Psoriasis is one of the most stubborn skin diseases. It is characterized by thick, red silvery-scaled patches of skin. This disease may appear at any age, though it is rare in infancy and early childhood. The incidence increases throughout childhood, after the age of five years, to reach a peak at adolescence. Girls suffering from this disease outnumber boys by two to one.

Since psoriasis is a metabolic disease, it would be desirable to cleanse the system in the beginning of the treatment. For this purpose, the child-patient should be encouraged to take vegetable and fruit juices for about two days. Carrots, beats, cucumbers and grapes may be used for juices. Juices of citrus fruits should be avoided. Child should be persuaded to take warm-water enema daily during this period to cleanse the bowels. Thereafter, he may be allowed to gradually embark upon a well balanced diet, according to his age. The emphasis should be on whole grain cereals, raw or lightly cooked vegetables and fresh fruits.

All animal fats, including milk, butter and eggs should be avoided. Refined or processed foods and foods containing hydrogenated fats or white sugar, all condiments, tea and coffee should also be avoided. After noticeable improvement, goat's milk, yogurt and home made cottage cheese may be added to the diet.

The cabbage leaves have been successfully used in the form of compress in the treatment of psoriasis. The thickest and greenest outer leaves are most effective for use as compresses. They should be thoroughly washed in warm water and dried with a towel. The leaves should be made flat, soft and smooth by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing the thick veins. They should be warmed and then applied smoothly to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft woolen cloth should be put over it. The whole compress should then be secured with an elastic bandage.

The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis, and the child-patient should drink it in liberal quantities. The application of buttermilk compresses over the affected parts will also be useful in treating this condition.

The oil of avocado has been found beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It should be applied gently to the affected parts. The oil extracted from the outer shell of cashew nut has also been found valuable in psoriasis. It is acrid and rubefacient and can be applied beneficially on the affected areas.

Too frequent baths should be avoided. Soap should not be used. Regular seawater baths and application of seawater externally over the affected parts once a day is beneficial. After a bath, a little olive oil may be applied. The skin should be kept absolutely clean by dry friction or sponge.

In many cases, psoriasis responds well to sunlight. The affected parts should be frequently exposed to the sun. The daily use of a sunlamp or ultra-violet light is also beneficial.

The use of mudpacks in the treatment of psoriasis has also been found highly beneficial. The packs are made by mixing the clay with a little water and applying to the affected areas. After the clay has dried, it is removed and a fresh pack applied. Mudpacks are eliminative in their action. They absorb and remove the toxins from the diseased area.

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