Skin Care
Dealing with common skin complaints
Psoriasis
What is it: Affecting approximately three per cent of the Western population, psoriasis is a not-yet curable disease. It begins deep in the immune system but is revealed by a dramatically increased number of skin cells in the top layers of the skin. Normal skin cells mature in 28 to 30 days and then are shed from the skin's surface. With psoriasis, a malfunction in the immune system causes skin cells to regenerate much more quickly - every three to four days. As the skin cells accumulate, they form scaly areas of skin.
How to treat it: Topical steroids, topical coal tar preparations, occlusion therapy (which involves covering the skin with an airtight, waterproof wrapping of mild to moderate steroids or moisturisers), and wet-wrap bandaging are typical psoriasis treatments. In the private sector, the XTRAC FDA-approved Excimer laser system (07000 560 821), offers an 80 per cent chance of successfully treating and sustaining recovery from the condition. Dead Sea minerals are known to relieve eczema and psoriasis-related irritation and itching; try the Malki Dead Sea range, visit deadseabathcare.co.uk
Nutritional tips from Penny Povey: Lots of oily fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, low sugar, low fat, dairy free. Avoid alcohol, greasy foods, spicy foods, refined carbohydrates, additives, processed foods, caffeine and soft drinks.
Supplements: Essential fatty acids.
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