Psoriasis

Is it curable?
No, as of now Psoriasis is not curable. Even though it appears to be a problem of the skin, the real cause of Psoriasis is a problem with your immune system.

Is it dangerous or infectious?
No, it is not infectious or contagious.
Psoriasis is a genetic, life-altering disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system give signals to the skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can itch, crack and bleed. However, no cure has been found for this disease.

Could my smoking or drinking be the cause of Psoriasis?
Well, it appears that smoking and drinking predisposes you to psoriasis, but may not be the only cause. However it definitely makes it difficult to treat the patient if he or she continues smoking or drinking alcohol. In fact alcohol could be a dangerous combination as it can interact with some of the medication given during treatment.

Is their any other complication it can lead to?
A small percent of people who suffer from Psoriasis eventually also develop Psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.     

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION, IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS.
We must first remember that Psoriasis is a serious disease and not just an ugly skin condition. Proper nutrition will reduce the severity of the condition.

Obese individuals find it more difficult to tolerate Psoriasis, so till an ideal body weight is reached, reduce your caloric intake to 1400-1800 calories and then maintain it at that level.

Research scientists for sufferers of Psoriasis have established the importance of foods rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, zinc and copper.

It is therefore prudent to include a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in animal protein, except for oily fish.

The patient should be asked to avoid these:
•    Reduce the intake of red meat in particular and animal protein in general, except for oily fish
•    Reduce intake of dairy
•    Avoid foods high in fat or sugar
•    Make `life style changes `such as regular exercising to maintain body weight
•    Give up smoking
•    Reduce or cease intake of alcohol.

If the patients are also suffering from hypertension, diabetes and high LDL cholesterol these steps will help alleviate that as well.

Foods to include:
•    Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout and mackerel, oil seeds like sesame sunflower and flax seeds, all contain natural omega-3 fatty acid
•    All green, yellow and orange vegetables, fruits such as carrots, mangoes and edible leaves that contain beta-carotene are good.
•    Nuts provide Selenium.
•    Animal foods such as mollusks and oysters are good for non-vegetarians.
•    Good sources for vegetarians include dairy products, beans and lentils, yeast, nuts, seeds and wholegrain cereals.
•    Pumpkin seeds provide one of the most concentrated vegetarian food sources of zinc.
•    Green vegetables including leafy vegetables are excellent sources of folic acid.
•    Fibrous foods are good because it helps bind the toxins from the gut.

Patience, good diet and weight loss can help relieve the symptoms enough, such that the skin returns to a fairly normal appearance.

By. Vijayalakshmi Iyengar, Dietitian, NutritionVista.com