Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. During the earlier times, medical practitioners believed that psoriasis is a type of leprosy, mainly because of its scaly appearance. It is one of the oldest yet mistreated illnesses known to men. It was not until recent years that scholars of science and medicine finally paid attention to this disease.



Psoriasis manifests itself when the immune system sends out faulty signals that causes the growth cycles to speed up. Because ten to thirty percent of people who have had psoriasis get a related form of arthritis, it is imperative that the skin condition is treated immediately and properly.

Note: The related form of arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis. As the name suggests, psoriatic arthritis is the inflammation of the joints.

There are five types of psoriasis, each of which has unique signs and symptoms. The five types are plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Among these five, plaque psoriasis is the most common. Plaque appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered by a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells called scale. Usually, the plaques are formed on the elbows and knees as well as the lower back and scalp. However, the plaques can also manifest themselves on any part of the body. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. The other 20% have any of the other types. Guttate psoriasis appears as small, red spots on the skin. Inverse psoriasis manifests itself as smooth, red lesions formed in skin folds. Pustular psoriasis, on the other hand, appears as white pustules surrounded by red skin, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes widespread redness with severe itching and pain.

People must be aware that anyone may have psoriasis. It can come about on random parts of the body. Psoriasis causes a person discomfort, no matter they type. Aside from the stubborn itch on the skin, it may also crack and bleed. There are severe cases of psoriasis that can cause one to be up all night due to excessive itching and discomfort. The pain that severe psoriasis cause can also make everyday tasks difficult for a person to accomplish. Furthermore, psoriasis is associated with other serious health conditions like depression, diabetes and heart disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. That means that it is a lifelong condition that people who have already developed them would often experience flares and remissions all throughout their life. Currently, psoriasis has no cure. However, there are various treatments that are available. There are varying treatment for the severity and type of psoriasis. The ones that do not cause too much discomfort may be treated at home while those who develop such severe psoriasis may require to be treated in the hospital or medical facility.

Herbal skin care advocates are about to receive good news. Psoriasis can be treated naturally. Below are some of the Psoriasis natural treatments that have been studied and proven by the medical community and reported by members of psoriasis foundations:

1. Apple cider vinegar - It has been reported that the different types of vinegar has been used for medical purposed all throughout history by people of different cultures. Apple cider vinegar, for one, has been used for many years as a cleanser, disinfectant or soothing agent. Apple cider vinegar can help treat psoriasis, according to some people who have had the disease. Apple cider vinegar may be added to the bath, concocted with a moisturizer, have the infected body parts soaked on it or applied directly on the skin.

2. Capsaicin - Capsaicin is an ingredient contained in cayenne peppers. Some studies have shown that capsaicin is an effective way to treat psoriasis by reducing the redness, scaling and itching on the skin. The only side effect is that it causes short-lived burning sensation.

3. Oats - Extracts from oats have been used for hundreds of years as soothing topical agents for various skin disorders. Oat plant derivatives can be used as treatment for psoriasis as well as other dry and itchy skin conditions. People who have psoriasis may make their own oatmeal bath to get rid of the skin disorder.

4. Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties and was used in surgery and dentistry as early as the 1920's. Like aloe vera, tea tree oil is now an active ingredient in many cosmetic products. Some members of psoriasis foundations found that tea tree oil is an effective way to treat psoriasis, particularly those that manifest on the scalp.

Whatever the type and severity, psoriasis can affect a person's quality of life. As already stated, psoriasis is a lifelong condition that poses physical and emotional challenges to an individual. The good news is, members of the medical community and psoriasis foundations are constantly looking for cure for this skin condition. There are now several therapies that have emerged, and it has been reported that more people are experiencing significant improvements to their condition.