August is Psoriasis Awareness Month!   Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that occurs when the growth cycle of skin cells is sped up due to faulty communication from our immune system.  Due to the skin cell growth cycle being too fast, dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface in a patient with psoriasis.  While five types of psoriasis exist, the most common form is plaque psoriasis which causes skin redness and irritation along with flaking of the skin with silver-white patches.  Psoriasis is a common skin condition that is not contagious.

Psoriasis can have slow onset or irritated patches of skin can appear suddenly, many people can experience repeated flare ups after the symptoms have subsided.  Psoriasis can present anywhere on the body, but is most often seen on elbows, knees and trunk.  Psoriasis can present itself as itchy, dry, flaky scales, they can be pinkish-red in color and raised and thick.  If you have these symptoms that aren’t resolving, please see a doctor so that it can be properly diagnosed.  In some cases of psoriasis, joints, fingernails, and toenails can be affected and some people can have psoriasis over their whole body.

Naturopathic Medicine has a lot to offer patients with psoriasis, eliminating food sensitivities and treating gut integrity is of the utmost importance.  Guiding patients to remove refined carbohydrates and sugar from their diets is a starting point when I work with them and offer dietary advice.  Fiber, essential fatty acids, and probiotics are all good inclusions in a naturopathic treatment plan where we are helping repair the gastrointestinal tract.  Vitamins such as B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin A, Quercitin are also helpful in treating psoriasis.  There are many botanicals that can help with psoriasis; Silybum to help with liver function and inhibit inflammation, Hydrastis to inhibit bacterial enzymes.  Tonic herbs such as Rumex and Taraxcum can also be used.

You don’t have to suffer with this disorder which can be embarrassing and leave people self conscious.  Natural treatments can help improve a person’s wellbeing while minimizing side effects.  Get started today in improving your health by incorporating one healthy habit into your lifestyle.  What will it be?