Treating Psoriatic Arthritis: Cold, Bran Baths, and Breathing Therapy | NDR.de – Guide

Status: 02/23/2023 11:25 a.m

In psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis occurs in combination with rheumatism. In addition to medication, physicians rely on natural therapies to relieve inflammation on the skin and joints.

Psoriasis rheumatism (psoriatic arthritis) describes a form of psoriasis in which inflammatory joint diseases also occur. The chronic inflammation, which is manifested by painful, stiff and swollen joints, often begins years following the onset of psoriasis. Those affected by psoriatic arthritis often describe the pain in the skin and joints as burning.

Hands, feet, elbows and knees commonly affected

Psoriasis rheumatism can affect all joints, but the pain is often felt in the hands, feet, elbows, knees, neck or spine. In principle, psoriatic arthritis can occur at any age, but it usually begins between the ages of 35 and 55. Psoriasis rheumatism is an autoimmune disease. Doctors now assume that a large part of the rheumatic inflammation is related to bacteria in the intestine.

In an autoimmune disease, the immune system works incorrectly for an unknown reason. The immune system cells attack your body instead of protecting it from disease. The trigger for this malfunction and the resulting chronic inflammation is not known.

Treat psoriatic arthritis with medication

Medications can relieve the symptoms of the chronic disease. In consultation with rheumatologists, common painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen are used in the early phases of the disease. If psoriasis rheumatism takes a more severe course, anti-inflammatory agents (basic medication) can be used. These are intended to relieve pain, fight inflammation and delay or even prevent joint damage. Since basic medications have serious side effects, their use should be weighed up in consultation with a rheumatologist.

Changing behavior and habits to reduce discomfort

Psoriatic arthritis is not curable. However, drug and non-drug therapies can ensure that those affected can live almost symptom-free, especially if diagnosed early. In addition to the use of medication, an effective treatment can be, for example, in a anti-inflammatory diet. In addition, those affected should avoid being overweight, integrate joint-gentle exercise into everyday life, reduce stress and stop smoking. Naturopathic treatments such as therapeutic fasting and acupuncture can also relieve symptoms.

Cold chambers for inflammation caused by psoriatic arthritis

In the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, naturopaths rely, among other things, on the use of extreme cold in cold chambers. Patients only enter the chamber in swimwear, with bathing gloves and gloves. For example, you stay in it for three minutes at minus 110 degrees to stimulate blood circulation. The use of cold chambers is said to have a positive effect on the disease and increase well-being.

Bathe with wheat bran to soothe the skin

Wheat bran is residue from the grinding of wheat into flour. Wheat bran can be beneficial as a bath additive for patients with psoriasis. Simply add 100 grams of wheat bran from the supermarket or health food store to the warm bath water and distribute the resulting flakes evenly over the body and skin areas affected by psoriasis. The mucus that forms during the bran bath is desirable: it is supposed to lie on the dry skin cells, reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. In addition, the warm bath should provide relaxation.

Reflective breathing therapy is designed to strengthen the diaphragm

Naturopaths see another means of treating psoriatic arthritis in reflex breathing therapy. During treatment, physiotherapists apply pressure to the patient’s body through special grips to facilitate breathing and deepen breaths. The reflex breathing therapy is intended to strengthen the diaphragm and shut down the autonomic nervous system.

experts on the subject

Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics
Charité – University Medicine Berlin
Chief Physician Department of Naturopathy
Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin-Wannsee location
Koenigstrasse 63
14109 Berlin
https://naturheilkunde.immanuel.de

Senior Physiotherapist
Department of Naturopathy
Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin-Wannsee location
Koenigstrasse 63
14109 Berlin
https://naturheilkunde.immanuel.de

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Visit | 02/28/2023 | 8:15 p.m