Psoriasis, a common condition, produces red, irritated skin with grey dry patches called scales. Many people who suffer from psoriasis experience symptoms sporadically throughout their lives. Psoriasis is one condition that lacks a conclusive remedy, therefore, many sufferers seek alternative treatments.
Ancient Treatments
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy aimed at alleviating disease and pain, has recently been said to improve psoriasis symptoms. The treatment uses fine needles inserted into various points on the body. The ancient treatment Ayurveda, suggests balancing one's life and focusing on eliminating the causes of illness. Psoriasis sufferers using Ayurveda might focus on relieving themselves of stress or cleansing the body of toxins and oils that may cause the condition.
Biologics
Biologics are drugs and vaccines developed from animal or human proteins. Unlike traditional drugs, they attack only a certain part of the immune system. For instance, with psoriasis, biologics work as T-cell blockers, as seen with Amevive, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers, such as Enbrel, Humira and Remicade. They are administered either through intravenous infusion or injection, and are generally recommended only for those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, who have not had success with other treatments.
Water Therapy
Balneotherapy utilizes alkaline water, through bathing or drinking warm mineral salt water, to increase the production of bile or as a diuretic. Heliotherapy uses sunlight therapy in combination with salt water bathing. Phytotherapists look to wild herbs, plants, flowers or leaves in oil-form or salt water baths for a solution. Thalassotherapy uses therapeutic baths to draw magnesium and potassium into the blood stream, all the while eliminating toxins.
Light Therapy
Due to the ability of ultraviolet light B (UVB), which is found in sunlight, to stop affected cell growth, various types of light therapy exist for individuals with psoriasis. Those experiencing light to mild symptoms can use excimer or pulsed dye lasers, which are administered during short, regular visits to the doctor. Sunlight can have the same effect as these, but may take longer and leaves you at-risk for sunburns. Tanning beds and lamps are a cheap alternative to natural sunlight and lasers. However, many discourage their use due to the highly dangerous effects of ultraviolet radiation. Specialty UVB lights are helpful to those experiencing more severe symptoms. Sessions can be administered at-home or with a doctor. Ultraviolet light A (UVA) is relatively useless for psoriasis sufferers, except when used in conjunction with the light sensitizing medication psoralen.
What You Can Do
There is much evidence supporting the theory that sunlight and saltwater both help ease psoriasis symptoms. Get daily doses of both, perhaps with a stroll outside or deep sea salt bath. It is known that certain foods and beverages, especially those high in sodium, can increase dehydration in the body and lead to drying of the skin. Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to fight psoriasis.
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