Could Fire Ants Offer Psoriasis Cure?
Living with psoriasis for 25 years means I've heard, read and seen some of the most weird and wonderful purported cures. From well meaning friends who excitedly email over the latest breakthrough in autoimmune disease to sensationalised newspaper headlines which I must admit inspired hope in my most desperate times! Not one of them ever really amounted to much, but I found them intriguing all the same.
This week scientists claim the venom from fire ants could be our salvation. Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta used a skin cream made of solenopsins - the toxic component carried by the fire ants - to help combat symptoms of the skin condition in mice.
The trial concluded that the mice treated with solenopsins cream, saw a 30% reduction in the thickening of their skin. The solenopsin compounds also dampened the production of the inflammatory signal IL-22, believed to make the condition worse.
Lead author of the study Dr Jack Arbiser said: 'We believe solenopsin analogs are contributing to full restoration of the barrier function in the skin. Emollients can soothe the skin in psoriasis, but they are not sufficient for restoration of the barrier.'
Personally speaking I think natural emollients and gentle essential oils can work wonders on the skins surface. But I fully believe true healing comes from the inside out. Simple changes such as drinking plenty of water, juicing fresh fruit and vegetables and ensuring you include lots of greens in your diet can work wonders in ensuring your body is truly hydrated. They're a great place to start and much simpler and kinder than extracting venom from ants!
