There is not an accepted psoriasis
cure but herbs and other drug free substances have been found to
be very effective for some individuals who
have not achieved the desired results from traditional medicine.
Alternative therapies include herbs and emu oil have been effective for
some people. Conventional medicines may not work on some individuals as
well as treatments using complementary therapy. Products based on emu oil may give some
relief to the pain and itching of psoriasis.
Often psoriasis and
arthritis are found together. Emu oil may give help as a solution for
either disorder. For those seeking a non-prescription, drug free treatment
for psoriasis, Featherstone may have a product that should be included in
your therapy plan. We offer these guidelines to help you decide if an
alternative treatment might be beneficial for your psoriasis.
Generally, psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that affects over 6 million residents of the United States. Though research has not definitively established what exactly causes psoriasis, some studies in recent years have indicated that it may be an immune-mediated disorder. What is known is that psoriasis occurs when the body generates too many skin cells. Normal skin maturity occurs within a 28 to 30 day period, but cells in the psoriatic skin area matures within less than a week. Psoriasis can change from one to type to another and has been known to have several types active on a person at the same time. It can improve, flare up, and even go into remission only to return later. More detailed information can be found with the National Psoriasis Foundation.
The most common of all psoriasis types is called
plaque
psoriasis. Some of the symptoms of this form
is inflamed lesions that
may be covered with scales. These scales may be white or silver in color and
is actually dead skin cells. Since the skin cells are maturing at such a
rapid rate, this cell buildup is inevitable. This type of psoriasis
(psoriasis vulgaris) can form on any skin surface, it is more common on the
elbows, knees, scalp, and the trunk of the body.
Another type of psoriasis is known as
guttate
psoriasis.
The symptom for this disorder is small red blemishes on the skin. It most
often appears on the trunk of the body, but is also found on the arms
and
legs. It may also have some scales. It has been noted that an outbreak of
guttate
psoriasis can follow streptococcal infections as well as a viral
upper respiratory infection. Some illness such as the common cold,
tonsillitis, and other sickness can trigger an outbreak of this type of
psoriasis. It is suggested by some researchers that mental stress, some
types of drugs, and immunizations can cause the disorder
to appear.
One type of this disorder,
inverse psoriasis,
is found in skin folds. These can be in the armpit, under
the breasts, and
in the groin. The symptom is an inflamed lesion without the usual scaling
found in the other types of psoriasis. It becomes more noticeable when the
skin is subjected to rubbing from
clothing material and when the body
sweats.
A less common type,
erythrodermic psoriasis,
appears on the skin as red skin with fine scales. It can be very irritating
due to the severe itch and pain. Some swelling has been known to accompany
this form
of psoriasis. Topical treatment can help reduce the itching and
the pain.
Pustular Psoriasis is noted for its pustules,
or blisters. These pustules are neither an infection nor contagious. The pus
is made up of white blood cells and poses no danger to anyone who touches
it. This disorder is usually found on the feet or hands, but has been known
to affect people on other
areas of the body. It can be cyclic; going from
red, inflamed skin to the formation of the pustules and finally
scaling.
A particularly uncomfortable type,
psoriatic arthritis,
is found in 10% of those who suffer from psoriasis. This type causes
swelling in the hands, feet, and in the large joints of the ankles, knees,
hips, elbows, and the spine. Joint pain and stiffness accompanies this
psoriasis. Joint damage has been known to occur if treatment is not applied.
Scalp psoriasis effects approximately 50% of
sufferers of psoriasis. The symptoms of this disorder are inflammation of
the scalp, lesions covered with scales, and elevated skin surfaces.
Nail psoriasis affects both fingernails and
toenails. The nails can become yellow in color and thick.
The nails can
develop a brittleness and the skin surrounding the nails can become
inflamed. Nails can become detached from the toe or finger.
Treatments for psoriasis are many. Each year,
approximately one billion dollars are spent on
treatments. For conventional
treatments, consult with your doctor. Keep the skin as healthy as possible. When bathing, use soaps that are not
harsh to the skin. Products from Featherstone of possible
benefit to psoriasis patients include Neemu@Nite™,
Advanced Skin Cream,
Emsomine™, and Emu Oil. Most of our products
contain skin enhancing herbs such as aloe vera, neem, calendula, ginger,
cats claw, and tea tree. Not all skin react the same way to the same herb,
so we provide a wide spectrum of emu oil and herbal formulations. Some
patients have reported the
best results were achieved by alternating use
of several of the products. For more information about the products, click
on
Product Link to visit our main site.
It is not intended for this page to offer medical
advice or to recommend not to seek help from medical professionals. It is
intended to give information to those people who suffer from psoriasis.
Do not use any cortisone products that
contain steroids. Steroid-based products are known to have many side effects
and should be avoided. Natural products containing herbs and emu oil should
be used. Emu oil could be used daily as a preventative measure.