PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition in which the skin develops red, itchy patches.
SYMPTOMS
Small patches of thick skin on the elbow, knees or back.
There are five main types of psoriasis, each of which has specific symptoms:
– Plaque (the most common form of psoriasis): red patches of skin covered with silvery white skin
– Erythrodermic: red, peeling rash covering a large area of the body
– Inverse: smooth patches of redness on the skin of the armpits and groin
– Guttate: small, red spots on the arms, legs, trunk, or scalp
– Pustular: blisters surrounded by irritated skin; may also cause fever, chills and fatigue.
SKIN ITCHING IN PSORIASIS VS ECZEMA
Both eczema and psoriasis can cause itchy skin, but eczema may cause an intense itch while psoriasis causes more of a stinging sensation or mild itch. Eczema is “the itch that rashes,” meaning, there’s really no rash until you start scratching the itchy area. Scratching in eczema causes visible red trails on the skin. Eczema is typically very itchy — especially at night, to the point of disrupting sleep, psoriasis may not cause itchiness at all.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
The exact causes of eczema and psoriasis are unknown. However, both conditions are believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with autoimmune skin conditions have over-reactive immune systems that, when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, respond by causing inflammation.
Stress can also play a significant role in worsening eczema and psoriasis symptoms.
The exact cause of this phenomenon and why human immune system behaves in such a strange way and lead to psoriasis or other numerous autoimmune conditions is still unclear, but there are reasons to believe autoimmune diseases are caused by a combination of many factors including unhealthy lifestyle, bad diet, lack of exercise, vitamin D deficiency (insufficient exposure to the sun), stress, depression, anxiety, frequent use of stimulants (smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, etc.), and diet high in animal products, refined and processed foods, bad fats, toxins, and genetic factors. Also certain medications, such as beta blockers, lithium, anti-malarial drugs can contribute to psoriasis and eczema.
THE ROLE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN PSORIASIS & ECZEMA
Both of these conditions (eczema and psoriasis) involve the immune system, but in different ways. In both eczema and psoriasis, abnormal inflammation in the skin leads to the development of lesions, however, the specific types of inflammation are different. There are several types of T-cells, and when they become overactive, they create excessive amounts of proteins called cytokines, which lead to inflammation.
Psoriasis is driven by certain types of T-cells called Th1 and Th17, while eczema is largely driven by Th2 T-cells which produce cytokines unique for each condition. The inflammatory process in eczema is generally associated with an allergic type of inflammation. The inflammatory process in psoriasis is associated with a branch of the immune system involved in fighting fungal and bacterial skin infections. That is why it is important to accurately diagnose whether the skin condition is psoriasis or eczema when topical therapies are not sufficient and a biologic agent needs to be prescribed. (source)
CAN YOU HAVE BOTH ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS?
It is also possible to have both conditions, but that’s relatively uncommon. One study found that just 1.4% of children with eczema also had psoriasis.
CAUSES
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune attacks skin cells. In psoriasis, the growth rate of new cells is sped up, resulting in dead skin cells building up on the surface of the skin.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still unclear, but there are reasons to believe it is a combination of genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyle and diet including lack of exercise, vitamin D deficiency (insufficient exposure to the sun), stress, stimulants (smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, etc.), and diet high in animal foods, refined and processed foods, bad fats, toxins, etc. Also certain medications, such as beta blockers, lithium, or anti-malarial drugs can contribute to psoriasis.
It is believed that autoimmune diseases usually start from the lack of probiotic bacteria in the gut due to bad refined diet, antibiotics, consumption of meat and dairy products, sugar, stimulants, overgrowth of harmful bacteria and candida (yeasts), toxins, stress, lack of dietary fibre, etc. All those factors damage the intestinal walls causing increased intestinal permeability and condition called Leaky gut syndrome. As a result toxins instead of being removed from the colon are reabsorbed back into the blood through damaged walls.
Also deficiency of vitamin D may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases as it is not only the most important immune system booster but also regulator which means it helps to prevent immune system from attacking own body.
Gluten and heated animal protein (found especially in dairy) may also trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
If symptoms are severe or not responding well to treatment, GP may refer you to a dermatologist.
Treatments are determined by the type and severity of psoriasis. Doctors start with a mild treatment, such as topical creams applied to the skin, and then move on to stronger treatments if necessary.
Treatments fall into 3 categories:
Topical – creams and ointments applied to your skin
Phototherapy – your skin is exposed to certain types of ultraviolet light
Oral and injected medications that work throughout the entire body
Combinations of the above treatments
TOPICAL TREATMENTS
Topical treatments are the first used for mild to moderate psoriasis. These are creams and ointments you apply to affected areas. Some people find that topical treatments are all they need to control their condition, although it may take up to 6 weeks before there’s a noticeable effect. For scalp psoriasis, a combination of shampoo and ointment may be recommended.
Steroid creams or ointments (topical corticosteroids) are commonly used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body. The treatment works by reducing inflammation. This slows the production of skin cells and reduces itching. Topical corticosteroids range in strength from mild to very strong. Stronger topical corticosteroids can be prescribed by your doctor and should only be used on small areas of skin or on particularly thick patches. Overusing topical corticosteroids can lead to skin thinning. Steroid creams especially, are clearly something you’ll want to avoid, because although they work initially, you will tend to rapidly develop tolerance to them. These creams contain synthetic steroids, which are absorbed into your skin, and can wreak serious havoc with your adrenal system.
Vitamin D analogue creams (such as Calcipotriol) are commonly used alone or mixed with steroid (such as betamethasone) for mild to moderate psoriasis. They work by slowing the production of skin cells. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Examples of vitamin D analogues are calcipotriol, calcitriol and tacalcitol. Calcipotriol is a type of vitamin D (not the same as cholecalciferol vitamin D3). Vitamin D controls how the cells in your skin grow. Calcipotriol reduces the amount of cells your skin makes and helps to clear the psoriasis plaques. This is only available on prescription. Sometimes calcipotriol is mixed with a steroid called betamethasone to reduce swelling (inflammation) caused by psoriasis. Never put calcipotriol on your face because it may cause irritation. If you get it on your face, wash it off straight away. Only use it on psoriasis plaques. Do not put it on healthy skin. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after using calcipotriol. The most common side effects of calcipotriol are skin irritation and a burning or stinging feeling. They usually only last a short time. It’s sometimes called by the brand names Daloney, Dovobet or Enstilar. REVIEWS: “It’s vitamin D cream and works great. I’m supposed to alternate this every week with steroid cream but I really don’t need to. The vitamin d cream works well to keep psoriasis under control. I usually notice improvement within a week. But my psoriasis is fairly mild compared to many on this sub and I control bad outbreaks by diet.” “It will not work on urgent things. In my case it has a tendency to make things red. It’s more of a maintenance thing that you can use when alternating with dovobet (betamethasone), or when phasing out steroids (until it’s coming back).”
VTAMA (tapinarof) is a non-steroidal, once-daily cream that works by targeting aryl hydrocarbon receptors, reducing inflammation and promoting skin homeostasis. Clinical trials have shown that it can effectively clear or improve psoriasis symptoms, with some patients experiencing long-term benefits even after stopping treatment. Some individuals maintained clear skin for several months after stopping treatment. VTAMA contains tapinarof, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist able to decrease inflammation and slow down the rapid skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis. REVIEWS: “I no longer prescribe Calcipotriol as there are better non-steroidal options like Vtama. I like Vtama as there is evidence to show that psoriasis plaques will take longer to come back after treating with Vtama than even with topical steroids. It’s just slower to improve things initially.”
Vtama (tapinarof) vs calcipotriol with betamethasone: Vtama (tapinarof) and calcipotriol with betamethasone are both topical treatments for plaque psoriasis, but they work through different mechanisms. Vtama is a newer medication that modulates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), while calcipotriol with betamethasone combines a vitamin D analog with a corticosteroid. Calcipotriol with betamethasone is generally more potent and faster-acting, but Vtama offers a different safety profile.
Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, are ointments or creams that reduce the activity of the immune system and help to reduce inflammation. They’re sometimes used to treat psoriasis affecting sensitive areas, such as the face, the genitals and folds in the skin, if steroid creams are not effective.
These medications can cause skin irritation or a burning and itching sensation when they’re started, but this usually improves within a week.
Coal tar is a thick, heavy oil and is probably the oldest treatment for psoriasis. How it works is not exactly known, but it can reduce scales, inflammation and itchiness. Coal tar can stain clothes and bedding and has a strong smell. It can be used in combination with phototherapy.
Dithranol has been used for more than 50 years to treat psoriasis. It has been shown to be effective in suppressing the production of skin cells and has few side effects. However, it can burn if it’s too concentrated. It’s typically used as a short-term treatment, under hospital supervision, for psoriasis affecting the limbs or trunk. It’s applied to your skin (by someone wearing gloves) and left for 10 to 60 minutes before being washed off.
Phototherapy uses natural and artificial light to treat psoriasis. Artificial light therapy can be given in hospitals. These treatments are not the same as using a sunbed.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy uses a wavelength of light invisible to human eyes. The light slows down the production of skin cells and is an effective treatment for some types of psoriasis that have not responded to topical treatments. Each session only takes a few minutes.
TABLETS, CAPSULES AND INJECTIONS
If your psoriasis is severe or other treatments have not worked, you may be prescribed systemic treatments by a specialist. These medications can be very effective in treating psoriasis, but they all have potentially serious side effects.
There are 2 main types of systemic treatment, called non-biological (usually given as tablets or capsules) and biological (usually given as injections).
NON-BIOLOGICAL MEDICATIONS
Methotrexate can help control psoriasis by slowing down the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. It’s usually taken once a week. Methotrexate can cause nausea and may affect the production of blood cells. Long-term use can cause liver damage.
Ciclosporin is a medicine that suppresses your immune system (immunosuppressant). Ciclosporin increases your chances of kidney disease and high blood pressure.
Acitretin is an oral retinoid that reduces skin cell production. It’s used to treat severe psoriasis that has not responded to other non-biological systemic treatments. Acitretin has a wide range of side effects, including dryness and cracking of the lips, dryness of the nasal passages and, in rarer cases, hepatitis.
REVIEW: “Acitretin is usually the first thing tried on the NHS treatment pathway if topical steroids aren’t working. Usually it’s a 25mg dose once per day. I very quickly was dropped to 10mg but the side effects continued. I also got awful mood swings which I didn’t notice but my work colleagues and partner did. That said it is effective for a lot of people, it just wasn’t for me. I’m on Yuflyma which is a biosimilar version of Adalimumab (trade name Humira). I inject once every two weeks.”
Apremilast and dimethyl fumarate are medicines that help to reduce inflammation. Only recommended for use if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other non-biological treatments.
BIOLOGICS
Biologic medications are a treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and skin cell overproduction. They are often considered when other treatments haven’t been effective or are not suitable.
Biologics are a type of medication made from living cells that are genetically modified in the lab to produce specific proteins. They work by targeting and blocking specific proteins or immune cells that contribute to the inflammation and skin cell overgrowth characteristic of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover.
Biologics help to calm down the overactive immune response, reducing inflammation and slowing down the excessive skin cell growth.
Types of Biologics for Psoriasis
– TNF-alpha inhibitors: These block a protein called TNF-alpha, which plays a role in inflammation. Examples include: Adalimumab (Humira, Amgevita, Hulio, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Imraldi),
Etanercept (Enbrel, Benepali), Infliximab (Remicade, Flixabi, Remsima, Zessly, Inflectra), Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
– Interleukin (IL) inhibitors: These block specific interleukins, which are proteins involved in inflammation. Examples include: Secukinumab (Cosentyx), Brodalumab (Siliq), Ixekizumab (Taltz), Guselkumab (Tremfya), Ustekinumab (Stelara, Uzpruvo, Wezenla, Pyzchiva), Tildrakizumab (Ilumetri), Risankizumab (Skyrizi), Bimekizumab (Bimzelx)
Administration: Biologics are typically administered through injections (either subcutaneous or intravenous) or infusions. Some biologics can be self-administered at home via prefilled syringes or auto-injectors. Others require administration in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional.
Considerations: Biologics are generally more expensive than other psoriasis treatments. They may carry a higher risk of infection due to their immunosuppressive effects.
Effectiveness: Biologics can be highly effective in managing psoriasis, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms. The effectiveness can vary between individuals and different biologics may work better for certain people.
NON-BIOLOGICS VS BIOLOGICS
Biologics are more expensive than corticosteroids, require injections or infusions, and can carry a risk of side effects, although generally fewer long-term side effects than corticosteroids for severe cases.
Choosing between Corticosteroids and Biologics: Mild, localized psoriasis: Topical corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment. Moderate to severe psoriasis or when topical treatments are not effective: Biologics are often recommended.
While corticosteroids can be helpful for mild psoriasis, biologics are generally the preferred treatment for moderate to severe cases due to their higher efficacy and potentially better safety profile in the long term.
REVIEWS
“I have been taking Tremfya for approx 6 months and it has been transformative in the treatment of my psoriasis. Skin clear since about 4 weeks in minimal side effects. I’ve a long history, 25 years of different lotions, potions, light therapy, pills and medications before getting to this point and the previous biologic drug I tried Humira just didn’t suit me at all, worst flare up in about a decade, So sometimes it’s a bit of try and see.”#
“I am 50 and had psoriasis since childhood all over my body and effecting my joints, I also started Adalimumab/Yuflyma 40mg in January and my first 6 doses cleared my skin and joints alike giving new lease of life. During my 2nd batch of 6 doses it has returned with vengeance. Either my body has built a tolerance or could there be a bad batch out there?”
“I started biologics (Stelara) last September and I cannot describe how it has changed my life – for the better. My Psoriasis has nearly cleared. Biologics has worked for me, but we are all different.”
“Methotrexate was a god send but it was messing around with my liver and starting to cause damage so was taken off. I have since started Humira injections that have really changed my life – for the better. As a 23 year old girl the patient info was really on my mind and scared me however for me, being able to live my life again ruled that out. I’ve now been injecting for the last year and honestly, I would never look back. My quality of life is amazing, completely normal and not suffering or having people constantly look at me like I’m an alien or making comments. If you are suffering enough that it’s effecting your life, ignore the patient info and take the plunge because you won’t regret it if you have the same outcome.”
“Biologics have changed my life. Quality of Life is so important and for me outweighed the potential downsides (of which I have found none). As for the Patient Information, I haven’t suffered any of the listed side affects and bear in mind that when you read the information leaflet for most drugs, the final one is nearly always death!! They are generally covering back statements, no doubt during the trials some people did suffer some of the affects, but you don’t know if it will be you unless you try them. I was prepared to take the gamble and it has paid off. I feel so much better than I did when I was on MTX, the nausea feelings have gone and I feel as if the fog has lifted. The Stelara injections are every 12 weeks and I self inject. It doesn’t hurt and was much easier than I had anticipated! No more weekly tablets. This is my experience, but the decision has to be your own and you have to go with what feels right for you.”
“Had Ps for over 30 yrs. Tried everything and now on Humira but switched to the newer cheaper Amgevita. This has changed my life. I barely feel like I have Ps any more. You have to weigh up side effects v quality of life and see what is right for you. I always get regular bloods and stuff to keep an eye on things.”
“The only drug that actually worked wonders. Was methotrexate… but severe hair loss and chronic fatigue….so was taken off. Otezla. Simply awful. 2 years of drug induced life altering at time migraines … The drug then failed. Humira. On it 3 months. Kinda worked in such a short time. But. Horrendous side affects for me. Liver problems. Upper abdomen infection acid. 6 months to feel better. Liver still playing up.”
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT
– Coconut Oil: Stephen: “I decided to try Coconut Oil to see if it would help me lose some weight. It didn’t, but it has almost completely healed up my severe case of Psoriasis. I started off with two tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil, one in morning one late afternoon. After the short break that proved it was the coconut oil having an effect on my skin, I started using coconut oil capsules 1000mg twice a day, but had to up the dose to 2000mg twice a day. I have not experienced any flare ups yet and it has been more than a few months almost completely clear now.” Christine: “I take extra virgin coconut oil every day, internally and topically, I swear by it, my psoriasis has all but cleared up, and my skin has improved, I just feel better when I take it.”
– Pau d’Arco is another excellent herbal remedy to treat psoriasis. Nashville Zephania: “Take 6 heaps teaspoon of Pau d’Arco, boil it in 5 glasses of water to make 3 glasses. Take every six hours one glass three times a day. It takes time but you will be cured. Pau d’Arco cures my psoriasis.”
– Go on HALLELUJAH DIET for 6 months (link): MY PSORIASIS HAS ALMOST TOTALLY FADED: “I have chronic fatigue, as well as several other related problems, such as psoriasis. Since I began The Hallelujah Diet several months ago, I have had more energy than ever before, my psoriasis has almost totally faded, and I have had continual weight loss — at least 30 pounds in five months. God really did mean man to live the Genesis lifestyle! A note about my psoriasis: Many doctors have had theories about what causes psoriasis. It is my firm belief that it is a condition brought on by the suppression of the immune system when processed sugar is consumed. For example, I mentioned that my psoriasis had almost totally faded. That is not altogether true. The month of October contains birthdays for four in my family. During that month, I was not too faithful to the diet. I didn’t have hardly any meat or cheese, but did consume a large amount of processed sugar in various forms, and the psoriasis started to reappear! When I backed off on the sugar, the psoriasis started to fade again. I think, at least in my case, I have established a link between some skin diseases and the immune system, prominently, the processed sugar connection. I thank God and His Son for Hallelujah Acres, and everything you folks have done!” (source) COMPLETELY CURED OF PSORIASIS WITHIN 2 WEEKS: “Dear Dr Malkmus, Thank you for the first order of the dehydrated barley juice powder and the other items, they have been a blessing. My husband was completely cured of psoriasis within 2 weeks after starting the dehydrated barley juice powder. May God Bless you in your ministry.” (source) TESTIMONIAL 945: “PSORIASIS DISAPPEARED ON HALLELUJAH DIET BUT REAPPEARED AFTER SUGAR CONSUMPTION!“
– Vitamin D3 (20,000 IU a day). Without adequate vitamin D, your body cannot control infection, in your skin or elsewhere. Exposing large areas of your skin to appropriate amounts of sunshine is the best way to optimize your vitamin D levels, or use a safe tanning bed. You should expose your skin until you just barely begin turning pink, which indicates you’ve generated the optimal amount of vitamin D for the day. Vitamin D modulates (balances) immune response, it prevents an overreaction in the form of inflammation, which can lead to autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease. Take at least 20,000 IU a day. The more vitamin D you take the more magnesium you need as it leads to its deficiency. Remember to take magnesium whenever you use vitamin D supplements as it leads to magnesium deficiency!
35,000 IU vitamin D daily for 6 months helped ALL psoriasis suffers (106 ng) – Brazil March 2013
– Magnesium citrate – 400-800mg a day. Remember to take magnesium whenever you use vitamin D supplements as it leads to magnesium deficiency!
– Clean Greens powder (Pukka) is my favourite and one of the most powerful natural remedies I know. Take 1 teaspoon of the powder 30 min before breakfast with vegetable juice or water and 1 teaspoon 30 min before lunch. Many of our customers told me how effective this formula was in dealing with skin conditions, inflammations, back pains, chronic fatigue, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, liver and kidneys problems, weak immune system, etc. It consists of organic blend of very potent 11 super-rich mostly freeze-dried green super foods including Wheat Grass Juice (30 times stronger than regular juice!), Nettle, Chlorella, Spirulina, Kale Sprouts, Sea-greens, freshwater plants and digestive herbs. Made with some of nature’s finest herbs, grown in fertile organic soils it captures the incredible essence of nature’s bounty. Raw Reserve has similar benefits as Clean Greens but it has more ingredients. It is a complete raw food with powerful antioxidants, herbs, super grasses, vitamins and minerals. It is a blend of raw and high-quality, nutrient dense ingredients from the land, fresh water, and the sea with 25 billion probiotics per serving and digestive enzymes to aid digestion and absorption.
– Go on an anti-inflammatory diet: Get plenty of fresh raw vegetable juices and raw vegetables (especially those rich in carotenoids such as carrots, as well as green leafy vegetables) and fresh fruits. Drink fresh vegetable juices with 1 teaspoon of ground organic turmeric.
– Take Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract of – two capsules or tablets twice a day for at least three months.
– Avoid pro-inflammatory oils and margarines and containing them junk food. Use only raw organic Coconut oil.
– Consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: Ground flax seed, flax oil, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes chia seeds. In addition take 2000mg a day of good quality omega 3 fish oil. Viridian makes excellent organic omega 3 fish oil with added antioxidant to prevent oxidation.
– Avoid sugar, gluten, dairy, stimulants including coffee and tea, alcohol, etc.
– Take 1000mg of evening primrose oil or star flower oil (borage oil).
– Learn to control stress.
– Everyday take organic chlorella.
– Zinc (50 to 100mg after meal).
– Include good probiotic formula to boost good bacteria in your colon.
– Externally try to use raw organic coconut oil, castor oil and vitamin E oil. Avoid cosmetics with harmful chemicals. Many of today’s skin care products, soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics are nothing more than a toxic mixture of chemicals which cause more skin problems than they solve.
– Use only soaps (such as Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap), shampoos, cosmetics, deodorant or detergents with harmless natural ingredients.
– No gluten, low or no grain diet (stimulate igf-1).
– Low-glycaemic diet, no simple sugars (fructose, white flour, corn syrup, etc.), no chocolate & cheese, low fruit diet (fructose), more raw vegetable juices and raw vegetables.
– Avoid or at least reduce consumption of dairy and meat products.
– Exercise. Getting plenty of high-intensity exercise helps your body flush out toxins, including those in your skin’s pores. Plus, exercise is vitally important to all other aspects of your health. If you happen to have access to an infrared sauna, this can be helpful, because the more you sweat, the more you flush unwanted debris and contaminants out of your pores.
– Did you know that a good night’s sleep can decrease your stress and lead to clearer skin? Your body’s time for healing and rebuilding is at night while you sleep, and this applies to your skin. Sleep is also required for good energy and mood.
– Learn to control stress.
– Evening primrose oil or Star flower oil (1000 mg a day). Both are best sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) – a fatty acid which promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.
– Drink DISTILLED WATER (free from contaminants, irritants and harmful inorganic minerals) with a pinch of sea salt or pink salt between meals.
– Most important aspect of the treatment is implementing principles included in the HEALTH RECOVERY PLAN
– Read about SKIN CARE OPTIONS
Read also: DRY SKIN and AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
According to Dr Pagano’s the most important aspect of psoriasis treatment is avoidance of the following factors:
- Saturated fats.
- Plant foods from the nightshade family.
- Refined sugar and all product which contain sugar or high glucose/fructose syrup.
- Stimulants such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine, etc.
- Junk food and fried food.
The same author also suggests the list of foods which should be included in the diet of those who suffer from psoriasis:
- Green leafy vegetables.
- Fresh fruit.
- Cold pressed olive oil.
- Plenty of water.
RECOVERY STORY
Wendy had read on various ‘official’ psoriasis websites that diet had nothing to do with psoriasis, but completely disillusioned with the conventional medical approach, she decided to give Pagano’s programme a go.
“My diet wasn’t too bad to begin with,” said Wendy, “and I didn’t smoke, so I focused on avoiding alcohol, red meat and nightshades like tomatoes and white potatoes.”
Alcohol was the hardest thing to give up, Wendy found. “I wasn’t a big drinker, but at weddings and birthdays, it was hard work trying to explain why I wasn’t drinking.”
On one occasion, Wendy had to refuse a glass of champagne to toast her friend’s 60th birthday. “The book says it’s all about priorities,” said Wendy. “And my top priority was getting better.”
Not long after starting Pagano’s programme, Wendy began to notice a difference. But it wasn’t a good one. “My psoriasis was worse than ever. I had it in places I’d never had it before, like around my eyes and in my belly button. There was orange pus coming out of my skin in places.”
Still, Wendy persisted with the plan, as the book explained that this was all part of the process. “It’s the body clearing the toxins,” said Wendy. “Things have to get worse before they can get better.”
Fortunately, the old adage held true in Wendy’s case. After about three months of following the programme, her skin started to improve and, by the six-month mark, it was completely clear. “I almost didn’t notice it,” said Wendy. “It was such a gradual improvement.”
People in her village certainly noticed, though. “My local butcher, the health shop owner, the girls in the clothes store—they all said how amazing the change in me was.”
Today, nearly two years after starting Pagano’s alternative approach, Wendy is still free of the painful, scaly lesions that plagued her for more than a decade. She does have a small patch of dry skin on her face, but it’s so tiny it doesn’t concern her. “I don’t like to say I’m cured,” says Wendy. “It could come back at any point. But I feel this is something that works for me.”
Wendy still follows Pagano’s principles, but has gradually introduced small quantities of certain foods back into her diet, like white potatoes and red meat, with no detrimental effects. It’s fine to try so long as your skin has completely cleared, Pagano says, but if a reaction occurs, he recommends reverting back to the original diet immediately.
Wendy is still sticking to the no-alcohol rule, although with her 30th wedding anniversary coming up, she’s tempted to have a drink to celebrate. “It would be nice . . . but I’ve more or less decided it’s not worth the risk. I’d rather enjoy some non-alcoholic wine and be psoriasis-free.”
Wendy Hope’s anti-psoriasis action plan
– Dr Pagano’s elimination diet (no red or processed meat; sugary, fried or junk food; nightshades; or alcohol)
– Plenty of leafy green vegetables, fresh fruit and filtered water
– A natural, aloe-vera-based face and body moisturizer, used twice a day
– Omega-3 fish oils every day
– Flaxseed oil daily
– Slippery elm bark powder (taken as a tea or tincture, or as capsules or lozenges)
Conventional vs alternative
Exactly what causes psoriasis remains a mystery, but the conventional view is that it’s an immune-system malfunction as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatments focus on managing symptoms, but many of them actually make things worse. Topical steroids, for example, can cause wrinkling and thinning of the skin, delayed wound-healing, stretch marks, acne, spider veins and ulcerations.
PUVA therapy (a combination of UVA light and the chemical psoralen) comes with an increased risk of skin cancer, while the systemic drug methotrexate can damage the liver, lungs and bone marrow.
Although the mainstream view is that diet has little impact on psoriasis, promising evidence suggests the opposite. Low-calorie diets, vegetarian diets and diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as in flaxseed oil, chia seeds and walnuts) can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms, as can a gluten-free diet and regular fasting.
In a study of five psoriasis sufferers following a diet in line with the one that Wendy used (outlined in Dr John Pagano’s book), all showed improvement after six months.
Nutritional supplements, especially vitamins B6, B12 and D, and fish oils, can also help. Psoriasis patients taking high doses of fish oil (10 g/day) for two months saw significant improvements in symptoms and in the amount of skin surface affected, while another study found that 3.6 g/day of purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; found in fish oil) reduced the severity of psoriasis after just two to three months.
“COCONUT OIL has worked wonders for me after I clubbed it with proper diet free from refined flour, fried items, alcohol, citrus fruits. Earlier I have used 777 oil (extract of the herb wrighitia tinctoria mixed with 50% coconut oil). Then it had no effect. With diet control, avoiding above items, there is total healing with only some scars on the legs. Otherwise it was like battlefield all over the body. It is now nearly three months and I am totally free, but I still continue to apply the same with higher coconut oil content so that the skin is smooth”.
Amber M. Raudabaugh: “I have found using Lever 200 soap on a daily basis is great…. I use a dandruff shampoo I use equal part of 2 kinds…. one containing zinc and one with the acid… it can be add to your soapy Lever 200 wash rag or just shampoo with it… depending on where your psoriasis is located.. mine is from the waste down…. so 2 to 3 times a week for about a 1/2 hour I will soak in a tub of the following…. 1-2 cups Epson salt, handful of backing soap, handful of sea salt… It works…. then you wash as normal with the lever and or dandruff shampoo… Very few flare up since I have been doing this.”
Dr Mercola
Eczema (atopic dermatitis), and the closely associated psoriasis, are two very common skin problems.
Both eczema and psoriasis are potentially allergic conditions that can be triggered by environmental factors and dozens of other external irritants like: Laundry detergent, Soaps, Household chemicals, Workplace chemicals.
While psoriasis is most often linked with external allergic triggers, eczema is often caused by food allergies. However, although they’re different diseases and have varying triggers, their treatments have many commonalities.
Eczema is “the itch that rashes,” meaning, there’s really no rash until you start scratching the itchy area. Hence, the first thing you need to do is to stop scratching!
Inexpensive way to relieve the itch: Simply put a saltwater compress over the itchy area. You’ll want to use a high quality natural salt, such as Himalayan salt. Simply make a solution with warm water, soak a compress, and apply the compress over the affected area. You’ll be amazed to find that the itching will virtually disappear!
Hydrate your skin from the inside out by consuming high quality, animal-based omega-3 fats in your diet.
Some gamma linoleic acid, typically in the form of primrose oil, as this works remarkably well for eczema.
PROBIOTICS: Taking care of your gut = Taking care of your skin.
Diet and skin quality – Food allergies play an enormous role in eczema. In my experience, the most common offending agent is wheat, or more specifically, gluten. Avoiding wheat and other gluten-containing grains is therefore a wise first step.
Avoiding grains will also reduce the amount of sugar in your system, which will normalize your insulin levels and reduce any and all inflammatory conditions you may have, including inflammation in your skin.
Other common allergens include milk and eggs. I recommend you do an elimination trial with these foods as well. You should see some improvement in about a week, sometimes less, after eliminating them from your diet if either of them is causing you trouble.
Basking in the sun – Vitamin D in the form of sun exposure is your best friend when dealing with either of these skin conditions, but it’s especially helpful for psoriasis.
Ideally, you’ll want to get your vitamin D from appropriate sunshine exposure because UVB radiation on your skin will not only metabolize vitamin D, but will also help restore ideal skin function. High amounts of UVB exposure directly on affected skin – but not so much to cause sunburn! –will greatly improve the quality of your skin.
You don’t have to use expensive, dangerous medicines to treat eczema or psoriasis!
Steroid creams especially, are clearly something you’ll want to avoid, because although they work initially, you will tend to rapidly develop tolerance to them. These creams contain synthetic steroids, which are absorbed into your skin, and can wreak serious havoc with your adrenal system.
LIGHT THERAPY
Bright-light therapy outperforms Prozac for treating major depression
December 1st 2015 in Drugs, Light therapy, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Bright-light therapy is almost twice as effective as Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating major depression.
Bright-light therapy is almost twice as effective as Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating major depression.
People who used a light box for 30 minutes every morning for eight weeks saw a reduction in their depression that was almost twice as great as that achieved by taking Prozac alone, a new study has found.
In the study, 120 people diagnosed with major depression were either given light therapy—which uses a 10,000-lux fluorescent white light—a placebo, or Prozac.
By the end of the eight-week trial, those who had light therapy only reported a 13.4-point reduction in their depression compared to an 8.8-point reduction with Prozac on a 60-point depression score.
Although the light-therapy was effective, none of the patients was suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), where depression is linked to shorter daylight hours in the northern hemisphere.
SOURCES
Clin Rev Allergy Immunol, 2016; Epub ahead of print
Indian J Dermatol, 2014; 59: 456–9
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2012; 26 Suppl 3: 22–31
Source: JAMA Psychiatry, 2015; doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2235
BMJ, 2015; 350: h1269; Altern Med Rev, 2007; 12: 319–30
Br J Dermatol, 2005; 153: 706–14
Altern Med Rev, 2004; 9: 297–307
Altern Med Rev, 2007; 12: 319–30
Lancet, 1988; 1: 378–80
Dermatologica, 1991; 182: 225–30
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