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QUESTION: Is it possible based on conventional medical advice and treatment or by using alternative therapies, to effect a cure or a reasonable degree of regression for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune problem, a dysfunction of the body's metabolism, similar to that which occurs in arthritis (psoriasis is often associated with arthritis) so it seems a cure for psoriasis is as probable as rubbing snake oil onto a swollen joint and expecting a cure from it for arthritis! 

A "cure" for psoriasis simply does not exist!

Any treatment, medical or alternative, for psoriasis must first address the imbalance that has occurred in the immune system before lasting benefits can occur.  This applies whether using recognised main stream medical lotions and creams or using any of the so-called "miracle treatment" and "magic cure-all potions".

The purpose of this psoriasis information site is to collate and present to you, factual information on medical and alternative treatments in a form that will allow you to make an informed decision before you start spending your hard earned money trying the endless "miracle" treatments offered by commercial interests and drug companies for psoriasis.

Read on for more psoriasis information.

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Definition of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by red scaly patches.  There is a rapid increase in cell turnover within these patches resulting in scaling of the skin. The condition often runs in families and the possibility of genetic factors may play a part in inheriting psoriasis.  Psoriasis is non-infectious and cannot be caught or passed on by contact with someone who has psoriasis.

Incidence
2% of the UK population suffer from psoriasis which is visibly apparent. 5% of the population have psoriasis which is detectable upon close inspection of the skin. Psoriasis is found in all races but is often more apparent and occurs more commonly in cultures exposed to less sun.

Age and Sex
It commonly occurs in men and women at any stage in their lives and affects males and females equally.  Psoriasis is not common in childhood and early teens.  Normally psoriasis first presents in late teens and early adulthood.

Causes and effects

Many factors may trigger a bout of psoriasis in a susceptible individual, although the exact cause of psoriasis is not known at this stage. Throat infections can cause flare-ups particularly in children. Skin injury may result in psoriasis outbreaks 5 or 6 weeks later at the injury site. Stress is also a factor in the flare-up of psoriasis for many individuals.

Although a few individuals may notice some aggravation to psoriasis lesions from exposure to the sun, the sun does seem to help improve the condition for most sufferers.

Psoriasis may be aggravated by alcohol but the role alcohol plays is uncertain. Some people believe that psoriasis may be aggravated by diet or improved by diet.  However no apparent connection between psoriasis and diet has been scientifically established although much anecdotal evidence exists. The anecdotal evidence would suggest that diet does play a vital part in the treatment and elimination of psoriasis. 

Within the epidermis, (the outer layers of the skin) the cells move up on a continual basis and are constantly being cast off. In a normal individual this process takes between 3 and 4 weeks. However, for an individual suffering from psoriasis the rate of cell cast off is substantially increased. The process of cell shedding may be as short as 3 or 4 days. The result is a build up of scale on the surface of the skin waiting to be shed off.

Read the rest of this psoriasis report and others inside the website.