Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by the formation of reddish, scaly plaques on the skin, which can cause itching and discomfort.
Although there is no cure, there are different treatments that can help control the symptoms and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it. One of these natural treatments is aloe vera, a plant known for its healing properties and benefits for the skin.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes accelerated growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of scaly, red plaques. These plaques can appear anywhere on the body, but are usually concentrated on the elbows, knees, scalp and back. In addition to physical symptoms, psoriasis can also have an emotional impact on those who suffer from it, affecting their self-esteem and quality of life.
Causes of psoriasis
The causes of psoriasis are unknown. There are a number of determining factors including genetic, immunological and neuromodulatory mechanisms. Below we break down the causes.
Genetic Factors
One of the most important factors in the development of psoriasis is genetics. People with a family history of psoriasis have been shown to be at higher risk of developing the disease. It is estimated that around 30% of people with psoriasis have a close relative who also suffers from it.
Immune System
The immune system plays a crucial role in psoriasis. In people with this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells, causing an inflammatory response and the formation of the characteristic lesions of psoriasis. It is thought that this erroneous reaction of the immune system may be influenced by environmental and genetic factors.
Stress
Stress is another factor that has been linked to the worsening of psoriasis. It has been shown that emotional stress can trigger psoriasis flares or worsen symptoms in people who already suffer from it. In stressful situations, the body releases chemicals that can negatively affect the immune system, which in turn can trigger skin inflammation.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes may also play a role in the development of psoriasis. It has been observed that women tend to experience psoriasis flare-ups during menopause, pregnancy, or during periods of hormonal stress, suggesting a link between hormones and the disease.
Infections
Some infections, such as those caused by bacteria or viruses, can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms. Throat infections, such as strep throat, have been found to trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people. The immune system reacts to the infection, which can trigger skin inflammation.
Aloe Vera for Psoriasis
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Among the benefits of aloe vera for psoriasis are its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and healing action.
Aloe vera gel helps soothe irritation and itching, reduces inflammation of plaques and promotes the regeneration of damaged skin. In addition, its high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants helps strengthen the skin and improve its appearance.
The aloe vera plant contains several beneficial elements to treat psoriasis:
- Aloin: It has analgesic and soothing properties.
- Emodin: It helps fight infections and has an effect similar to that of aspirin.
- Aloetic acid: It acts as a bactericide and neutralizes bacterial toxins.
- Chrysophanic acid: Derived from emodin, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry to treat skin diseases.
In addition, the aloe vera plant has shown beneficial effects in retaining moisture and skin integrity. Therefore, its topical use can have positive effects in controlling psoriasis symptoms.
How to use aloe vera for psoriasis?
To take advantage of the benefits of aloe vera in the treatment of psoriasis, it is important to use it properly. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to psoriasis plaques, leaving it to act for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
You can also mix aloe vera gel with essential oils such as lavender or tea tree to enhance its healing effects. Another option is to use aloe vera-based creams or lotions to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.
The use of aloe vera for psoriasis is based on applying aloe vera gel several times a day to keep the skin moisturized and protected. It is important to avoid scratching the plaques.