Managing Psoriasis Itch and flare-ups
Psoriasis is one of the most commonly occurring skin-related autoimmune diseases. In this condition, dry and scaly patches develop in various parts of the body, mostly affecting the limbs, arms, elbows, and trunk. Such patches appear red, white, purple or pink.
The itching associated with this condition can be hard for the patients to tolerate and sometimes can cause severe flare-ups. However, it is never advisable to itch those patches. Otherwise, the condition can spread further and lead to more severe consequences. There are many other complications too that come with the condition, making it challenging for patients to deal with it.
So, if you or your loved one have this condition, it becomes important to educate yourself about effective coping strategies for psoriasis. With the medium of this blog, we would like to inform our readers about the causes of psoriasis and its symptoms. Moreover, we will mention some effective home remedies for reducing psoriasis flare-ups along with the treatment alternatives.
What happens in Psoriasis?
In psoriasis, our skin cells start to grow too quickly, leading to the accumulation of extra skin cells, forming itchy white spots on scalp and other body parts. The condition not only affects our skin but can also cause other medical challenges. For example, one in every three people with psoriasis may develop psoriasis arthritis symptoms, a disease related to joints.
This increased skin cell production happens due to inappropriate functioning of the immune system. There is still ongoing research to know exactly what triggers our immune system to function in this way. The condition can be characterised by recognising the below-mentioned symptoms on the skin.
What are the top 7 symptoms of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis symptoms can vary from one person to another and depend on the type of psoriasis. Psoriasis can be as small as a few patches on the scalp or elbows, or it can cover most of the body.
The most common seven psoriasis symptoms include;
- Raised, inflamed plaques
- Whitish silver scales or patches on red patches or grey scales on purple and brown patches.
- Dry skin with cracking and bleeding
- Pain around the patch
- Itching and burning sensation around the patch
- Thick, pitted nails
- Joint pain and swelling
Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Some people with less common types of psoriasis experience very different symptoms.
Now, as we have briefly discussed the condition, it’s time to put forward effective measures that a person must implement if they have this condition to cope with the symptoms.
How to Cope with Psoriais Symptoms?
Basically, some lifestyle alterations and home remedies work well in reducing the itchiness and controlling flare-ups, thus providing some relief from the symptoms. However, they cannot be considered a permanent solution for psoriasis. A proper medical treatment is necessary to cure the disease.
Home remedies to relieve Psoriasis symptoms
These natural remedies for psoriasis can be beneficial for patients as they are suitable for coping with itchiness and flare-ups that come with the condition.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient consists of a number of skin health benefits like balancing the pH level, exfoliation and minimising itchiness. However, it is recommended to apply apple cider vinegar on psoriasis patches only after diluting it in an equal amount of water. Otherwise, it may cause burning sensations.
- Coconut oil: When you have psoriasis, it becomes essential to maintain skin hydration, as dryness can exacerbate the itchiness, especially on the scalp. Coconut oil acts as one of the most effective natural remedy for scalp psoriasis. Applying the oil right after the bath in reasonable quantities can minimise flare-ups.
- Turmeric: From the kitchen of India, turmeric is not only a spice that adds beautiful colour and flavour to your dishes, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help fight inflammation associated with the condition. Some researchers also suggest that this home remedy has the potential to calm psoriatic arthritis flares.
- Olive oil: The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help in reducing flare-ups when applied to psoriasis-affected areas. The best approach is to warm the oil a little before applying. After that, gently massage the affected areas. You can also try adding three tablespoons of warm olive oil to bathing water.
- Aloe vera: Pure aloe vera gel is readily available nowadays as one of the best natural ingredients to keep skin moistened. Otherwise, you can extract it from the leaves. It is advisable to apply gel three times a day for the utmost benefit.
What habits a Psoriasis Patient must opt for?
Besides using home remedies, there are certain lifestyle habits that can help a psoriasis patient manage the condition better. One of the most important habits is to be consistent with the treatment plan. Consuming the prescribed medicines on time, having regular follow-ups with the doctor, and always consulting them before making any major changes into your routine. Some other changes include;
- Quit smoking and drinking. These two habits are known as psoriasis triggers.
- If you are overweight, losing weight may help reduce the low-grade inflammation present in your body and slow the progression of the condition.
- Prevent your skin from drying by regular use of a suitable natural moisturiser.
- Seasons like winter and fall are known to trigger the itchy sensation associated with the condition. To avoid this from happening, cover yourself with proper clothing.
- You can also install humidifiers in your home to maintain the required moisture in the indoor air.
Patients must implement these tips, along with a proper medical treatment plan. There is a lot of confusion in the minds of patients as to which treatment option to select. While exploring this, many patients take a long time to decide.
By the time they are able to make their decision, their condition has already spread a lot. So, in the next section of the article, we will have a brief overview of factors you must look for while choosing your medical plan.
What makes a treatment plan best for your Psoriasis condition?
Patients should take a look at the following factors before choosing the treatment plan;
- It is an autoimmune disease. The medical plan must be focused on treating the problems in your immune system that cause the condition to develop.
- The skin is considerably the most sensitive organ of our body, so the treatment approach must be safe and natural and have no side effects on the skin.
- The treatment must focus on recognising and treating your unique symptoms, as per your requirements.
- The doctor’s primary attention must be to treat the disease from its root level and not just regain your skin health.
Is Homeopathy the answer?
Well known for its safe and non-toxic approach, homeopathy is one of the widely opted medical systems to treat various symptoms of skin psoriasis. The homeopathic medicines are completely risk-free as they are made up of natural and nontoxic substances like plants and minerals.
The medical system considers all the aspects, from physical state to emotional health, in treating a particular condition. In fact, the medical plan works on three aspects: prescribing customised medicines, advising on lifestyle changes, and implementing a well-curated psoriasis diet plan. If you are looking for one of the most effective ways to treat the condition, homeopathic treatment for psoriasis must be the best match for you.
Bharat Homeopathy – A practical medical Approach to treat the condition
The doctors of Bharat Homeopathy have gained success in treating a variety of skin-related diseases with safe and natural procedures. Our treatment plan offers a long-lasting cure for psoriasis. To achieve this, we address the causative factors of the disease and prescribe homeopathic medicine for psoriasis accordingly.
First, our homeopathic expert evaluates the patient and recognises the signs and symptoms of psoriasis to “match” the remedy. The symptoms are graded according to their intensity and frequency, and a particular remedy is given. In the treatment of patient conditions, this methodology is more individualised and effective. Contact us today to book an appointment for the best natural treatment for psoriasis.