A skin disease characterized by thick red patches covered by a unique silvery scale, particularly around the elbow, knees, scalp, trunk and back. The skin does not usually itch badly, but it is unsightly. The disease tends to run in families. One per cent of the population may develop psoriasis at some stage of their lives; the condition tends to come and go.

Treatment

Reduce your intake of meat, animal fats, sugar and alcohol.

Increase intake of oily fish.

Take 1 - 2 tablespoons of linseed oil daily.

Increase your intake of oily fish, particularly mackerel, herring and salmon.

The following supplements help:

* zinc, 15-30 mg daily.

* vitamin B complex, 100 mg morning and night.

* Vitamin A, 10,000 iu 3 times daily for 6 days a week.

Psoriasis is sometimes linked to food allergies, particularly citrus fruits and dairy products.

Herbal

Burdock is one of the best remedies for dry, scaly skin: make a decoction by adding 1 teaspoon of root to a cup of water, simmer for 15 minutes and drink 3 times daily. An ointment containing burdock will help to relieve the irritation and scaliness: simmer 2 tablespoons of the root in 220g Vaseline for 10 minutes, strain through a gauze and allow to cool, apply to the skin when needed. You may like to use an old pan specifically for herbal preparations.

Hydrotherapy

A hot Epsom salt bath stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate toxins through the skin: add 1 lb. of Epsom salts to a bath and soak in it preferably before going to bed. Not advised if you are weak or frail.

An oatmeal bath helps to soothe irritated skin. Put 2lb of fine oat meal in cheese cloth bags and place in a hot bath; soak for 15 minutes.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise helps to improve circulation of the skin. Running, walking, swimming or exercise for 30 minutes, 3 days a week, will help.

Professional Help

Chinese medicine: individually prescribed Herb’s can greatly assist this problem, as has been shown by the number of trials in British Hospitals.

Homoeopathic treatment can help in some cases.

Orthodox

Prosiasis is sometimes helped by exposure to sun light or an ultra violet lamp. A coal tar or ditheranol ointment may be recommended. In severe cases, corticosteriod drugs are prescribed.