Aetiology
- Some lesions are closely associated with linoleic acid deficiency.
- Incomplete protein digestion or poor intestinal absorption of protein breakdown products.
- A number of gut-derived toxins are implicated in the development of psoriasis. A diet low in dietary fibre is associated with increased levels of gut derived toxins.
- Attacks can be triggered by nervous tension and stress, illness, cuts, several viral and bacterial infections, sunburn, or drugs such as lithium, chloroquine, and beta blockers
Other Treatments
Attention should focus on diet and particularly:
- All pork meat and pork fat (commonly used on the manufacture of pastry, biscuits, chocolate, and ice cream) should be eliminated from the diet.
- Benefit has been derived from eating a low-acid diet.
- Fruit and vegetables are clearly beneficial to the condition.
- Avoid saturated fats (milk, cream, butter, eggs) sugar, processed foods, white flour and citrus fruits. Avoid red meat and dairy products.
- Increase the intake of fish oils, particularly those rich in EPA (e.g., cod, sardines, tuna, or mackerel).
Several double blind clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementing the diet with 10 to 12 grams of EPA results in significant improvement. The improvement is largely due to the inhibition of the production of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes.
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of linseed oil per day.
- Herbs such as St. Mary’s Thistle, sarsaparilla, red clover and burdock have all been reported to be of value in the treatment of psoriasis.
- Avoid stressful situations, fatigue, environmental changes (such as exposure to cold) and trauma to the skin as these can initiate new skin lesions.
- For symptomatic relief use chickweed as a lotion or a cream.
- Attention to nervous/emotional problems is also important.
- Sunlight is very beneficial in most cases. A standard medical treatment of psoriasis typically involves the use of a drug psoriasis and exposure to UV light.
