PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is red scaly (silvery white) patches which can appear any where on the skin.
CAUSES:
• 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, albacore tuna, 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.
Psoriasis is red scaly (silvery white) patches which can appear any where on the skin.
CAUSES:
• 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.
• 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, albacore tuna, 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.
