Find out everything about psoriasis: from causes to symptoms, through to the most effective natural remedies. Also read a testimony from those who live with this condition, including daily challenges and paths to acceptance
Psoriasis, types and symptoms
The symptoms of psoriasis can often be confused, especially at the beginning, with those of other more or less serious dermatological problems.
Psoriasis can strike in different forms and variations:
What are the main causes of psoriasis?
The causes of psoriasis are not yet fully known and for this reason it is not always easy to identify them. However, we are talking about:
It is important to remember that Psoriasis is not an infectious or contagious disease. There is therefore no risk in spending time with someone who suffers from it and, indeed, these people should not be excluded in any way given that they already experience a difficult physical and emotional condition.
What foods can make psoriasis symptoms worse?
The relationship between the appearance of psoriasis and food has not yet been fully clarified although it is quite clear that consuming some foods can worsen skin rashes. However, there are those who believe that it is not that important what you eat and those who are convinced that some foods with an inflammatory power are able to favor the appearance of the disease in those who are predisposed or aggravate it if it is already present.
Generally, those suffering from psoriasis are advised to follow a correct diet in which alcohol and spirits are completely excluded, which undoubtedly aggravate the clinical picture but also limit or eliminate them completely. foods rich in arachidonic acid (a substance that has inflammatory power within our body), among these: cured meats, red meat, butter, eggs, cream and other foods of animal origin. Even by removing milk and dairy products an improvement in symptoms is often achieved.
Sugars and refined foods as well as salt, coffee and chocolate should also be limited to promote healing. More important than ever is to drink lots of water to try to combat dry and flaky skin.
In case of psoriasis it is best to favor a diet based on fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and whole grains.
Finally, it is also essential to keep fit and not gain weight (overweight and obesity worsen psoriasis) not only by eating well but also by doing physical activity that helps the body and mind, relieving stress.
Recent studies support the adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as those contained in olive oil and fish) can have beneficial effects. Conversely, foods rich in arachidonic acid, such as red meat and dairy products, are linked to increased inflammation and can exacerbate symptoms
Psoriasis and psychological impact
Psoriasis has a significant impact on patients’ mental health, often associated with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. These psychological symptoms are fueled by the visible nature of the disease and the social stigma that comes with it. Some patients may also suffer from social isolation and, in more severe cases, suicidal ideation. Psychological therapy, including management of stress and negative emotions, is a key part of the overall management of psoriasis
Psoriasis sufferers are often also invited to combine their therapies with psychological support, as it is in fact a skin problem that is not only annoying but, especially in severe cases, also disabling. The problem is that the redness and flaking skin, often in plain sight, create great discomfort and the sufferer tends to isolate himself and, on the contrary, may feel marginalized by society which still today mistakenly considers psoriasis to be a contagious disease.
Psoriasis: the story of those who live with it
For those without first-hand experience, psoriasis might seem like just a skin problem, but for those who suffer from it, the impact goes far beyond. We report the testimony to APIAFCO (Association of Italian Psoriasis Friends of the Corazza Foundation which fights daily for the right to health and the quality of life of psoriatic patients and, from 2021, also of atopic patients) of a young woman, who has learned to live with with this condition since he was six years old.
I have had psoriasis since I was 6 years old. Today I am 28, so a whole lifetime. It appeared on different parts of my body, but mostly on my head and behind my ears. This situation leads me to go to the hairdresser up to three times a week. Some may think it’s out of vanity, but I actually do it to better manage the symptoms.
I remember the dark green desks at school. Every time I put my hand on my head, I saw the scabs falling off, and I tried to stand straight so as not to notice it. Even as an adult, I faced similar situations: one evening, working in a nightclub, a PR told me that my legs were full of cellulite. When I explained to him that it was psoriasis, he apologized and asked me if I was sick. I replied: ‘I’m not sick, it’s just a peculiarity of mine.’
Over time, I learned to accept this part of me. I don’t consider it an illness; it’s part of who I am, and those who love me see beyond, love this part of me too. I did a lot of work on myself, but I did it.
This testimony shows not only the daily difficulties, but also the path to personal acceptance, a fundamental aspect for the psychological well-being of people with psoriasis. The story of acceptance can be an inspiration for those experiencing similar situations and offers those new to this condition a more empathetic point of view.
What are the natural remedies that can relieve the symptoms of psoriasis?
Unfortunately psoriasis is one chronic pathology which therefore disappears and reappears at various times. There are periods in which the disease is more affected and periods in which the problem seems to have definitively vanished only to then unfortunately reappear. The evolution is very variable from person to person.
According to experts, it is important to act immediately at the first symptoms when they are still mild. In fact, stopping it in its tracks allows you to keep it under better control, preventing the situation from becoming serious. Inflammation can also involve other organs beyond the skin, causing, for example, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and depression.
In particular Lpsoriatic arthritis it is quite frequent (affects approximately 30% of people suffering from psoriasis) and causes debilitating symptoms such as pain, stiffness and irreversible joint damage.
When psoriasis is in its initial or mild phase, some symptomatic natural remedies can help to relieve itching, redness and flaking. Among these are:
There are also real “alternative” methods for treating psoriasis through nutrition such as the Kousmine Method which we know in particular for the famous Budwing cream-based breakfast.
To learn more about the use of natural anti-psoriasis remedies, read also:
Naturally, when the disease is in a more serious form, natural remedies can do nothing and you must follow the therapies proposed by your doctor based on the type of psoriasis that has appeared and any other organs involved in the inflammatory process.
