Psoriasis is a common skin ailment characterized by cells that accumulate very quickly on the surface of the skin. These extra cells of the skin form thick, silver scales and red, itchy patches that may be painful.
Psoriasis is a chronic disorder; and there are periods when the symptoms get better alternating with exacerbations.
Causes Of Palmoplantar Psoriasis
The precise cause isn’t known yet, but experts postulate that it is related to an immune system defect. Normally, the T cells move through the body to identify and get rid of foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. In case you have psoriasis, the T cells assail the healthy skin cells erroneously.
Consequently, there’s an increased synthesis of the healthy skin cells as well as T cells. This causes a continuous never ending cycle in which new skin cells move to the outermost layer of skin very rapidly. These cannot get sloughed off quickly enough and accumulate on the skin’s surface.
Experts have also found genes linked to the development of palmoplantar psoriasis, and environmental factors have a role to play too. Furthermore, some triggers are known to set off the tendency of psoriasis; these are:
- Skin trauma
- Skin infections
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Certain medications such as beta blockers, anti-malarial drugs and iodides
Symptoms Of Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Palmoplantar psoriasis manifests as:
- Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales on the palms and soles.
- Itching and burning.
- Dry, cracked skin which bleeds.
- Thickened nails.
- Red, inflamed, swollen and stiff joints.
- There are periods of exacerbations and flare-ups followed by intervals when the skin resolves completely.
Natural Remedies For Palmoplantar Psoriasis
- Bathe the affected area 2 to 3 times daily. Add colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts to the water and soak. Do not use harsh soaps and very hot water; these aggravate the symptoms.
- A blend of lavender essential oil and tea tree essential oil proffers immense relief from the symptoms of psoriasis.
- Use a good moisturizer on the palms and soles after bathing.
- Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight. It helps improve the lesions, but excessive amounts worsen outbreaks and increase the risk of cancer. Be sure to protect the healthy, unaffected skin with a good sunscreen with an SPF of 50.
- Most importantly, avoid the psoriasis triggers, if possible. Find out what are your triggers, if any, and take steps to ward off or avoid them. Injuries to your skin, infections, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and too much sun exposure aggravate psoriasis.
- Aloe Vera: Fresh gel expressed from the Aloe Vera plant, or Aloe extract cream is beneficial; it helps decrease redness, scaling, and itching. Use it several times a day for a month for visible improvements in your skin.
- Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil diminish inflammation associated with psoriasis. Taking 3 grams or less of fish oil daily is generally recognized as safe, and you may find it beneficial.
- Also, confer with your health care provider and start vitamin A, E and C supplements; they help deal with psoriasis flare-ups successfully.