Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects more than 6 million Americans, possibly the result of several factors, including heredity, lifestyle, and diet. It is a symptom of a faulty skin cell regeneration mechanism. Normal skin cells take up to a month to mature, but in patients with psoriasis this process is shortened to 5 to 7 days, producing excessive skin cells that cause the skin to thicken in raised red areas with silvery scales. Psoriasis commonly appears on the elbows, knees, groin, and scalp. Lesions that ooze and ulcerate may appear, causing pain. Flaking and itching are common, and about 10 percent of chronic psoriasis patients develop arthritis as well. Stress, obesity, exposure to environmental toxins, skin infections, alcohol use, and certain drugs can worsen the condition. Western medicine relies on steroidal creams, tar cream with UV light treatment, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants for relief.

In Chinese medicine, diseases of the skin have a direct link to the lung-large intestine network, which also governs the immune system. When the lungs are weak and attacked by pathogenic wind or microbes, the skin doesn't receive proper nourishment. Heat toxins in the blood can also manifest as skin disease. Psoriasis is best treated when the underlying conditions are addressed either by dispersing the wind or clearing the heat and toxins from the skin.

We use acupuncture and herbal therapy to cleanse body of heat and toxins and to harmonize the immune system to lower inflammatory reaction. Many of our patients have experienced relief from their symptoms.