Psoriasis

Question: What treatment is good for psoriasis? I have psoriasis on my legs and have seen a dermatologist who prescribed two expensive creams. They help a little but it never goes away. I've been tanning for a short time in a tanning bed every other day and have seen a drastic improvement but am a little worried about skin cancer from UVA rays. Any home remedies out there? Any advice?

Answer: Exposing the affect areas to sunlight can help ease up the psoriasis flare up, but natural sunlight is better for you skin since tanning beds can be too harsh. Try natural remedies as well, like pasteurized creams, bee's wax, and lemon oil. They are really effective and cost less as well. Hope everything goes well for you!

Question: Is it possible to have Psoriasis on your head and Eczema on your face. If so how do you treat? I am almost 100% sure my Husband has Psoriasis on his head. He has on his face patches of red dry skin, would this be Eczema ? Any useful remedies.

Answer: its probably psoriasis on his head and face.i totally sympathise with him ive just found out i have psoriasis.especially in my head its maddening!!i have lotion called elecon for my head.i dont have it on my face.so tell him to go to the docs for advice

Question: What is a good over the counter treatment for psoriasis? I won't be able to see my dermatologist until January, and my psoriasis is spreading. My cream has run out. I'm using T-Gel shampoo for my scalp. I don't have anything for the psoriasis on my skin though. What is a good over the counter treatment that can keep it under control until January? I've had psoriasis for a couple of years. I used a topical medication from my dermatologist, but that ran out and she said she has to see me before I get another one prescribed.

Answer: HI Sylvie Here are some ideas on how to heal the issue. Cause Psoriasis is metabolic in nature and can be triggered by environmental or stressful conditions, poor diet, flu-like conditions, the administration of penicillin, and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with psoriasis are also a higher risk of rheumatoid diseases. Psoriasis can be caused by food allergies, essential fatty acid deficiencies, low digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid levels, vitamin B complex deficiencies, emotional stress, illness, drugs (such as beta-blockers, lithium, and chloroquine), poison ivy or oak, skin damage, and several infections, bacterial or viral in origin. ------------------------------... Natural Cures Aromatherapy: The following essential oils are recommended: bergamot (to help heal skin plaques), lavender (to reduce excessive itching), melissa (for irritated skin), jasmine (for dry sensitive skin), geranium (for dry irritating skin), and sandalwood mysore (for dehydrated, inflamed, and sensitive skin). Diet: Screen for and eliminate all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Eat a varied diet of organic, whole foods, rotating foods as much as possible. Eliminate wheat and wheat products for 1-3 months. Consume seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and each day, on a rotating basis, take one tablespoon of olive or flaxseed oil, and be sure to drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Organic beef, venison, poultry, garlic, onions, parsley, organic plain yogurt, and sauerkraut are also recommended. Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® applied topically can soothe symptoms. Herbs: Combine equal parts of burdock, sarsaparilla, and cleavers tinctures and take one teaspoon three times a day. Silymarin (milk thistle) is also helpful for psoriasis due to its positive effects on liver function. Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Psorinum, Sulfur, Graphites, Cuprum met., and Arsen alb. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. *Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations. Juice Therapy: The following juice combinations can be helpful: apple and carrot; beet, cucumber, and grape; and beet, carrot, burdock, yellowdock and garlic. Lifestyle: Mild cases of psoriasis may be helped by daily exposure to sunlight. Frequent exercise is also recommended. Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can be helpful: evening primrose oil, omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B Complex, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, folic acid, lecithin, zinc, and a multimineral supplement. Taking hydrochloric acid (HCL) with each meal can also be of use. In Europe fumaric acid treatment in the form of fumaric acid tablets, ointment, lotion, and scalp lotions is widely used to reverse symptoms of psoriasis Topical Treatment: Apply seawater to the affected skin several times daily. Linseed or avocado oil, aloe vera gel, and/or capsaicin cream applied topically can reduce the scaling, thickness, redness, and itching. Best of health to you

Question: Do any foods cause psoriasis? What can I change in my diet to prevent psoriasis? I suffer with psoriasis on my neck. I was wondering, if it can flare up when I eat certain foods? I've tried ointments but nothing is working. I couldn't get a doctor's appointment until mid-March. What can I do to help myself now?

Answer: Fried foods are a big culprit. Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Keep the idea in mind to stay as close to the earth as possible (as in fruits and vegetables). Smoking, alcohol, stress, and normal weather associated with winter months will have adverse effects. Try to stay away from synthetic materials and harsh soaps. Supplementing with health food store quality probiotics can work wonders, as well as supplementing with GLA from Evening Primrose Oil (1,000-3,000 mg/day). Emu oil is wonderful for short term relief (www.desertpalmsemu.com). Sunlight, sunlight, sunlight! Expose the affected area to as much sunlight as possible and skip the sunblock (don't stay out so long that you get burned though).

Question: what fruits are bad for psoriasis?Is warm semi skimmed milk bad for psoriasis? I have inflamed psoriasis could you please tell me if they are any homemade remedies i can make.Why do some doctors say fish is good and some say bad.Is warm milk bad for psorias?

Answer: It has not been proven that food has anything to do with psoriasis. If you noticed that some foods make yours worse - avoid them. For an effective home-made remedy (it's herbal) go to http://www.champori.com It helped to clear my 4 year old plaque psor. in just under 3 weeks!

Question: How do can you get rid of psoriasis on you head and legs? I have psoriasis on my head that cause flakes and on my legs which casues me to scratch at them. Is there something over the counter that will get rid of it?

Answer: You can go to the pharmacy and ask if they can order Fotar cream *most dont keep it in stock and it takes a day or so to order it* Just keep applying the Fotar a few times a day *it smells like tar but it does work* There are also OTC shampoos that target plaque psoriasis.

Question: How well does methotrexate work for psoriasis? I was diagnosed with psoriasis about 5 years ago. I have tried every treatment from creams to phototherapy to biologic treatments. I have recently been prescribed Methotrexate and was wondering how well this would work for my psoriasis. With the summer coming up I would like to get back into shorts and tank tops.

Answer: I have had psoriasis for 25 years (the past five severe). I also have psoriatic/rheumatoid arthritis bad. My rheumotologist prescribed methotrexate in combination with Enbrel. i have been taking it for about two years. It worked such wonders for my arthritis, so well I thought to myself, so this is how easy people with normal backs have it. Before then, I suffered such pain every day. I didn't, however, notice much of change in the psoriasis. Have you tried tanning beds. You must have. Or at least your doctor must have told you about it. I have had a number of dermatologists since I have been diagnosed and they have all told me the same. The sun (tanning bed) is one of the best treatments for psoriasis (must kill dermatologists to recommend tanning). By far, my greatest success has been tanning, natural sun or artificial. If legs are your troubled area, do not be afraid to shave. I was for a long time when my legs first became covered. Finally, I said, the heck with the fear of cutting myself, I was ashamed to be walking around with hairy legs. Shaving also worked wonders and didn't hurt at all. As long as you use a good/more expensive disposable razor. Keep up with the methotrexate. I have done some research of my own on it and I guess it works for many people, but you should ask your doctor about using Enbrel or Humira in combination with it. If your doctor prescribes Enbrel or Humira too, ask for the autoinjectors -- it is quick and painless.

Question: What sort of concealer or foundation should someone with psoriasis use? I have had psoriasis for a few years now. I get it on my face which is hard to disguise. I just need something to take the redness down and not dry my skin out. I feel very self concious about it, so any help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer: bare minerals. it really does cover up the redness

Question: What is the name of the prescription drug for psoriasis? I saw it in a commercial recently, and I want to look it up because I'm doing a report on psoriasis.

Answer: Could it be Raptiva? It's an injection you give yourself once a week, I believe.

Question: Psoriasis Is Avoidable How would you get the truth out? The causative factors of psoriasis is known, irrefutable facts how psoriasis is formed, the why. How would you get the truth out to public and stop the myth that psoriasis can't be avoided ? The web site is already there http://groups.msn.com/psoriasisisavoidable

Answer: Wow I would like to know where the proof of that is as I have a very dear friend who has suffered from psoriasis for years. Please give me a link so I can pass it on. It seems that there are more medical conditions that are curable and controllable which the general public are not aware of. Just think how many people would be out of jobs if they be known. The drug companies for one would lose their huge profits. They are notorious for spreading propaganda about alternate cures. If facts be known, the additives in our food are a major cause of skin conditions that are preventable.

Question: Psoriasis? I have psoriasis. anyone know any good home remedies to treat it?

Answer: I have it too and it's pretty bad right now since it's winter. Try keeping your skin moist at all times using any moisturizer, I personally use Jergen's. Don't take long baths as water is not good for the skin in winter(leaves it dry). Drink lots of water and stay away from sweets. Good Luck!

Question: For those who have Psoriasis! What ways have you found to help reduce the condition? I have recently been diagnosed with Psoriasis and found it spreading at an alarming rate. I am moisturising, putting the cream the doctor gave and yet it spreads. I am finding all of this really hard to understand so wondered if you could help. Thank you for all your answers.

Answer: Use a Chicken Noodle moisturizer.

Question: How does going to the tanning bed help psoriasis? I have had psoriasis since I was 9. I'm 27 now. No medicines help. No creams or topical prescriptions help. It never goes away, but my dermotologist suggested going to the tanning bed. Just wondered if anyone knew "why" this helps or "how" it helps psoriasis.

Answer: Sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D production in our bodies. Skin problems are often caused by diminished production of Vitamin D in the body. Therefore, catching rays (in moderation) promotes Vitamin D production and may lessen skin symptoms. I have lifelong eczema; nothing else worked for me, either. I finally moved to a warm climate...it's not completely cured, but the regular sunshine has greatly improved the condition and my life overall.

Question: What is the best treatment for my unusual type of Psoriasis? I have it on my fingers and the skin breaks up and bleeds. It has been diagnosed by a consultant as a hybrid type of psoriasis. Need help!

Answer: Try Gamma Linoleic Acid, 200mgs per day for at least 8 weeks. It can be found in Borage oil Caps - check the fine print on the side of the bottle for GLA content. Ask your doctor first, but it has been demonstrated to help certain types of Psoriasis

Question: How to deal with severe psoriasis on the scalp? My daughter has sever psoriasis only on her scalp. We have tried every over the counter shampoo we can buy. We have also tried a cornmeal and vinegar scrub. Any help?

Answer: Couple of things to try, I use Betnovate lotion rubbed into my scalp before I go to bed, keeps it quite under control. The best thing I found when I was younger was baby oil, sounds weird I know but rubbing baby oil into my scalp before I went to bed did work wonders, obviously you'll need to wash hair thoroughly in the morning(maybe even twice). I would also recommend a shampoo called Alphosyl(think you can still buy it in boots), other shampoos to try include T Gel and Johnsons No More Tears(yellow bottle). One of these should help(I have learnt from experience!)

Question: How long will it take for my mild Psoriasis to heal if I apply vitamin e? I have about 10 Psoriasis blotches on my legs and I've been following a certain diet, and trying to improve my lifestyle so that I could heal my Psoriasis and prevent it from emerging again.

Answer: Vitamin E will not heal your psoriasis. Pure Vitamin E oil is pretty greasy and doesn't really absorb very well. Try Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer; it's available from drugstore.com -- and possibly from your local drugstore or pharmacy, as well. It will help to heal your psoriasis much more effectively. If you have plaque psoriasis, you might want to be seen by a dermatologist for stronger treatments. Good luck! On Drugstore.com: Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.a…