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Psoriasis is one of the most
stubborn skin diseases. It is characterized by thick, red silvery-scaled
patches of skin. This disease may appear at any age, though it
is rare in infancy and early childhood. The incidence increases
throughout childhood, after the age of five years, to reach a
peak at adolescence. Girls suffering from this disease outnumber
boys by two to one.
Since psoriasis is a metabolic
disease, it would be desirable to cleanse the system in the beginning
of the treatment. For this purpose, the child-patient should
be encouraged to take vegetable and fruit juices for about two
days. Carrots, beats, cucumbers and grapes may be used for juices.
Juices of citrus fruits should be avoided. Child should be persuaded
to take warm-water enema daily during this period to cleanse
the bowels. Thereafter, he may be allowed to gradually embark
upon a well balanced diet, according to his age. The emphasis
should be on whole grain cereals, raw or lightly cooked vegetables
and fresh fruits.
All animal fats, including milk,
butter and eggs should be avoided. Refined or processed foods
and foods containing hydrogenated fats or white sugar, all condiments,
tea and coffee should also be avoided. After noticeable improvement,
goat's milk, yogurt and home made cottage cheese may be added
to the diet.
The cabbage leaves have been
successfully used in the form of compress in the treatment of
psoriasis. The thickest and greenest outer leaves are most effective
for use as compresses. They should be thoroughly washed in warm
water and dried with a towel. The leaves should be made flat,
soft and smooth by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing
the thick veins. They should be warmed and then applied smoothly
to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft
woolen cloth should be put over it. The whole compress should
then be secured with an elastic bandage.
The use of curd in the form of
buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis, and the child-patient
should drink it in liberal quantities. The application of buttermilk
compresses over the affected parts will also be useful in treating
this condition.
The oil of avocado has been found
beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It should be applied
gently to the affected parts. The oil extracted from the outer
shell of cashew nut has also been found valuable in psoriasis.
It is acrid and rubefacient and can be applied beneficially on
the affected areas.
Too frequent baths should be
avoided. Soap should not be used. Regular seawater baths and
application of seawater externally over the affected parts once
a day is beneficial. After a bath, a little olive oil may be
applied. The skin should be kept absolutely clean by dry friction
or sponge.
In many cases, psoriasis responds
well to sunlight. The affected parts should be frequently exposed
to the sun. The daily use of a sunlamp or ultra-violet light
is also beneficial.
The use of mudpacks in the treatment
of psoriasis has also been found highly beneficial. The packs
are made by mixing the clay with a little water and applying
to the affected areas. After the clay has dried, it is removed
and a fresh pack applied. Mudpacks are eliminative in their action.
They absorb and remove the toxins from the diseased area.
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