PSORIASIS

Psoriasis isred scaly (silvery white) patches which can appear any where on the skin.

Facts:

  • Cause: Unknown.
  • Possibly genetically determined.
  • Common between 15-30 years.
  • Precipitating factors are:
    –Psychological emotional stress.
    –Cold weather.
    –Injury.
    –Septic focus.
    –Drugs like Steroids, Brufen, Lithium,Anti-malarials and Beta - adrenergic blockers.

Sign and symptoms:

  • Usually affects both sides of body symmetrically.
  • Well circumscribed red, dry plaques(flat areas on the skin) of various sizes, covered with scales.
  • Removal of scales gives rise to pin-point bleeding points.
  • Sites can be anywhere on the body especially on e.g. elbow, knees, sacrum and occiput.
  • Lesions are coin shaped or circular with central clearing.
  • Joints can get affected especially finger joints.
  • Nails frequently become pitted and thick with brownish black discoloration.

Dietary management:

Avoid:

  • Avoid precipitating or trigger factors.
  • Avoid food you are allergic to.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol.
  • Avoid foods high in fat or sugar.
  • Avoid non-vegetarian food – meat,poultry.

Do:

  • Warmth may help to control relapses.
  • Do regular exercise helps by improving blood circulation.
  • Practice yoga will help in reducing stress.

Consume:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat fresh and raw fruits and vegetables as they provide antioxidants and flavanoids which help in reducing inflammation and boosting up immunity.
  • Consume figs and fish oil might help you feel better.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet - Proper nutrition will improve general health and reduce the severity of the disease.Do not over eat even healthy foods.
  • Limit intake of red meat and dairy products.
  • Eat foods that contain psoralen before you walk out in sun - Celery, carrots, citrus, figs, fennel, and parsnips. It makes the skin more sun-sensitive to the positive effects of UV light. But do not over expose to sun.
  • Consume oily fish, may help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis - mackerel, salmon, black cod, albacoretuna, herring and sardines.
  • Have a low-calorie diet if you are over weight - about 1,200 calories per day. Some researches have shown relations between psoriasis and obesity.
  • Consume gluten free diet, it benefits individuals with psoriasis (Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in some cereals, particularly wheat) – avoid wheat, rye, barley and oats they contain gluten.
  • Increase intake of vitamin D.
  • Increase intake of omega 3 fatty acids and reduce intake of omega 6 fatty acids (ratio of 2:1), omega 3 fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Food rich in omega 3:
    –Canola oil, flaxseed, flax seed oil,walnuts and green leafy vegetables like purslane, fish - Atlantic salmon,Atlantic halibut, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic and Pacific herring, sardines,bluefish, tuna and cold water fish.
  • Reduce (do not completely avoid)intake of food rich in omega 6:
    -Cereals, vegetable oils, whole-grain breads, baked goods and margarines, eggs and poultry.
  • Consume diet rich in vitamin A and zinc, helps in regeneration of the skin.
  • Increase intake of vitamin C, it helps maintain healthy skin.
  • Have coriander leaves frequently, its high in vitamin C and helps to maintain healthy skin.
  • You can have 3-4 strands of saffron in milk, it is beneficial for skin.
  • Basil leaves (tulsi) are said to be helpful in skin ailments, eat 3-4 fresh leaves daily.

Consult physician:

  • You can take vitamin and cod liver oil supplements under guidance of your physician.
  • In case of prolonged duration or change in rash pattern take physicians opinion immediately.
  • If symptoms get worse or if you see any Signs of infection (fever, redness of the affected area, pain) occur, see your physician immediately.