Psoriasis a Skin Issue and Swimmers

More than four million people in America are affected by a condition called Psoriasis. This name is derived from a Greek word "psora" which means "itch". The tell tale sign of this disease are dead skin scabs of silvery white color which are formed over lesions that become inflamed. The disease is non contagious which means it does not spread by touching, swimming or sitting next to a patient. When the dead skin scabs are scratched, the skin underneath tends to bleed easily on the exposed area. The most prone areas include fingernails, scalp, back, chest, knee joints and the elbows. Even though it isn’t usually found on the face, it still is a condition that affects the skin, and special skin care is preferred.

Psoriasis is more of a chronic disease which can also be accompanied by inflammation of the joints which is known as Arthritis psoriasis which leads to swelling in the finger and toes joints. Since there seems to be a disturbance in the basic metabolism of the cells, the reddish areas indicate an over activity in the detachment and the renewal of the skin cells. This is also due to a lot of toxicity and the lack of proper nutrients in the body.

Psoriasis does not respond well to all kinds of alternative or even the conventional treatment methods. This seems to be due to an underlying emotional cause which may be hampering the recovery of the patient. It's a well known fact that the skin is the largest organ in the human body. The health of the skin is also indicative of the general health of the body. Therefore, it is naturally obvious that there may be a different cause of the dis-ease. Yet all the manifestations of this disease have a common characteristic of a stubbornness which is pretty constant.

A natural method of treatment of this disease also delves into many areas of patient's life which may display the innate persistence of the patient. Many a times the emotional and mental resistance that the patient may display in his life may also get manifested in the form of this disease.

Go for a Swim

Psoriasis may flare up after swimming due to the drying nature of pool water. Applying a barrier cream prior to swimming helps. Try Ichthammol ointment, MK extra emollient night cream or Sudocrem or even a simple petroleum jelly, which has the advantage of being clear and colorless. This disease already makes the skin sensitive, but swimming, especially in salt water, sloughs off dead skin and improves its appearance. Still, both salt water and chlorinated water can leave skin dry and flakey. After swimming, rinse off well and put on a gentle moisturizer.

Generally, swimmers don’t really care if you have this skin condition as long as you get into the appropriate speed lane in the pool and have polite and appropriate pool etiquette.

Today’s Daily Swimming Workout:

Warm-Up: 500 swim as 50 easy kick, 50 super-slow tai-chi style swim, your choice of strokes

Kick with swim-fins: 8 X 75 alternating backstroke and freestyle

Drill a 200 Individual Medley

Pull with Hand-Paddles on: 3 X 300 as 50 breaststroke, 250 freestyle

8 X 200 as 50 stroke (Individual medley order), 150 freestyle

4 X 75 as 25 butterfly on back kick, 50 freestyle swim

Warm-down: 200 your choice super slow tai-chi style

Total: 4300 meters or yards, depending on the length of the pool

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