Managing Mild Facial Psoriasis with Functional Medicine
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful.
For those with mild facial psoriasis it can be particularly challenging as the face is often visible to others and can cause significant emotional distress.
Traditional treatments for psoriasis include medications such as topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications.
However, many of these treatments can be harsh and may not address the underlying causes of the condition.
An alternative approach to managing mild facial psoriasis is functional medicine.
Traditional Treatments for Face Mild Psoriasis
Topical creams and ointments are the most commonly prescribed medications for psoriasis. These creams work by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
However, when it comes to treating mild facial psoriasis, many individuals are hesitant to use these harsh treatments on such a visible area of their skin.
The face is a delicate area and harsh chemicals and steroids can lead to further irritation, redness and dryness.
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is another treatment option for psoriasis. This involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of UV light, which can help to reduce inflammation and clear up skin lesions.
However, light therapy can be time-consuming, and it may cause skin irritation or burn.
Additionally, it may be difficult to target the specific areas of the face affected by psoriasis.
Oral medications are typically prescribed for more severe cases of psoriasis, when topical treatments and light therapy are not effective. These medications work by suppressing the immune system and slowing down the growth of skin cells.
However, these medications come with potential side effects such as nausea, headaches, and liver damage. Furthermore, oral medications may not be suitable for treating mild cases of psoriasis on the face.
The Limitations of Traditional Treatments
While traditional treatments for psoriasis can be effective in managing symptoms, they often come with unpleasant side effects and may not address the underlying causes of the condition.
Topical creams and ointments can cause skin irritation, burning, and itching.
Oral medications, on the other hand, can have more severe side effects such as nausea, headaches, and liver damage.
Furthermore, traditional treatments may not be well suited for treating mild cases of psoriasis on the face.
The Benefits of Functional Medicine for Face Mild Psoriasis
Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of a condition.
Instead of simply managing symptoms, functional medicine practitioners work to understand the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle that contribute to the development of a condition.
One of the benefits of functional medicine for those with mild facial psoriasis is that practitioners will take a detailed history including a detailed diet, lifestyle, stress and environment history.
It enables the practitioner to identify any underlying imbalances that may be contributing to the development of psoriasis.
This can include nutrient deficiencies, food allergies, or gut dysbiosis.
Then, practitioners can develop personalized treatment plans that address these underlying imbalances.
This may include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and targeted nutrient supplementation.
Functional medicine also emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with patients to promote self-care and empower individuals to take an active role in their own health and healing.
When it comes to treating face mild psoriasis, a functional medicine approach can be particularly beneficial as it addresses the underlying causes, rather than just managing symptoms.
By focusing on the root cause, it not only helps to improve the symptoms on the face but also overall health and wellness.
This is a more comprehensive and personalized approach to treating mild psoriasis on the face.
If you're struggling with face mild psoriasis and traditional treatments have not been effective, consider consulting a functional medicine practitioner to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your condition and helps you to manage your symptoms.
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About the Author:
Dr. Shook has psoriasis and Hashimoto's disease and has trained extensively in functional medicine, epigenetics, and human performance optimization. DrBradShook.com is a resource to help people with Hashimoto's disease, thyroid dysfunction, and other autoimmune conditions learn more about how they can complement their current medical care and support their thyroid and autoimmunity naturally.
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