In psoriasis, patches of red, thickened skin with silvery scales develop, usually on your elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. These areas can be itchy and painful. Your nails may become rough and pitted, and, less commonly, a form of arthritis develops. Psoriasis can be a persistent problem, and tends to run in families. Stress, infections such as a sore throat, and skin injuries may trigger an attack or make it worse.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you think that you have psoriasis.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Oatmeal bath oils help to soften scaly plaques and relieve itching. Aloe vera creams and gels may help to reduce dryness and itching in psoriasis. There is some evidence for their effectiveness but ask your doctor for advice before using them.
Using aloe vera
Apply aloe vera gel or cream thinly to irritated and itchy patches of skin and rub in lightly.
What you can do yourself
The following measures may be all you need to treat a mild case of psoriasis. Check with your doctor before using them with prescribed treatment.
* Take a daily bath in warm water to soak off the scales. Try using a coal tar preparation (see DRUG REMEDIES) to soften the scales.
* Apply a moisturizer to lubricate and soften scaly patches of skin (see DRUG REMEDIES).
* Don’t scratch or rub patches of thickened skin. Using an oatmeal bath oil, or
applying an aloe vera cream or gel, may help to reduce itchiness (see NATURAL REMEDIES).
* Sunshine can help to improve psoriasis but be careful not to burn. Sunburn can make it worse.
* If stress is making your psoriasis worse, try some deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises.
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
* Your psoriasis is not controlled by treatment
* Large areas of skin become red and inflamed, and you have a fever and feel unwell
* You develop joint pains
DRUG REMEDIES
Coal tar preparations help to control psoriasis but have a strong smell. Add a coal tar solution to a daily bath; apply a cream (usually 1-3 times daily); and use a coal tar shampoo. If you have thick scales on your scalp, use coal tar combined with salicylic acid to soften and remove them. If your skin becomes irritated, discontinue use. Coal tar makes skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, so avoid exposing skin to sunlight after use.
Moisturizers, such as aqueous cream, should be rubbed gently into the skin as often as possible to relieve itching and loosen scales.
No comments:
Post a Comment