Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which causes accelerated life cycles of skin cells, leading to an accumulation of dead cells on the dermis (outermost layer) of the skin. About 3% of the world’s population suffers from psoriasis. Although there is no cure for psoriasis in Western medicine, it has been effectively studied and treated with lifestyle changes, topical remedies and orally ingested herbs/medications.
There are many different types of psoriasis, so presentation will not always be the same. Typically, patches of skin will be red and inflamed with silver plaque scales - this is the buildup of dead cells. The skin in these areas may be dry, itchy, burning or sore. You should always see a dermatologist to ensure that what you are experiencing is indeed psoriasis and not another skin condition.
In some cases, psoriasis will progress into Psoriatic Arthritis. In these cases, patches of psoriasis on the skin are often accompanied with tender, stiff and/or sore joints. The complexity of these cases and the range of physical manifestations demand that the affected body systems be seen as contributing factors to a whole. Your acupuncturist/herbalist will take into account all of your symptoms when deciding what is best for your individual case when treating psoriasis.
Tips and Tricks for Managing Psoriasis
UV light therapy is increasingly common in clinical settings for the treatment of psoriasis. While UV light can be administered at higher doses with proper topical medications in a medical office, you can do this “at home” by going outside and getting some sun! Despite the natural inclination to cover up unsightly patches of skin, Vitamin D and UV rays have been proven effective in reducing appearance of psoriasis.
Herbal Medicine - Chinese herbal formulas are not “one size fits all” and will vary widely from person to person with psoriasis, so it is important to see an herbalist with sufficient training in order to decide what is really best for you
Lifestyle Changes - both western doctors and Eastern medicine practitioners agree that refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol will improve the appearance of psoriasis plaques
If you have psoriasis and would like help managing your symptoms, book a free consultation with Layne or Katie today!