Psoriasis is a skin disorder that can manifest itself through red lesions called plaques, blister-like eruptions called pustules or areas of shiny red skin with scales. Psoriasis also can affect the joints and cause pain that is similar to arthritis. Psoriasis is an immune system disorder and cannot be cured, but symptoms can be controlled. Topical medications are the most common forms of treatment for psoriasis, but some people do not get enough relief from symptoms solely the application of creams and ointments. Experimenting with your diet and taking systemic medications can help treat psoriasis from the inside.
Step 1
Keep a food journal for several weeks. Write down what you eat, how you feel and the state of your psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation states that some people who suffer from the disease find that their symptoms flare after they have eaten certain foods, including wheat products or red meats. Trial and error with respect to eliminating items from your diet may help you treat your disease naturally.
Step 2
Boost your intake of omega 3 fatty acids, a component of foods such as salmon, walnuts, flax and soy products, and winter squash. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, omega 3 has been shown to improve animals' immune systems in lab trials. Consuming more of this essential nutrient may have a similar effect on people and could alter the status of psoriasis because it is an immune disorder. If you do not like foods that contain omega 3, ask your doctor about taking fish oil supplements.
Step 3
Treat moderate or severe psoriasis--showing symptoms on 3 percent to 10 percent of your entire body's skin--with the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine. Cyclosporine can help slow the production of skin cells, which can clear up lesions, pustules and other manifestations of the disease. This drug is not appropriate for people who have HIV, kidney disease, nursing mothers or people with high blood pressure. Symptoms may abate in as little as two weeks while using cyclosporine.
Step 4
Choose the anti-cancer drug methotrexate to treat psoriasis that covers 10 percent or more of your body or if you have psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate slows skin cell production and alleviates joint pain associated with psoriasis. The drug is administered orally or through injection each week. Results can be slow in coming; initial improvement may begin after a month, but more satisfactory management of psoriasis may take as long as six months to achieve. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take methotrexate. People who have liver or kidney disease, anemia or ulcers are not ideal candidates for methotrexate, either.
Step 5
Use vitamin treatment to control psoriasis through systemic methods. Vitamin A helps control skin cell production and shedding. People who are allergic to retinoids, are pregnant or nursing, have liver disease or high blood pressure cannot take this form of medication.
Things You'll Need
- Food journal
- Fish oil supplements
- Systemic medications
