Psoriasis is an auto immune disease, and sufferers are often genetically predisposed to the condition.
It is an extremely annoying and persistent skin disorder which is difficult to completely eradicate.
AS OF JANUARY 2016 I’VE BEEN FREE OF SCALP PSORIASIS. I attribute this to my change in diet, use of my natural shampoos and conditioner, avoiding stress and practising yoga regularly. Yay!!!
There is no known cure for psoriasis and sufferers often are extremely debiliated by this disorder, restricting their daily lives in many ways.
However, you can minimise outbreaks by avoiding stress, ensuring that your diet is rich in Omega 3 and fatty acids, minimising alcohol, red meats, dairy products, grains, processed foods, processed sugar, spicey foods – in fact, most things that many of us enjoy!!
I also find that dilluted apple cider vinegar or lemon and water taken each morning has eased my scalp psoriasis and I no longer have small, rough patches on my body.
I find that applying my beeswax cream enriched with evening primrose and vitamin E oils helps keep my scalp moist to reduce itching and flaking and helps repair any damaged skin. I apply a tiny amount to the scalp straight after washing my hair. I use my index finger to part my hair at scalp level to reach the application point, then slide my middle finger containing the cream to the same point and gently dab. By only using a tiny amount (eg 2mm blob) I can target just the scalp and this prevents the hair from becoming greasy and oily..
For other areas on my body I use a similar method – straight after a shower I apply a small amount of the cream to the rough skin and rub it in gently.
The lip balm can also be used for these treatments especially on elbows, knees, etc. But for the body, the thicker balm can work well so that a little more can be applied without rubbing off as easily.
I also find that exfoliation with rock salt helps remove the built up skin. There are many other suggestions such as using coconut shampoo and special lotions and ointments. Lots of websites claim to have the answer, but the truth is that everyone is different and there is no magic solution. I’ve spent the last 5 years searching for relief and have spent quite a bit of money on products that claim to cure psoriasis. None have worked.
I’ve also spent a lot of time mixing lotions and potions that have been recommended on blogs and YouTube videos and lots of time researching the subject. The worst potion was a mix of apple cider vinegar and fenugreek seeds in a blender, applied as a poultice to the scalp for 15 mintues before showering – yuck. Although I’m not a doctor, I feel that I know a lot about psoriasis from personal experience and extensive research.
Cortisone cream seems to alleviate the symptoms for a short while, but it doesn’t solve the problem and the itching and flaking returns as soon as I stop using it. I have used a lot of cortisone cream over the years and have found that it thins and weakens the skin, so I am determined to find a natural solution.
Is Turmeric the answer???
Turmeric is a yellow spice that is an important ingredient in curry powder. Curcumin, a component of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activity and shows promise against psoriasis and other conditions.
I have heard from many others that turmeric can help ease psoriasis. Some people are allergic to the spice, however, and those who take the anticoagulant warfarin should avoid it.
Researchers are looking into the potential health benefits of curcumin, a key component of turmeric. One group found that curcumin inhibits an enzyme called PhK associated with overactive cell growth in psoriasis (Dr. J. Dermatol. Nov. 2000).
I don’t know of any long-term studies on whether people develop tolerance to turmeric. Millions of people in South Asia consume it daily for much of their lives. Whether it would be safe and effective for ongoing psoriasis suppression, however, remains to be determined.
Based on this information, I’m currently applying a paste of turmeric mixed with my body lotion to my scalp. I’m also drinking a herbal infusion of spices based on Ayurvedic medicine which includes thinly sliced turmeric root. I find that the paste softens the plaques but it stains the fingers so that I look like a 5 pack a day smoker. I’ve been using the paste for a week as at June 2014 without any reduction in the psoriasis. I’ve been using the herbal infusion for 17 weeks as at 25/7/2014 and the psoriasis seems to be slightly improved. I’ve also been gluten free for around 5 weeks and suspect that this is helping. Turmeric can relieve many other ailments such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Crohn’s disease, osteoporosis, digestive problems, weight loss and much more.
Fingers crossed that this is a solution for all those long suffering sufferers.
Amla for psoriasis???
A fruit that is best known for its high vitamin C levels, Amla, the Indian gooseberry, is great for hair, adding lustre, softness and removes dryness of the scalp. It is also a rich source of essential fatty acids that serve to keep the hair follicles strong and nourish the hair from the roots down.
Amla is a natural ingredient that can reduce hair loss. You can eat it or apply it on your scalp. The fruit yields oil that has been used for ages for treating hair and scalp. It is said to penetrate the scalp and strengthen the roots.