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There are numerous types of psoriasis being the most common plaque psoriasis or Psoriasis Vulgaris that is characterized by red scaly patches of skin that are often covered by silver scales. These patches are extremely painful and they may bleed. Approximately eighty five percent of people suffering with this condition have this type of psoriasis, which can affect the knees, elbows, chest and lower back, as well as the nails and scalp.

Other types of this condition include:

Guttate psoriasis. This affects ten percent of sufferers and the drop-like shapes of scales can cover large patches of the upper torso and may spread to the arms, legs and scalp. Pustural psoriasis. This is a rare form of psoriasis that usually attacks the hands and the feet and is characterized by pus-filled pimples. The causes and symptoms of this type of psoriasis differ; it can be caused by the cessation of prescription drugs or as a result of an infection or sunburn. Lithium, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder, as well as certain beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure, can cause a flare up.

Inverse psoriasis. This is characterized by dry red patches in the folds of the skin and is more common in people who are overweight.

Erythrodermic psoriasis. This type of psoriasis can be extremely serious because it covers a large area of the body, and in some cases, all of it. When the skin becomes inflamed it creates an increase in blood flow which in turn speeds up the heart rate. Since the inflamed skin covers such a wide area the additional strain on the heart is a cause for concern.

Treating Psoriasis with Traditional Methods

The main goal of traditional psoriasis treatments is to decelerate the growth rate of skin cells and control the condition for long periods of time; it is the fast growth rate of skin cells that is responsible for the red and scaly psoriasis patches.

Traditional treatments include:

Topical Treatments - For a person with mild to moderate psoriasis, a topical approach is the preferred treatment to start with when choosing from the various available psoriasis treatments. There are many different strengths in these topicals and the level prescribed will be in accordance with individual needs and responsiveness.

Systemic Medications - These medications are reserved for people who suffer with moderate to severe psoriasis and don?t respond well to topical medications. These work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation and the rapid growth of cells. Unfortunately, many people experience side effects and discomfort with these medicines.

Phototherapy - Involves exposing the skin to an artificial ultraviolet light source. UVB radiation goes into the skin and slows down the fast growth of skin cells associated with the condition, resulting in clear skin. Studies indicate that the continued use of this treatment may help prolong remission time. However, irritation and sunburn may appear as side effects of UVB treatment and, even though there is no evidence of increased risk of skin cancer from this type of treatment, it?s important to remember that UVB is a well-known carcinogen in humans.

Natural Healing for Psoriasis

There are some tissue salts and herbs that are considered to be natural cures for psoriasis and are used in the treatment of this condition by addressing internal and external symptoms.

Natrium Muriaticum 6C and Kalium Sulphate 6C are among the salts that are widely recognized for the effective treatment of psoriasis because they:

* help hydrate the skin
* reduce inflammation
* keep cell membranes healthy
* reduce the symptoms of scaly skin
* assist in the healing and elimination of dead or infected cells

On the other hand, there are herbs that offer outstanding blood cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties, and which are very valuable in the natural treatment of psoriasis.