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Psoriasis
What Causes Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects 1% to 3 % of the world's population. It is characterized by periodic flare-ups of well defined red patches covered by a silvery, flaky scale on the extensor surfaces and the scalp. There are several variations of psoriasis but the most common type is chronic plaque psoriasis. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed that a combination of several factors contribute to the development of this disease.
Immune System Causes of Psoriasis
In a normally functioning immune system, white blood cells produce antibodies to foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Genetic Causes of Psoriasis
Researchers have now found 4 key genes that are involved with psoriasis. These genes regulate the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. The HLA molecules are designed to present foreign substances to the immune system so they can be destroyed, but this process is malfunctioning in psoriasis
Weather Triggers of Psoriasis
Weather is a strong factor in psoriasis. Cold, dry weather commonly starts a psoriasis flare-up, and hot, damp, sunny weather makes psoriasis symptoms better.
Stress Triggers of Psoriasis
Stress, unexpressed anger, and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety are strongly associated with psoriasis flare-ups. In one study, nearly 40% of patients remembered a stressful event that occurred within a month of a psoriasis flare. Another study showed that stress can trigger certain immune factors associated with psoriasis.
Infection Triggers of Psoriasis
Infections caused by bacteria or viruses can cause a psoriasis flare. The bacteria streptococcus that causes infections such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, and "strep throat" are a well known trigger of a type of psoriasis called guttate psoriasis. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also associated with psoriasis.
Skin Injury Triggers of Psoriasis
Sometimes even mild injuries to the skin such as abrasions can trigger a psoriasis flare. This is called the koebner phenomenon, and may be the reason that psoriasis tends to frequently affect the elbows and knees.
see http://dermatology.about.com/od/psoriasisbasics/a/psorcause.htm for more information
Psoriasis usually is inherited and appears mostly at adulthood. However, the disease does not have to be life long. An alkaline diet and the abstinence from animal proteins are the foundation for every treatment to follow. Especially good for psoriasis are fresh or frozen vegetables (not brusselsprouts or artichokes) salads, mushrooms, fresh fruits, potatoes and all root vegetables, cold pressed olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, non carbonated water and herb teas. But even without this suggested diet you can still experience the beneficial effects of salt therapy. Traditional medicine has recognized the healing power of salt for Psoriasis for quite a long time. Very often, for severe cases, the only cure for patients is a treatment in the Dead Sea which contains the highest salt concentration in the world. But as one cannot indulge in such baths forever, after some time the symptoms return.
Treating your psoriasis at home - Every morning, on an empty stomach, drink a glass of water with 1tsp.of concentrated sole water. Drink 2-3 quarts of spring water during the day. Take a salt bath 2 times a week for 10-20 minutes. Start with a 3% sole solution concentration ( 6 pounds of pure Himalayan crystal salt diluted in a full bath tub). Gradually increase the concentration up to 8% with your next baths. The sole bath will not only moisture your skin but also help stop inflammations.
• A highly concentrated sole bath is straining and gets more so with increasing temperature.
• Use a temperature that feels comfortable for you but not more than the body temperature of 98.6F
• You can achieve even greater effect by letting the sun dry you off. 5-10 minutes will be sufficient.
The parts of the body that are more infected than others, like elbows and knees, can be massaged with the concentrated
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