Psoriasis Causes and Treatment

Faulty Immune Response

Psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by abnormal skin cell growth resulting in inflamed, itchy and scaly patches of skin, is caused by the immune system reacting to healthy cells as if they were infected or injured. The main culprits are white blood cells called T-lymphocytes, or T cells. Normally meant to combat foreign substances in the body, in psoriasis, overactive T cells dilate blood vessels in the skin and lead to the rapid production of new skin cells as well as more white blood cells, a process which pushes dead skin cells to the surface at a much higher than normal rate, resulting in scaly, thick patches of dead skin on the arms, legs, nails, torso, genitals and/or scalp. The cause of the T cells' "malfunction" is unknown, though according to the Mayo Clinic, genetic and environmental factors may be responsible. Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe, and can be triggered by alcohol, stress, infections or injuries, smoking, cold weather and certain medications.

Medically Suggested Treatments

Though there is no cure, home treatments can ease the pain and discomfort that often accompany psoriasis outbreaks. Taking a daily bath in warm (not hot) water, using moisturizers and over-the-counter creams and ointments that contain ingredients, such as as coal tar or anthralin, dandruff shampoos (for cases of scalp psoriasis), creams containing salicylic acid or lactic acid (to remove scales), and cortisone creams may help. In addition, products that contain ingredients, such as jojoba, zinc pyrithione, aloe vera and/or capsaicin may soothe and moisturize inflamed skin, and may help to remove scales and relieve itching. Phototherapy--or exposing the affected skin to sunlight--can also help mild to moderate cases of psoriasis.

Alternative Treatments

Psoriasis can also be treated with alternative approaches, such as homeopathy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), homeopathic compounds that contain sulfur and nickel may provide relief for psoriasis sufferers. Other approached include taking fish oil supplements (Omega-3 fatty acids) to reduce psoriasis inflammation, though this has not been decisively proven to work. The Psoriasis Foundation notes that evening primrose oil, milk thistle and oregano oil have been used to treat psoriasis, though the efficacy of these treatments has not been proven. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape of alternative psoriasis treatments, visit the Psoriasis Foundation's message board (see Resources).