actual cause of psoriasis is not known, but the condition occurs due to the skin cells growing up to five times faster than normal, healthy cells. This overgrowth results in the older cells simply piling up on the skin rather than sloughing off as they normally would.
The causes of psoriasis are based in your immune system and potentially even your genes. Those who have psoriasis often have genes that work to control the immune system that don’t function properly. In a healthy immune system that functions properly, cells that are considered invaders are attacked within the body to prevent them from spreading, such as what happens when you have an infection. However, with psoriasis, the immune system actually causes the skin cells to go into overdrive, resulting in inflammation and the patchy skin rash that is the hallmark of psoriasis.

Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Many people can go periods of time where they have no issues with their psoriasis, then something occurs that makes it flare up again. These flare-ups are often caused by triggers. These triggers can range from something as simple as a bug bite or scratching something too much to infections such as strep and even hormone fluctuations. Still others may be the result of certain medications, such as those used for heart problems, high blood pressure and mental illnesses.

Psoriasis Treatments

There are many different options available for psoriasis treatment. While most are only available with a prescription, it is important to understand your options when it comes to treating this disease.
Medications
There are a few different types of medications that are used to treat psoriasis symptoms. These include:

• Biologic Medications – Biologic medications are typically for those with psoriasis that is considered moderate to severe. These drugs, which are given via an IV (intravenous infusion) or injection are created using proteins. The drugs are designed to target only specific areas of the immune system to reduce inflammation. While biologic medications can be beneficial, those with compromised immune systems and active infections cannot use them. Additionally, use of the drugs can also increase the chances of additional infections and even cancers in some patients.
• Systemic Medications – Systemic medications are used more frequently than biologics. These medications work throughout the body rather than just within the immune system to bring relief from the symptoms of psoriasis. These options are administered in liquid or pill forms and are typically prescribed to those who have not seen relief from other psoriasis treatment.

Topical Treatments

The most common treatment options for psoriasis are applied to the skin. These drugs provide relief from the itching and scaling that occurs during a flare-up, without causing the effects that can result from systemic or biologic medications. Common topical treatments include:

• Steroids – Steroid creams are the most popular option used for psoriasis treatment. These creams help to relieve the itching and inflammation, and help to slow or stop the over-production of the cells that occur during flare-ups. There are varying strengths, with the more powerful options increasing the risk of dryness, burning, irritation and in some cases, thinning skin.
• Salicylic Acid – Salicylic acid helps to ease the patchiness and redness by causing the skin to shed the scales from psoriasis more quickly. This type of cream, however, is not recommended over large parts of the body due to the potential for too much of the medication be absorbed into the body.
• Calcipotriene – Topicals containing calcipotriene, which is from the vitamin-D family, are effective for some patients when they use it with a steroid cream. However, this medication is also not recommended for use over large areas of the body.

Psoriasis Herbal Treatment

Another option is natural herbal treatment for psoriasis. Merry Clinic’s approach to treating psoriasis focuses on the toxins inside the body that cause the flare-ups. These all-natural herbal treatments do not require a prescription, and have been shown to be quite effective for easing the symptoms of psoriasis without the unwanted side effects and dangers seen with prescription medications. By clearing the internal systems to eliminate toxins, many people find that their psoriasis becomes easier to control and less likely to result in flare-ups.