What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the body externally and internally, in multiple organs – including the skin, hart, muscles and bones. Skin cells reproduce 7 times faster than normal skin, which causes the skin to be much thicker than normal. It is recognized by red plaques with silvery scales that can easily bleed when scratched or picked at. Oftentimes, these patches are found on the arms, legs, hands, feet, elbows, and knees. There is a long-term inflammation in the skin that mildly disrupts the skin barrier that can lead to chronic infection.
Treatment:
- Narrow Band UVB treatments
- Topical anti-inflammatory products
- pH-balanced, anti-microbial cleanser
- Maintain an anti-inflammatory / anti-oxident diet
- Avoid chocolate, alcohol and caffeine
- Eat high quality protein
- Include healthy fats, including omega-3
- Take a daily multi-vitamin, an oral Vitamin D and Vitamin B12
- Take flax and borage oil supplements and probiotics
- Moderate exercise will assist in reducing immune imbalances
- Phototherapy may be beneficial
- Do not use harsh exfoliation
Prescription treatments are also highly valuable options, especially if the plaques start to bleed. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers to see what treatment options might be best for you.