Inflammatory red patches with clear contours, plus noticeable scaling and itching per attack? What if it was psoriasis? After confirmation by a dermatologist, it is possible to put in place certain rituals to calm the inflammatory outbreaks, relieve the itching and heal the affected areas. 

The skin, the largest organ of the human body

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and the heaviest. It represents a surface of 2m² for 4kg on average.

The skin reveals what is going on inside the body. Its condition gives indications of diseases or dysfunctions in other organs.

Depending on the area of the body, the skin will not have the same thickness: the heels will be thicker than the eyelids for example. 

The 6 functions of the skin

To understand psoriasis and other dermatitis, we must first look at the different functions of the skin. Indeed, when one of them is defective, it disturbs the general balance causing the appearance of various skin diseases such as psoriasis. 

1. Protection: the skin protects the interior of the body against external aggressions: pathogenic germs, blows, burns, dehydration, heat loss...

2. Maintenance of hydration: the skin is composed of 70% of water. As soon as there is a dehydration, the surface layer of the skin (horny layer) loses its elasticity causing a drying of the skin. When the skin is properly hydrated, the regeneration of skin cells is facilitated, which increases its elasticity.

3. Nutrition: to nourish the skin, you must rely on fatty acids. Indeed, lipids penetrate cell membranes and thus help restore the skin's barrier function. Thus, a deficiency in lipids weakens the skin's protective function and increases the risk of dehydration. The skin dries out, loses its elasticity and becomes fragile. 

4. Reproduction: the old cells of the epidermis are replaced every 28 days by new cells. 

5. Secretion: the secretory glands can be eccrine (sweat glands not connected to a hair), apocrine (sweat glands) and holocrine (sebaceous glands). The latter 2 become active during adolescence although they have been present since birth.

6. Elimination: the skin regulates body temperature by eliminating heat through sweat. It also has a purifying role by eliminating waste or toxins.

The skin and psoriasis in naturopathy

In naturopathy, the skin is considered an emunctory, i.e. a purifying organ. It is mainly solicited when the liver and kidneys, which are the main emunctories, are tired.

Thus, dermatological problems generally reflect an overloaded liver or kidneys in the elimination of glues and crystals respectively. The skin has the quality of being able to eliminate both types of waste, although they are not of the same nature. It will therefore take over the detoxification process. Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatoses/oses appear...

Psoriasis would thus be the result of an overload in waste of type crystals.

Food, a fundamental role

As the body is overloaded with waste crystals, it is necessary to cut off the source until the symptoms of psoriasis improve or disappear. The diet should be anti-inflammatory and promote :

• raw or lightly cooked fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, 

• essential fatty acids (olive oil, cold sea fish, seeds and oilseeds) 

• sprouted seeds

• les algues

• une hydratation optimale

• well-cooked gluten-free cereals

• the legumes should be soaked for at least 24 hours and well cooked as well.

• red meat 2 times a week max

• no dairy

What to put on skin suffering from psoriasis

The skin is sensitive. Be careful with soaps, prefer savons surgrasFor the scalp, choose a cold process soap or even Marseille soap which, contrary to what one might think, is excellent for fragile skin. For the scalp, opt for a shampoing bio with natural ingredients.  

To locally relieve inflammation and promote healing, you can opt for :

• Evening primrose oil (capsule to be pierced directly on the area)

• aloe vera gel

• coconut oil 

• calendula balm

• shea butter

For adults, you can add 1 drop ofessential oil of Rose Geranium which will accelerate the healing process.

Food supplements and psoriasis

To support the work of elimination of crystals, to repair from the inside and to come to nourish the cells of the skin, it is advised to make a cure:

• detox Dandelion, lime sap, birch sap, burdock, cherry stem...

• zinc

• essential fatty acids: omega 3, evening primrose oil

• vitamin D3

• folic acid (vitamin B9)

• probiotic

• green clay : drink green clay water 

Psoriasis and emotions

It is recognized that psoriasis attacks appear following episodes of stress. It would be interesting to work on awareness and emotional management in order to prevent the appearance of attacks. Psychotherapy, hypnosis, sophrology, relaxation and meditation are all practices that can be used to act on the psycho-emotional sphere.