Psoriasis, eczema and a new herbal alternative
If you suffer from psoriasis or eczema, you are not alone. Some 2 to 4% of the world’s population suffer from psoriasis, while between 3 and 9% suffer from eczema in varying degrees. That means nearly 4,000,000 Canadians are living with these conditions.
By Blanche Rozario, BSc. Pharm.
What are Psoriasis & Eczema?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by red, scaly and often itchy patches of skin. It often affects the scalp, elbows and knees, and in severe cases, the whole body. How does it occur? In normal skin, the epidermal cell goes from creation to shedding in about 28 days. Psoriatic cells complete the process in just three or four days. This causes build-up and plaque formations.
Eczema, or dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, swelling, crusting, scaling and itching. Eczema can affect specific areas of the body, or in severe cases, the whole body. Eczema is common in children, referred to as ‘baby eczema’. This is difficult to treat as children cannot resist the urge to itch, and parents worry about the side effects of topical steroids.
Although both psoriasis and eczema are incurable disorders, they are often trivialized because they are not life-threatening. Psoriasis and eczema are certainly not trivial: if not well managed, these conditions can lead to other health problems. In a report on the Psycho-Social Impacts of Psoriasis, The National Psoriasis Foundation claimed, “Scientific studies have identified links between psoriasis and depression and suicidal ideation.”
What causes these conditions?
No one is certain what causes psoriasis or eczema. We do know that some people are genetically pre-disposed to these conditions. In addition, clinical studies point to a variety of causative factors ranging from diet, physical and emotional stress to nervous shock. Common triggers include: infective diseases, excessive cholesterol, physiological and emotional stress, alcohol, drugs, certain foods and smoking.
How do you manage Psoriasis and Eczema?
Though psoriasis and eczema are different conditions, there are similarities in medical treatments your doctor might recommend. Typically, treatment follows the course outlined in the chart below.
Medical treatment relies on a combination of controlled ultraviolet light exposure, lotions containing tar derivatives, and steroid creams. Oral steroids and cytotoxic drug therapy may be needed for severe cases. Your doctor can advise you of the best treatment for your condition.
Are there Natural Alternatives?
Clinical studies have been conducted on a herbal alternative known as mahonia aquifolium. A member of the barberry family, mahonia aquifolium is an evergreen shrub resembling holly. It grows to a height of about two metres, and features yellow buds which develop into edible - but bitter! – blue-coloured berries resembling grapes.
The bark and root of this plant are known to contain alkaloids which in turn contain strong antifungal, anti-bacterial and anti-prolifererative agents. Its powerful antioxidant activity inhibits abnormal skin cell growth and alleviates inflammation.
These properties indicate that mahonia aquifolium extract should be a key component in managing a variety of skin disorders, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and fungal conditions. In fact, Canadian and American researchers alike believe that mahonia aquifolium offers psoriasis sufferers one of the most promising natural treatments to date.
Has it been tested?
The first clinical study of mahonia aquifolium used for the treatment of psoriasis was reported back in 1992. In a study involving 93 patients with mild to moderately severe psoriasis, topical application of mahonia aquifolium ointment was compared with oral treatment of mahonia aquifolium. Significant improvement occurred in over 70% of patients in both groups.
Following the success of the original study, a trial in 89 dermatological practices throughout Germany involved patients with sub-acute and chronic forms of psoriasis. Patients were treated with mahonia aquifolium ointment for up to 12 weeks.
Of 433 patients, 375 continued with the treatment for a year as planned, or dropped out of the study early because they experienced a complete clearing of the skin. Dermatologists reported symptoms ‘improved’ or ‘disappeared’ in 81.1% of patients.
Over 82% of patients evaluated the mahonia aquifolium ointment as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. This indicates the ointment is gentle to the skin. The treatment also showed an improvement in quality of life.
As a result, mahonia aquifolium is now considered to be completely safe with no apparent adverse side effects observed in any tests to date. Researchers have concluded that this new herbal extract should be made available as a treatment for psoriasis sufferers.
While mahonia aquifolium has not been commercially available in North America, it is now available in two forms (cream and ointment) under the Psoecze Care brand.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
