Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that affects over 6 million people in the United States alone. Research has not definitively established what exactly causes psoriasis, but recent studies have indicated that it may be an immune mediated disorder. Psoriasis occurs when the body generates too many skin cells and may change from one type to another within a matter of days. It may improve, flare up, and even go into remission only to return at a later date. When alternative treatments are used in conjunction with other treatments the patient is given a feeling of control over the negative mental aspects associated with psoriasis. Some sufferers have small bumps which are very itchy and uncomfortable. Those who do a lot of scratching have skin markings that are thicker than those who have had it on an acute basis.
Eczema is sometimes referred to as Dermatitis which is an inflammation of the skin that produces scaling, flaking, thickening, color changes of the skin, and itching. Sometimes the skin may also develop fluid filled blisters which ooze and crust over. The itching due to eczema may be due to allergies, impaired liver function, or over exposure to chemicals or sunlight. Perfumes, cosmetics, medicated creams, and heavy metals such as gold, tin, and silver may be linked to outbreaks of eczema. The chemicals in soaps and lotions may also be linked to eczema outbreaks. Some sufferers of eczema are also sensitive to sunlight and chronic stress and tension may cause and lead to the spread of the disease.
Natural treatments for eczema and psoriasis are becoming more popular. As psoriasis and eczema appear to have many different potential causes, there is not a good regimen that is effective in the majority of cases. Some of the potential causes and possible solutions of skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema include insufficient water intake. Insufficient liver or kidney function is also a cause of eczema and psoriasis as the liver and kidneys cannot produce toxic wastes quickly enough for the body to send them to the skin for disposal. This causes an allergic reaction. A new class of drugs for mild to moderately severe cases of eczema is called topical immunomodulators. Studies have shown that these drugs improve or completely clear symptoms in the vast majority of cases and pose little or no safety concerns.
Studies have also shown that a healthy diet and lifestyle benefits everyone, especially those who suffer from psoriasis or eczema. There is no specific diet to follow, but there is evidence that proves that certain foods contribute to improving the skin condition. It is helpful for patients to eat only what makes them feel the most healthy. Dietary supplements encompass vitamins, herbal products, and minerals and usually benefit the entire body. However, there is no evidence that a particular supplement is a cure for psoriasis or eczema. In fact, there is a risk that certain dietary supplements, including multivitamins, may interfere with prescription medications and patients should discuss with their before starting any new supplements.