Psoriasis
is a common skin condition that affects mostly adults, but anyone can acquire
it. It is not contagious and is usually
appears as a thick, salmon- colored skin in flaky patches usually on the elbows,
knees, arms, and legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. The skin in the affected area may be dry,
itchy, and/ or sore (MedlinePlus, 2012).
Treatment Options
·
Antibiotics
·
Daily baths: keep skin clean and moist
·
Phototherapy: the use of light
·
Prescription medicines: injections or pills
·
Skin lotions
·
Topical cortisone creams or ointments
The National Psoriasis Foundation (n.d.) recommends
trying a variety treatment options to find what works best for you and to be sure to
work with your doctor. Some complementary and
alternative therapies suggested include:
·
Maintaining a healthy diet by eliminating
trigger foods.
·
Using herbal remedies such as aloe vera, apple
cider vinegar, capsaicin, dead sea salts, oats, tea tree oil, turmeric, or Mahonia
Aquifolium.
·
Mind and body therapies like aromatherapy oils
(Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Tea tree), meditation, mindfulness, and spa
therapy.
·
Alternative therapies include acupressure,
acupuncture, massage and reiki.
·
Exercise including yoga and Tai Chi for
stretching.
Psoriasis has different levels of severity and
your treatment will depend how mild or severe it is.
References
MedlinePlus. (2012). Psoriasis. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm
National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d). Psoriasis Treatments.
Retrieved from http://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments
Veronica Arispe is working on a MS in
Health Studies with a focus on Worksite Health. She received a BA in
Criminal Justice with a minor in Community Health in 2001 at New Mexico State
University. She currently works with the
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo in El Paso, Texas as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Prevention Specialist.
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