What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It usually affects the outside of the knee’s, scalp or elbows, though it can appear on any location. There are 5 different types of psoriasis but the most common is plaque psoriasis which is characterised by overproduction of skin causing it to look thick, raised and flaky. People who have psoriasis often experience burning, itching and stinging which makes it a very uncomfortable and debilitating condition.
Psoriasis and pregnancy
Some women see an improvement and others see a worsening in the symptoms during pregnancy and the post natal period. Changes in severity of symptoms can also differ between each pregnancy.
Treatment for psoriasis – conception, pregnancy and nursing advice
The National Psoriasis Foundation advises avoiding psoriasis treatment (topical and oral medication)altogether or only use the safest forms such as UVB phototherapy . Women should also seek advice from their doctor or obstetrician as each treatment method has its advantages and precautions.
With nursing mothers topical and systemic (oral)medications should be avoided as both have the potential to enter the blood stream and can find their way onto baby. If a mother has psoriasis on her nipples, it is important for her to moisturise the nipples with thick emollients or moisturisers. Although psoriasis on the nipple will not harm the baby, it may cause the mother discomfort and make breastfeeding difficult.
Treating Psoriasis naturally – Your diet
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you may want to treat your symptoms naturally. Psoriasis suffers tend to have high levels of a fat called arachidonic acid in their blood streams, which some scientists believe encourages inflammation in the body. Arachidonic acid can be formed by omega 6 fatty acids which are found in many vegetable oils, fast foods and baked foods like pastries, cakes and biscuits.
Conversely, omega-3 fatty acids support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids include oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout, can help symptoms. If you do not eat fish then you could supplement your diet with 1 tablespoon of flakseed (linseed) oil daily.
Supporting your liver can be one of the most important things you can do to help with psoriasis. The liver functions to detoxify the body. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, drinking water and having a balanced diet can help with this and will have added benefits to your growing baby.
Bathing
Avoiding harsh soaps and detergents like bubble bath may help alleviate the itchiness associated with psoriasis. Many sufferers of severe skin psoriasis take yearly visits to soak up the minerals found in the Dead Sea. Being pregnant you may not be up for a trip to the middle east in order to partake in this luxurious spa experience and if that is the case you can successfully emulate the benefits by putting half a kilo to a kilo of dead sea salts in the bath and soaking for 15 minutes or longer. You can get dead sea salts from a company called calmnsoothe.co.uk.
Moisturising
There are many natural emollients on the market that can help alleviate dry, itching skin. Thick butters like our baby balm could help with softening the sensitive skin tissue. The chamomile, calendula and sea buckthorn soothe and strengthen the skin and the cocoa butter adds a protective film over the skin to protect it from the outside elements.
Avoid stressful situations
Ok this is easier said than done as pregnancy can be quite a stressful time in and of itself. If you are a second or third time mum with very young children this can be even more stressful. My advice is that you have to take time out to relax. Try massage, going for long walks, going to the gym or even meditation, all found to be beneficial for reducing levels of stress and anxiety.
