Vitamins And Psoriasis

Vitamins and Psoriasis...

Can taking vitamins help get rid of your itchy, scaly skin? If it's caused by psoriasis, researchers say, formulations of several vitamins can be a valuable part of your regimen.

A number of studies have investigated the links between vitamins and psoriasis, and the results promise relief from the itching and pain associated with what the old television commercials used to call 'the heartbreak of psoriasis'.

Psoriasis tends to run in families, and several genetic markers for it have been identified. Having the genetic markers, however, doesn't necessarily mean that psoriasis will develop.

Researchers aren't certain of all the other factors that play a part in the development of psoriasis, but they've identified a number of nutritional, environmental and physical factors that may trigger attacks. These include stress, poor nutrition, deficiencies of vitamin B, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D, weather conditions, smoking and diet.

Researchers who have studied vitamins and psoriasis have put forth a number of theories about the underlying causes of psoriasis, and possible treatment options for people suffering from psoriasis.

Psoriasis and the Auto-Immune System

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects approximately 1-3% of the population. In its most common form, psoriasis vulgaris or common psoriasis, it is characterized by patches of dry, scaly skin overlying inflamed, reddened areas called plaques. It's been known for some time that the plaques result from the skin renewing itself 'too fast', but researches weren't certain WHY this happened.

The most recent research suggests that psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. In a healthy immune system, a type of white blood cells called T cells help protect the skin from infection. In someone with a normal immune system, these cells are only triggered if there's an infection in the skin.

At that point, they go into action to speed up the creation of new skin cells to replace the old. When someone is prone to psoriasis, the T cells react as if infection is present -- but since there's not, new skin cells are created before the old are ready to shed.

They form raised, red patches called 'plaques', covered by dead, flaky skin cells. These plaques are most often found on the knees, elbows, scalp, or face. This is the most common form of psoriasis.

The Link Between Vitamins and Psoriasis - Vitamin D Insufficiency

The form of vitamin D that is most commonly made by the body in the skin can't actually be used by the body in its natural form. It first has to undergo a complex chemical process that transforms it to a usable form - activated vitamin D. In this form, the body can use it to help absorb calcium. It's also in this form that vitamin D (calcipotriene) inhibits the growth of new skin cells.

Activated vitamin D is used in either topical applications, or injected at the site of plaques, and is one of the most effective treatments for psoriasis outbreaks available.

Another Link Between Vitamins and Psoriasis - Vitamin A

Vitamin A is used by the body during the growth of new cells, and helps the body to repair cells after trauma. It has strong antioxidant properties, and enhances the immune system. As retinol, it has been used as an acne treatment with excellent results. It's been proven effective in treating psoriasis when combined with vitamin D.

Because of the high doses required for effective treatment, do it only under the supervision of a doctor. Vitamin A can be toxic in high doses. It should NOT be used by people with kidney ailments, or pregnant women.

Beta Carotene, a plant derived form of Vitamin A, has also been suggested to be beneficial for people with psoriasis.

Other Vitamins and Psoriasis - Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin E

Psoriasis has been associated with deficiencies of folic acid. Supplements with vitamin B-complex (b-12, b-6 and b-3) when used in combination with retinol have been shown to increase the effectiveness of treatment in some cases.

There is also anecdotal evidence to support the use of vitamin C and vitamin E in treating psoriasis. All of those vitamins play a part in the body's absoption of vitamin D, and it's possible that adding any of them to a regimen that includes vitamin D could enhance the beneficial results.

Many of the treatments used to combat psoriasis are available through prescription only. Because of the possibilities of side effects and toxicity, it is recommended that you consult a health professional before attempting to self treat with high dosages of vitamins.

Vitamins and Psoriasis - Treatment Options

Psoriasis is generally thought to be incurable, but the outbreaks can be controlled. Different treatment methods will help some people, while not doing much for others.

Speaking with your doctor will help you understand the available treatment options.

Featured Products

One nutritional supplement that contains the highest quality vitamins, including: beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin D, C and E, the B Vitamins and dozens of beneficial nutrients and herbs is Xtend-Life's Total Balance.

One of the editors here has been using Total Balance for the last couple of years as an optimal health supplement, and because he has psoriasis.

In addition, beyond just vitamins and psoriasis, skin disorders such as psoriasis have been shown to improve from fish oils. In the skin of persons with psoriasis the amount of compounds causing inflammation is many times greater than normal. Fish oil inhibits the production of these inflammatory compounds. Fish oil improves the health of skin, nails and hair.

Xtend-Life also makes the highest quality fish oils we've found. We use these fish oil capsules ourselves everyday.

Another excellent product specifically designed for skin conditions like psoriasis is called Skin Dr. sold by Native Remedies, a high quality supplier of all natural products.

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