By Olivia Lerche
These patches normally appear on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on the body. Most people are only affected with small patches but the skin can become itchy or sore.
NHS Choices said psoriasis affects around 2 per cent of people in the UK. It can start at any age, but most often develops in adults under 35 years old.
The condition occurs due to an over-reaction of the immune system, which causes inflammation and rapid growth of skin cells.
Skin cells are normally made and replaced every three to four weeks, but in psoriasis this process only lasts about three to seven days. The resulting build-up of skin cells is what creates the patches associated with psoriasis.
Experts have recommended five way to beat the painful skin condition.
Essential vitamins
Vitamin D, which people can get from the sun, is it vital for bone health as well as obesity and diabetes, but it can also help with psoriasis.
“Vitamin D can change the way cells grow,” said Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com.
“As those who suffer from Psoriasis tend to produce more skin cells, it can slow this process down and cause the plaques to become less scaly and thinner.
“It can be difficult to get enough sunlight to stimulate vitamin D synthesis in this country – even in the summer.
“The ideal first step is to get your vitamin D level tested to see how much yours needs to increase, if at all. In most cases, your doctor will do this for you. If you’re deficient (under 75 nmol/L) or ‘insufficient’ (under 100 nmol/L) then taking a supplement can be the best way to get the level up.”
Cassandra Barns, nutritionist said: “Try new Once A Day Sunshine D from Quest Vitamins, a high-strength vitamin D chewable tablet.”
Fish
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil can be very helpful in reducing it - according to experts.
However, not all fatty acids are the same - Omega 6, which is present in vegetable oils - might actually increase inflammation.
“Unfortunately, many people have much higher levels of omega 6 than omega 3 in their body, often due to the use of vegetable oils in cooking and the lack of oily fish consumption,” said Dr Marilyn Glenville, nutritionist and author of Natural Alternatives of Sugar.
“To correct this balance, cut out all vegetable oils and margarines (as well as processed food) and replace it with healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter or ghee.
“Aim to eat oily fish such as sardines, salmon or mackerel at least three times a week. For additional support, it may be helpful to take a good quality omega-3 fish oil supplement such as NHP’s Omega 3 Support.”
Keep the skin moist
To relieve skin from itchiness and discomfort, expert advise sufferers to keep the skin moist and nourished from the outside.
However, experts warn some emollient creams that are sometimes recommended by doctors and pharmacists, rarely provide long-term relief.
Cassandra Barns said: “They can even irritate already inflamed skin, as very often they contain chemicals, such as chlorocresol and cetearyl alcohol.
“Instead, try natural products, such as Hydrating Facial Serum from What Skin Needs which contains a blend of natural ingredients including Plantolin, an extract from an Australian indigenous plant.
“This powerful ingredient along natural essential oils can help to manage skin conditions by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. The formula as a whole is designed to reduce irritation, soothe and repair dry and damaged skin.”
Go natural, Avoid junk food
Junk food can cause psoriasis to flare up, according to experts.
“Junk foods very often come with ingredients that may aggravate skin problems and worsen inflammation – including additives, sugar and excess salt,” added Cassandra.
“They are also usually high in quickly digested and absorbed carbohydrates, think white bread, pastries and crisps, which can upset the balance of natural flora in our gut as well as blood sugar and hormone balance, all of which can tie in with skin problems.
Stress
Stress can not only make Psoriasis worse but Psoriasis can make people stressed - argue experts.
Dr Glenville said people can improve their mood by making sure levels of serotonin stay high.
“A simple change of diet can work wonders,” she said.
“The body makes serotonin from tryptophan, which occurs naturally in foods such as dairy products, fish, bananas, dried dates, soya, almonds and peanuts. The manufacture of serotonin depends on how much tryptophan is transported into your brain.
“Combining the foods mentioned above with unrefined carbohydrates, such as brown rice, wholemeal bread or oats, helps the body to release insulin to help tryptophan uptake to the brain. A good example would be to kick start your day with eggs and wholemeal toast for breakfast.”
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/679750/Flaking-sore-dry-skin-psoriasis-five-tips-to-beat-chronic-skin-condition
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