Month: May 2018

Melanin- the natural protector of skin

Skin pigment or Melanin does not just provide the skin colour but also it protects the skin from harmful UV rays. If melanin pigment is lost due to any infection, injury or due to auto immune diseases like vitiligo, the skin becomes extremely sensitive. The skin cells being devoid of melanin and continually exposed to sun/UV rays, get damaged and may lead to skin cancer.

Vitiligo- What and Why?

Vitiligo is an auto immune disorder that causes loss of melanin pigment in skin resulting into uneven white patches. It is a progressive disorder in which the pigment cells of skin get damaged, lose their functional ability of melanin formation and also fail to transfer the melanin content from basal layer of skin to the upper layer which results in vitiligenous patches. Vitiligo problem can only be controlled and never cured completely.

Treat Vitiligo naturally-

Psoralea corylifolia or babchi- It contains Psoralen which on absorption of sun light activates the damaged melanocytes (pigment producing skin cells) resulting into production of melanin.
Wrightia tinctoria or Vetpalai – Augments healing properties of skin.

Indigofera tinctoria- Acts as anti-oxidant and contain natural pigment indigo.

Piper longum or long pepper- Induces multiplication of pigment cells and also helps in the melanin transfer from the basal layer of the skin to the uppermost layer.

Therefore, ointments, oils containing all these herbs can be of great help in managing vitiligo.

But being vitiligo an autoimmune disorder topical therapy alone may not be highly effective and oral medication is also required.

Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that makes raised, reddish, often scaly patches. It can pop up as a single patch or several, and can even affect the entire scalp. It can also spread to the forehead, the back of neck or behind ears. It causes severe itching and discomfort.

WHAT HAPPENS IN SCALP PSORIASIS?

• Occurs when the immune system sends faulty signals and scalp cells grow too quickly.
• Causes a silvery sheen and dry scales .
• Can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling.
• Can also be very severe with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp.

WHOM DOES IT AFFECT?

• 50% of people who have psoriasis have it on their scalp too.
• Normally develops between the ages of 15-20 years or later between 50-60 years.
• Around 75% of patients are affected before the age of 40.

SOLUTION FOR SCALP PSORIASIS

Special medicated oils containing Wrightia tinctoria ( proven to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis) as a herbal ingredient can be applied on the scalp and can then be given sun exposure for five to ten minutes to get faster relief from psoriatic symptoms like excessive scaling of scalp cells.

Medicated herbal shampoos prescribed for scalp psoriasis can then be used to exfoliate the dead scalp scales and remove the sebum. They also give the additional benefit of making the hair soft, smooth and lustrous.

Severe Psoriasis – Managing a flare-up

Psoriasis is one of the most baffling and persistent of skin disorders. It’s characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin’s surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales.

Most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:

• red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
• silver-white scales or plaques on the red patches
• dry skin that may crack and bleed
• soreness around patches
• itching and burning sensations around patches
• thick, pitted nails
• painful, swollen joints

Taking your medication as directed by your doctor is the first step in preventing psoriasis flare-ups. But you can do other things to minimize symptoms and get relief quickly.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

TakingKeeping your skin lubricated with oils, creams and ointments can go a long way in preventing or worsening dry, itchy skin caused by a psoriasis flare-up. It can also help reduce redness and heal the skin, making your flare-up easier to manage.

Stay on Top of Scalp Irritation and Itching

TakingTry to resist the urge to scratch or rub your scalp during a flare-up. Use of gentle moisturizer soap and shampoo can be helpful for avoid scratching the scalp.

Avoid Stress

TakingPsoriasis and stress are intricately linked. Although psoriasis is a genetic condition, environmental triggers such as a stressful life event often trigger it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And having psoriasis is stressful in itself, which can trigger future flare-ups. Oral medication that can help you manage stress and anxiety and also corrects the imbalance in thermoregulation due to poor cutaneous barrier effect can be the drug of choice.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

TakingNutritional supplements or foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may also help with your psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a decrease in inflammation.