The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Vitamin D, Fish Oil
Posted by Sandy (Fayetteville, AR) on 06/24/2009
★★★★☆
Vitamin D3 2000-4000 iu per day (more in winter, less in summer, if you get natural sun)
fish oil - _____ (this is high grade Omega-3)
1 ibuprofen per day
This greatly reduced my symptoms and i have very few small spots left. This does take serveral months.
Vitamin D, Fish Oil
Posted by 4Yahshua (Fountain Valley, CA) on 07/01/2009
Sunsong, just to let you know. You do not need to see fleas to have a problem. We learned this the hard way with "Pretty" the young calico kitty that came to our home late last year. She stayed mostly in our garage and was doing very well with the good diet we gave her, including a garlic capsule (to help control fleas) and a lecithin capsule daily. After awhile we noticed a small bump on the back of her neck, that was all. However, during this past month she started to have more bumps there and they looked like sores, raw and open. We took her in to see what was wrong. Then we learned that she was infected by the fleas. (They said that they are a real big problem here.) If you feel any bumps under the fur (especially at the back of the neck or under the chin), please start flea control immediately. Eventually, they can kill your beloved pet!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Edie (Lafayette, AL) on 06/24/2009
To Kay Ramos: I read your post and was wondering with everything I would need to cut out of my diet, what foods are left? Could you send me a list of everthing that I would need and some recipes that I can use with those foods? I've tried every cream, potion and lotion on the market and I figure maybe the cure comes from the inside not the outside. I have pscoratic rheumatoid arthritis and hep-c. Maybe if I tried this program it would help both problems. My hep-c is controlable and it has'nt gotten any worse for a long time but I'm still concerned that it might. I'm aware that both of these problems stem from an autoammune disorder and if it could help build that up then it would be worth trying. Thanks again for your post and I hope to hear from you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Chantel (Orlando, Florida) on 10/20/2009
i was wondering the same thing as Edie!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Anna (Chicago, Illinois) on 10/21/2009
Such a huge change in diet is also a lifestyle change which is very hard work. So I would suggest taking baby steps. The positive results will drive you forward, rather than leave you hungry or developing a complex about food.
For example, after reading other testimonials and due to personal experience, I would recommend first cutting beef and pork out of your diet. To make sure you are still getting your protein and iron, get a vegetarian cookbook (browse Amazon before buying or better yet, go to your local library) or look online for recipes with lentils, garbanzo beans, navy beans and kidney beans. You can make soup, dips, and even amazing veggie burgers from scratch (if you are addicted to burgers for example) with beans. Not all beans treat people the same, so play around until you find beans that most agree with your digestive system - sometimes too it's just a question of soaking and cooking them correctly. Listen to your body - if you start to feel strangely tired, it could be that you are low on protein or iron. Lentils are a good source of both, and almonds. Then of course you have white meat (chicken livers - paté or fried in salad!) and fish as well as nuts (walnuts and almonds are excellent), but everything in moderation.
Then try to cut down on your dairy intake but make sure you are still getting your calcium (through supplements, or kale, kidney beans, almonds, sesame seeds).
Also, simply swap your white rice for brown, honey for sugar, or try brown rice syrup. Consider using barley too, or oats, in place of rice. It may seem overwhelming, but once you get the hang of things, it really doesn't take much time or effort to whip up nourishing dishes in a matter of minutes. It still surprises me at the end of those days when I'm grumpy and tired and hungry how quickly I will be sitting down to eat.
Instead of junk food snacks, nibble nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit, or even things like rye crackers. You can even make your own granola bars; there are some excellent recipes out there.
I was diagnosed with low iron last year and started eating more red meat than ever [and citrus (acidic) to help with the absorption of my iron supplements] and my psoriasis kicked in for the first time in years. At first I thought maybe it was the winter and lack of sun (although winter comes every year, but not the psoriasis), then I started to feel more and more down and thought it was SAD and a side effect of that. But then I thought maybe I was down because of the psoriasis. After awhile it's a vicious circle. The other frustrating thing is that everyone has a different metabolism and so what works for one person doesn't work for another person. So keep track of things: keep a food diary and a skin/body diary. For example, I noticed that when I cut out dairy completely (and I don't eat much of it to begin with), my fingernails turned to rubber, which is bad news for women with osteoporosis risks. Also keep track of any supplements you are taking.
I hope this is helpful! This site has really helped me connect the dots. Thanks to everyone for sharing!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lou (Tyler, TX) on 10/22/2021
Beware of this advice if you have a nickel allergy. Look up foods containing nickel. Beans and nuts are high in nickel.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Susan (Gastonia, Nc) on 02/13/2011
@Kellady,
I have PsA as well, and I am from southern NC. I am now on Remicade, prednisone, skelaxin, tramadol, folic acid, Vit B12 injections, vit D, and that's not all of it. I've tried diet modifications with zero results. How old is your daughter? I would like to get more information from you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mikek (Cleveland, Ohio) on 12/21/2011
★★★★★
Yes I agree with complete dietary changes. I read the book psoriasis free in 30 days and it didn't take that long, but I didn't eat any meat either and that could have sped up the process even more. I hade relief in days and clear skin 95% in two weeks. Also many ailments that I had for 20 years disapeared also and my energy level was through the roof!
Oil Pulling
Posted by Shel (Eugene, OR) on 03/30/2009
In answer to question about oil pulling, I used organic sesame oil. I had no difficulty keeping from swallowing it but it is a little difficult to keep up the sloshing movements for 20 minutes. Also tastes fine and apparently I sloshed enough to get good results.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Igor (Toronto, Canada) on 01/31/2010
Hello. Could You please explain what oil pulling is. Thank You.
Selenium
Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 03/27/2009
★★★★★
Selenium and Psoriasis:
Selenium deficiency is pretty common in dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, tinea (age spots), athletes foot, jock itch, seborrheic dermatitis, candida infections, hypothyroidism.
There are different yeasts, of course, trichophyton, mallasezia furfur, candida and others. Some spots may itch, others may not. I suspect rosacea may be a yeast problem as well (combined with Demodex mites eating the yeast).
Yeast needs oxygen, and Selenium is a very powerful antioxidant (500x stronger than vitamin e). Kill the oxygen supply, with Selenium, and you kill the yeast.
A good source of Selenium is brazil nuts(orally), or Dandruff Shampoo(topically). Selenium works with iodine (and is thyroid protective). Taking one alone, though could cause a deficiency of the other, theoretically.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_3_18/ai_83343013
Seborrheic dermatitis is an advanced form of dandruff, possibly caused by fungi colonizing on the scalp
...
"* To treat seborrheic dermatitis, look for shampoos that contain coal tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid."
Note: head and shoulders selenium sulfide shampoo says on the bottle that it "treats seborrheic dermatitis".
**********
Trace element status in eczema and psoriasis
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119478134/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
"Concentrations of zinc, copper and selenium were determined in plasma and leucocytes from 23 patients with psoriasis and 24 with eczema."
...
"Concentrations of selenium in whole blood, plasma and leucocytes were significantly reduced in both groups. This finding may be of importance in relation to the effect of free radicals on skin."
******
Selenium sulfide: adjunctive therapy for tinea capitis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7054767
"Selenium sulfide lotion used as a shampoo has been shown to be an effective adjunctive agent to griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea capitis(head)."
******
How to treat Malassezia furfur (tinea versicolor) in humans?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060614215019AAxO2VK
Medical Care: Patients should be informed that tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that is normally present on the skin surface and is therefore not considered contagious.
Selenium
Posted by Anonymous (Filipstad, Sweden) on 10/27/2011
Yeast cannot live WITH oxygen, that is why h2o2 works as a remedy, what is this about...
White Vinegar
Posted by Mary (South Williamsport, Pennsylvania) on 12/31/2012
★★★★★
It helped mine all by accident. I read that it is better for your hair than conditioner and helped with the ph balance of your scalp so I used it after a shampoo. NO ITCHING OR ICKY CHUNKS FOR AT LEAST A WEEK!!! I swear by it now. I use it every week on my scalp and in my hair after shampooing and let it set for about 10 minutes. I love it and what it does to my hair!!! Granted the smell isn't the best, but it is much better than the spoiled smell of apple cyder vinager (which I now also consume to help my immune system).
White Vinegar
Posted by Kristine (Ca) on 12/17/2013
Are you diluting the white vinegar for scalp rinse?
Vitamin D
Posted by Chuck (Atlanta, GA) on 02/07/2009
★★★★★
For about 20 years, I had a chronic patch of psoriasis over my left eyebrow. I had tried several prescription and OTC creams, but none of them worked. After reading an article about how thousands of people got relief from psoriasis by sunbathing in the Dead Sea area, I remembered how my own psoriasis would practically disappear during the summer months when I sunbathed regularly. That was when I made the connection between sunshine and vitamin D. So, I started taking a daily supplement of 1000iu of vitamin D, which was in addition to the 400iu in my daily multivitamin. In about a week, I was amazed to see the patch of psoriasis had completely disappeared and has never returned. It may not work for everyone, but it sure worked for me!
Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Amrita (Delhi, India) on 01/26/2009
★★★★★
i had psoriasis for last 10 years. after being treated with all types of therapies, i started holistic treatment. dr started my detoxification like colonics, acidity cleans and also by some herbs. to my surprise i saw improvement within a week. i was also put on diffrent types of fruits and vegetable juices. i was also performing regular stretching exercises and breathing exercises and at the end i took some herbs to correct my immune system. for last 3 yeays i have not noticed any symptom of the disease. i am eating well and livig joyfully. PSORIASIS has become a history. in my openion HOLISTIC THERAPY is the only solution for this disease. i know some other people also who are free from this disease after a long sufferings. thanx
Glycerin
Posted by Ron (Los Angeles, CA) on 01/13/2009
Hello Brian, would please indicate the brand name you are using and how long does it take to see the effect, i it perment or temporary?
EC: Whole Foods sells a good brand of glycerin singers use to coat their throats before performing, also for sore throats. For external use, most pharmacies and groceries stores will have it in stock.
Glycerin
Posted by PR (Houston, Texas) on 01/14/2009
Thanks for the information. I think this could be very helpful. Will add it to my medicine cabinet.
Glycerin
Posted by Brian (Vancouver, BC Canada) on 02/10/2009
The "external use" type in drug stores is USP, which is actually pure food grade glycerin. The labelling is obsolete; it is also safe for oral or internal use, according to FDA guidelines. (A GRS food additive.) The vegetable glycerin, such as NOW brand, is specifically labelled as safe for internal use, if you are worried.
In general, its action is to re-establish normal skin layering, and suppress autoimmune attacks on the skin. It apparently "breaks" a runaway positive feedback system that directs destructive biochemical action designed to fend off invasive organisms, but ends up harming the skin.
_____
An interesting secondary use I've found is sinus clearing; if you're stuffed up, rub a bit just inside each nostril. Over the next 20 minutes or so, the blockage will gradually soften, liquify, and drain naturally. Repeat as necessary.
Glycerin
Posted by Brian (Vancouver, BC Canada) on 02/10/2009
Ron; Sorry I didn't reply properly.
The effect is "permanent" if you persist until AFTER all discoloration has disappeared (carry on a few days). It may recur, but hitting it quickly at the first sign will stop and reverse it.
The speed varies with the type and severity and duration. But, here's an example quote from someone on the psoriasis.org site:
"Just wanted to pop on and say thank you for the mention of glycerin.
My son has had P since he was 4 or 5......and the patches on his elbows and knees during the winter are awful. I went to Walmart and bought some glycerin this week. This morning, the patches on his elbows are gone! And the most stubborn patch on his knee is healing up very nicely. The $3 bottle of glycerin has done what the $500 creams could not, I am thrilled. I don't know if it will last, but I am happy to not have to continue to put steroid creams on my young child night after night.
...
Hopefully, we are on the road to being clear w/out having to continue to move on to stronger steroids, or worse. Thanks again!
Glycerin
Posted by Maria (Vineland, New Jersey, Usa) on 10/24/2011
If you use a natural soap, you will be putting glycerin on your skin everytime you use it! The chemical reaction known as "saponification" creates soap and glycerin molecules from mixing water, lye and fat molecules. The makers of those "beauty" or "bath" bars that are sold, draw out the glycerin and use it to make lotions to rehydrate your skin, so they can increase their profits. I get my handmade, vegan, natural soaps for a great price.
Glycerin
Posted by Rose (West New York, Nj) on 11/29/2012
★★★★★
I have had severe scalp psoriasis for the past 6 years. I have tried every natural remedy imaginable, but nothing has ever worked. After reading the info on this site regarding glycerin, I decided to give it a try. I have been using it for 8 days now, and cannot believe that the itching and flaking are almost gone. I am wearing a black top today, and NO FLAKES. I am so happy, and will continue to use the glycerin with hopes that it will go away and never return. It's a miracle!!!
Glycerin
Posted by Muslim (Oslo, Norway) on 11/29/2012
Hi Rose, I wonder if the glycerin just moisturized your scalp that made scalp stop being dry and flake off. Coud you give more spesifikk about that. Are you cured or did you just manage the flaking of the psoriaris?? I dont kritize you. The reason I ask is because I have a friend who suffers something alike. I wonder if it CURES it, if it does I would remember this and recomend this to him as well as others. Thank you for even submitting something you have found to help. I wish you good health. Have a nice day/night. Friendly Greetings from a Muslim.
Glycerin
Posted by Rose (West New York, Nj) on 12/07/2012
★★★★☆
The glycerin has moisturized my scalp and has reduced the scaling and itching tremendously. I have been using it for 16 days so far, and I can't say that I am cured but it is a major relief. I will continue to use it because it is safe and has no known side effects for external use, and hope that it will eventually cure my psoriasis because I've tried every natural remedy available and nothing else worked.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wanda (Spring, Texas) on 06/02/2024 45 posts
