Herbal treatments for

Psoriasis

Serious skin conditions affect around seven million of people in the UK alone.

They can cause significant emotional distress as well as physical discomfort.

The main problem for many people with psoriasis is its unsightly appearance.

Some people may become anxious, withdrawn and depressed because of this.

What is it?

It is a common skin problem that occurs when the skin cells replace themselves too quickly - every few days compared to the normal 21-28 day cycle.

Psoriasis takes the form of an unsightly dry recurring skin disorder with red scaly patches covered with silvery scales.

It is not contagious

Psoriasis starts with “blebs” and progresses with a scale which flakes off leaving moist looking but dry bright red surfaces.

Eruptions are likely to occur on the elbows,

ears ,knees, scalp and low back.

It may be associated with a damaging form of polyarthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriasis is rare under the age of ten and usually first appears during adolescence or as a young adult but children and older adults can develop it too.

There are several different types of psoriasis, classified according to the appearance of the lesions or where they are on the body.

These include:

Plaque psoriasis - larger lesions, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back

Guttate psoriasis - small, round lesions, generally widespread

Pustular psoriasis - pustules accompany the redness and scaling seen in other types of psoriasis

Plantopalmar psoriasis - affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

Who gets it?

Psoriasis tends to run in families but it can affect anyone.

About 1.5 million people in the UK have psoriasis.

No one knows what causes psoriasis but certain genes have been linked to it.

Other factors also appear to act as triggers, such as certain drugs, throat infection and physical or emotional stress.

What is the outlook?

Most people with psoriasis will have only small patches that get better on their own or with little treatment.

For a minority, the psoriasis will be severe and may need intensive treatment.

In about 10% of people the joints will be involved as well.

This is called psoriatic arthritis and generally affects the fingers, toes and lower back.

Psoriasis tends to wax and wane. It is not uncommon to have long spells of years without a flare up.

Though it is said that there is no cure, herbs can keep it under control. Knowledge of herbal treatment has improved over recent years using herbs such as Evening Primrose, Aloe Vera and Chickweed .

We sell Simply Herbs Chickweed Cream and Chickweed scalp treatment oil

Here are some comments from our customers

“ I was amazed with the results of your chickweed cream. I was at a loss what to do next, but have been using it for a few short weeks and the itching has stopped….and my feet feel so much better, I have tried dozens of creams and have even been to a specialist.

“am thrilled with results”

“I am desperate to try your scalp oil”

“am astonished at how effective your cream has proved to be”

“had tried everything for Eczema to no avail, but chickweed cream is working wonders”

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With acknowledgement to “Simply Herbs”, “Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine” and BBC News Website for information used.