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.