Tuesday, 16 August 2016

PSORIASIS

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.

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