Psoriasis is a skin condition in which your skin cells turn over more rapidly than normal. This causes the cells to build up on the surface of your skin, causing red, itchy, and sometimes painful patches. There are a number of different kinds of psoriasis, which means that the symptoms of this condition are different for everyone.
- Plaque psoriasis is the most common kind, and can occur anywhere on your body. Plaque psoriasis is associated with raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery or white scales.
- Nail psoriasis affects your finger or toe nails, causing irregular nail growth, pitting, and discolored nails.
- Inverse psoriasis occurs in the creases of your body, such as your armpits, under your breasts, and in your groin, causing a red, uncomfortable rash. Inverse psoriasis can be caused by fungal infections.
- Guttate psoriasis is often triggered by strep throat or some other bacterial infection. It tends to affect children, teens, and young adults. Guttate psoriasis appears on your body as many small scaly lesions on your chest, back, limbs, and scalp.
- Pustular psoriasis is associated with blistering, pus-filled patches, usually on your hands, feet, or fingers. It tends to appear rapidly, and can cause your skin to be red, tender, and itchy, and may be accompanied by a fever and chills.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis is uncommon, and appears as a large, bright red rash that may peel, burn, or cause severe itching.
- Psoriatic arthritis is a condition in which the inflammation from this skin condition affects your joints. It can cause red, painful, swollen joints or changes in your nails.
Researchers aren’t sure of the exact cause of psoriasis. They know that it’s an autoimmune condition, in which your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Scientists also know that genetics play a role, because your risk of developing psoriasis is increased if one or both of your parents also have this condition.
Psoriasis can affect people of all ages, but it most frequently develops in younger people, between the ages of 15 and 35. It can be associated with other health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Treating Psoriasis
Because psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition, treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, such as slowing the growth of skin cells, reducing inflammation, and reducing or preventing flare-ups. Standard treatments include topical steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, and immunosuppressant drugs.
At BodaHealth, we help patients with psoriasis through acupuncture, Traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, and nutrition. Here is how each of our treatments can help:
-Over time psoriasis may become resistant to standard medications and treatments. Acupuncture offers an alternative or complementary option, as it can reduce inflammation, support your immune system, relieve pain, and reduce stress, which is a frequent trigger for psoriasis episodes. Research supports the use of acupuncture for the treatment of psoriasis, as studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of this condition and help heal psoriatic lesions.
–Chinese herbal medicine is an excellent adjunct to acupuncture, as well as an effective healing tool on its own. Based on your specific symptoms and overall health, our practitioners may prescribe a formula that addresses the underlying source of your psoriasis, targets your symptoms, and supports the healing effects of your acupuncture treatment.
-Our naturopathic physicians offer a number of treatment strategies for patients with psoriasis. They are able to evaluate you for nutritional deficiencies, a hormonal imbalance, digestive problems, food triggers, and toxins that may be a source of your psoriasis. Their treatments may include nutritional and herbal supplementation or vitamin injections. In addition, they may provide dietary strategies, lifestyle changes, and when necessary, they can prescribe standard medications.
-There is a growing body of research that points to the effect of diet on psoriasis. Early evidence has found a link between gluten intolerance or celiac disease and psoriasis. Scientists have also found that being overweight increases the risk for developing this skin condition. On the plus side, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, healthy fats, and certain vitamins can help improve psoriasis symptoms. At BodaHealth our naturopathic physicians and acupuncture practitioners are well-trained and have clinical experience in providing nutritional therapy. They are able to prescribe dietary guidelines to reduce inflammation, avoid triggers, address toxicities, support a healthy weight, and reverse nutritional deficiencies.
The bottom line is that psoriasis can be an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and unpredictable skin condition. At BodaHealth, we have the natural healing tools and know-how to help dial back your symptoms, improve the appearance of your skin, and reduce flare-ups. If psoriasis is affecting your life, please contact us today to find out what BodaHealth has to offer you.
