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Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an overreactive immune system.
Psoriasis has many forms and may attack any part of the body, but the most common form is called plaque psoriasis, which causes thick, red, irritated, and itchy plaques to form on the skin. Patches may break open and bleed if itched aggressively. The most common areas for these to occur are the elbows, knees, and scalp, but they can appear anywhere. Psoriasis is chronic and not curable, although it often comes and goes both on its own and with treatment. It is not contagious.
Many skin conditions, such as eczema, may mimic the appearance of psoriasis, but these are different diseases with different treatments. Only a trained medical provider like Silver Falls’ board-certified dermatologists can tell you for sure if you have psoriasis and prescribe the correct treatment for it.
Although treatments for psoriasis have improved greatly over the past 20 years or so, the disease can still be difficult to manage in some cases. Psoriasis can also attack the joints, causing a painful condition called psoriatic arthritis.
In general, yes, drinking water and staying properly hydrated can help keep the skin hydrated and may reduce the number and severity of flare-ups. Psoriasis may come and go without any apparent reason. It may even go away for months, but it will almost always return eventually. Drinking water may help to reduce psoriatic skin symptoms, at least to some degree.
Moreover, people with psoriasis should avoid sugary beverages like sodas and even fruit juices. Too much dietary sugar, especially refined sugars, has been linked with an increased inflammatory response. Since psoriasis is also an inflammatory disease, it makes sense to avoid sugar as much as possible.
While your medical provider should always be your primary source of treatment and information, some psoriasis self-help groups advocate drinking lemon water to help with psoriasis.
Advocates of lemon water for psoriasis point out that the fruit is high in Vitamin C, which is known to be necessary for healthy skin. Centuries ago, when sailors would be at sea for many months without fresh fruits or vegetables, they would develop a horrible, fatal disease partly affecting the skin and connective tissue known as scurvy. We now know it’s the Vitamin C in these foods that prevents this dietary disease.
Lemon water may also have other benefits:
Headed by our medical director, John Young, MD, FAAD, Silver Hills Dermatology has over 40 highly-qualified medical providers to serve you. We can help treat your psoriasis or any other kind of skin condition. We warmly welcome all new patients. Find relief soon by calling the nearest office location or contacting us online right now.