• Buy Psoriasis Supplements and Products
• General Psoriasis Information
• Possible Causes of Psoriasis
• Possible Symptoms of Psoriasis
• Possible Lifestyle Changes for Psoriasis
• Beneficial Dietary Supplements
  
  

General Psoriasis Information
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects more than 6.4 million people in the United States. Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, is characterized by inflamed lesions topped with silvery white scales. Psoriasis can be limited to a few plaques or can involve moderate to extensive areas of skin.

There are five different forms of psoriasis: Plaque Psoriasis is the most common form.
Guttate Psoriasis - characterized by small dot-like lesions.
Pustular Psoriasis - characterized by weeping lesions and intense scaling.
Inverse Psoriasis - characterized by intense inflammation and little scaling.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis - characterized by intense sloughing and inflammation of the skin.


Psoriasis can range from mild to moderate to very severe and disabling. Both males and females get psoriasis in equal numbers. It can strike at any age, but most often between 15 and 35; however, a first-time diagnosis of psoriasis has been seen in very old people, newborn babies and small children. About 150,000 to 250,000 new cases of psoriasis are diagnosed each year. There is presently no known cure. The disease seems to lessen during the summer months. It may go away on its own, but once you have had psoriasis, it is always possible that it will return.

Possible Causes of Psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, although a recent study has established that it is an immune-mediated disorder. We do know that psoriasis is the growth of too many skin cells. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days but a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 to 6 days. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can be hereditary. Attacks can be triggered by nervous tension, stress, illness, surgery, cuts, poison ivy, infections, sunburn and the drugs lithium, chloroquine and beta-blockers.

Possible Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis may appear as patches of silvery scales or red areas on legs, knees, arms, elbows, scalp, ears and back. The toes and fingernails lose their luster and develop ridges and pits. Often hereditary, it is linked to a rapid growth of cells in the skin's outer layer. A physician makes the diagnosis after observing the skin and studying the psoriatic plaque cells under a microscope. Pitting of the nails can be a sign of psoriasis. There is no medical test for psoriasis.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Psoriasis
Most people with psoriasis function normally, but some people with extreme cases experience low self-esteem because severe psoriasis can be unsightly. People with psoriasis should always wash their hands before touching the affected area (face, body, scalp) before applying any creams, ointments and/or treatments. Remember to close medication tubes tightly after use and store transparent containers away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze psoriasis medications. Eat a diet of 50 percent raw foods, including vegetables, fruits and grains. Eat plenty of fiber. Do not consume citrus fruits, fried foods, processed foods, saturated fats, sugar or white flour.

In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Flaxseed Oil is important for all skin disorders and aids in preventing dryness.

Vitamin A protects the skin tissue.

Zinc is helpful for skin disorders.

Selenium has powerful antioxidant properties.

Vitamin B Complex is necessary for all cellular functions.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is important for formation of collagen and skin tissue.

Burdock Root and Red Clover cleanse the blood.

Black Cumin Seed heals skin.

Lavender fights inflammation and soothes irritated skin.

REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.