Studies show that more than 7.5 million people in the U.S. have Psoriasis. This chronic skin disease is characterized by an itchy, red or silvery rash of skin on various different parts of the body, although mostly on the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees.

One of the common types of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. It usually starts off as few red bumps and eventually becomes larger and also thicker, whilst forming scales on top. These small patches slowly join together and cover pretty much the entire body if unattended. This rash is uncomfortable and itchy and if you were to rub it, it may easily bleed. Another common type is psoriatic arthritis, where there is a severe swelling on the joints which causes a lot of pain. This also makes it harder for people to use their palms for their everyday tasks. While the plaque psoriasis affects people of all age group, arthritis psoriasis usually affects people between 35 and 55.

What causes psoriasis?

The causes behind a psoriasis outbreak are still a mystery. However, particularly triggers, patterns, and  vulnerable populations are more prone to psoriasis. Psoriasis is not contagious, even with intimate contact. However, the condition can be painful and embarrassing. While the general treatment of psoriasis often includes the application of steroid topical creams and various immunosuppressive agents, it is proven that turmeric may help treating psoriasis.

Turmeric is an herb used primarily in Indian dishes. However, many also use turmeric paste on their skin, as this ginger based plant is rich in curcumin, an active ingredient responsible for many medical, skin-friendly properties, including:

• Curcumin protects the skin by controlling inflammation
• Curcumin has the potential to regenerate the skin, and quickens the wound healing process.
• Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties. The turmeric spice pretty much acts on the biochemical pathways that are involved in inflammation, thereby controlling it.
• Turmeric has antioxidant properties, which means antioxidant enzymes are low in the defences systems of psoriasis sufferers.
• Turmeric is antifungal in nature, as well as antibacterial and antiviral.

A study by ScienceDirect shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric could have a larger role in the recovery process of psoriasis.