Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to divide too rapidly, resulting in thick red skin with white silver-white patches. You may have periods when psoriasis symptoms go into remission, alternating with times your psoriasis worsens. Certain factors may trigger psoriasis attacks. These include bacterial or viral infections, stress, cold weather, sun burn, alcohol abuse, smoking and certain medications. Medical experts say that riboflavin, a B vitamin, may help improve psoriasis.
Riboflavin and Psoriasis
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B-2, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. Riboflavin works with other B vitamins to maintain healthy skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Riboflavin may help improve psoriasis and also prevent frequent psoriasis attacks because it promotes the growth of healthy skin tissues. You can obtain riboflavin from food or dietary supplements.
Natural Sources of Riboflavin
The recommended daily dietary requirements for riboflavin are 1.0 for females and 1.1 mg for males, according to MedlinePlus. You can meet riboflavin's daily dietary requirements by eating foods, such as organ meats, whole grains, milk, eggs, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, beef liver, meat, brewer's yeast, beets, cereal grains, sunflower seeds, peanuts, green leafy vegetables, fortified breads and breakfast cereals.
Riboflavin Supplements
If you are unable to eat foods rich riboflavin due to illness, you can consult your doctor about taking riboflavin supplements. Swallow riboflavin tablets with a full glass of water. Avoid exceeding the recommended daily dosage. Your urine may turn yellow-orange while you are taking riboflavin. This effect is harmless, according to Drugs.com. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking riboflavin. Taking riboflavin individually for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other B vitamins.
Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis causes symptoms, such as red patches, on your skin that are covered with silvery scales, cracked skin that may bleed, thickened or pitted nails, yellow spots on your nails, severe dandruff on your scalp, genital lesions, swollen and stiff joints, according to PubMedHealth. Severe symptoms cause complications such as thickened skin, frequent bacterial infections and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. You should seek early treatment to avoid complications.
