Psoriasis

bucketybuck · 30-01-2015 4:51pm

z0oT wrote: »

The theory is that psoriasis or most auto-immune diseases are down to a leaky gut, where certain stuff leaks out of your gut that shouldn't, your body attacks said stuff and the result is food allergies, and skin issues like psoriasis and the like.

What? You're kidding, right?

brevity · 30-01-2015 4:54pm

bucketybuck wrote: »

What? You're kidding, right?

This theory has been around for a while and that it is one of the causes of psoriasis...

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leaky-gut-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Leaky gut syndrome'

'Leaky gut syndrome' is a proposed condition some health practitioners claim is the cause of a wide range of long-term conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Proponents of 'leaky gut syndrome' claim that many symptoms and diseases are caused by the immune system reacting to germs, toxins or other large molecules that have been absorbed into the bloodstream via a porous ("leaky") bowel.
There is little evidence to support this theory, and no evidence that so-called "treatments" for "leaky gut syndrome", such as nutritional supplements and a gluten-free diet, have any beneficial effect for most of the conditions they are claimed to help.
While it is true that certain factors can make the bowel more permeable, this probably does not lead to anything more than temporary mild inflammation of an area of the bowel.

More here...

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10908/9-signs-you-have-a-leaky-gut.html

MsBubbles · 30-01-2015 4:56pm

Hi all.
I'm new to thread. I've got Psoriasis on my scalp and forehead. I'm also coeliac and have read before about the 2 being connected. I've also heard of the leaky gut theory.

z0oT · 30-01-2015 5:14pm

bucketybuck wrote: »

What? You're kidding, right?

It's one theory. Here's another link:
http://draxe.com/4-steps-to-heal-leaky-gut-and-autoimmune-disease/

It certainly fits in my case, with my high consumption of dairy (isn't everyone like that here in Ireland), and gluten since I just love fresh crusty bread. The hardest thing about the paleo diet is that since I still get cravings for it every now and then.

I don't think going to a GP or Dermatologist is going to do anything for me since the GP is just going to prescribe me steroidal cream/ointments. The Dermatologist I don't know, but neither are going to suggest dietary changes.

I'd be surprized if I can't get to the bottom of it via diet, since I've fixed so much else from dietary changes - lost 20kg, put on significant muscle, better energy levels, almost never sick etc.

z0oT wrote: »

I'm two weeks into what is almost a paleo diet, I haven't noticed anything yet

Actually that's not entirely true. Even though I'm in my late 20's, I can still get some flares of mild acne. Just a single spot or two, nothing big. I get some on my face/neck and chest. Certain foods trigger it, chocolate is a bad one in particular.

It's been over a week now since I've had anything on my face. So maybe I'm onto something with a paleo diet. Not to mention, my sister was recently found to have an allergy to dairy, so it's likely I could have one too.

brevity · 30-01-2015 5:17pm

Candidia overgrowth is another theory that is around as well.

When it comes to diet, as a quick FYI, I was at a skin foundation seminar last November and at the psoriasis talk I asked the question about diet. The doctors and dermatologists said that gluten can be a trigger but that there isn't enough evidence to be definate.

z0oT · 30-01-2015 5:45pm

It's hard to know really. You ask different people, they'll tell you different things. You've just got to try out stuff and find whatever works for you.

I must admit - I'm a little cynical with what a doctor will tell you about in general, given it's really in their interest to prescribe you some from of medicine rather than you making dietary changes that'll fix whatever problem you have. That's a rant for another place.

Also, here's a blog some may find interesting. The girl who wrote it claimed to have eliminated her psoriasis by following a Paleo AIP diet (no nightshades, no dairy, no gluten, no eggs, no nuts, no legumes) and by consuming bone broth and other foods targetted at the "Leaky Gut Syndrome".
https://paleocollegestudent.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/psoriasis-update-after-one-month-of-paleo-aip/

greenfrogs · 30-01-2015 5:53pm

z0oT wrote: »

I must admit - I'm a little cynical with what a doctor will tell you about in general, given it's really in their interest to prescribe you some from of medicine rather than you making dietary changes that'll fix whatever problem you have. That's a rant for another place.

In my experience I disagree with that. I have IBS and used get really bad stomach cramps. My doctor prescribed me with buscopan for one month but when I went back for another prescription she recommended I start the low-fodmap diet rather than depend on the medication. So far it is working far better than the medication.

You said in a previous post that using steroid creams thinned your skin. How did you know this had happened? I use dovobet on my scalp at least once a week.

z0oT · 30-01-2015 6:07pm

greenfrogs wrote: »

In my experience I disagree with that. I have IBS and used get really bad stomach cramps. My doctor prescribed me with buscopan for one month but when I went back for another prescription she recommended I start the low-fodmap diet rather than depend on the medication. So far it is working far better than the medication.

You said in a previous post that using steroid creams thinned your skin. How did you know this had happened? I use dovobet on my scalp at least once a week.

Be thankful that you've a good doctor like that so. I was always persistently told that diet had no relation to most stuff I went into a doctor about, when I was younger with a much worse diet. It is wrong to tar everyone with one brush I'll admit.

Regarding your question, in my case you can tell the skin has been thinned by just looking at the surrounding unaffected skin and comparing it to that. That is after using the cream as prescribed for 1 week+. I found that Dovobet will eradicate the flakiness for me, but it made the skin patches more red and actually sore in the process.

BTW, well done on getting to the bottom of your IBS.

greenfrogs · 30-01-2015 6:27pm

Yah my doctor is very good. I actually can't believe the difference it has made. Before I used be in pain nearly every day and it really affected my quality of life. I don't have a gluten free or dairy free diet but I have greatly reduced my intake of these foods. I haven't noticed a difference so far.

I also bought the Moogoo shampoo and conditioner last week. However I find my scalp is still itchy. The conditioner does leave my hair lovely and soft though. I think I will introduce nizoral and use that weekly. Hopefully all of these products together will improve the itchiness and flakiness.

I only use dovobet at the back of my scalp so I actually can't see the skin well due to hair/bad position. But I have noticed redness alright but it hasn't been sore so far.

Gael23 · 30-01-2015 6:49pm

My Dermatologist doesn't like his patients using Dovobet. And his reasons are correct because I have personally experienced what says happens. But on the other hand it gives me almost immediate relief. Now after 5 PUVA sessions over 2 weeks, I'm looking at these red plaques which I know would be gone in 2-3 days if I used devote,but then whey would be back just as quick which is my dermatologists point.

Also, regarding the leaky gut. I have fairly irregular bowels and I do sometimes wonder if having a pile of waste matter sitting inside me for longer than it should be can contribute. It must give off toxins which can potentially aggrevgate it. No Doctor has ever suggested that to me, its just my own thoughts

Shoneen · 30-01-2015 7:44pm

Similar to Zoot I've suffered from a fairly mild version of psoriasis for about 12 years but never had a period where I've managed to get rid of it completely. I get it on my scalp, nails, lower legs, elbows and I suppose most unfortunately in the genital area - but I consider myself fortunate when I hear some of the symptoms reported by others on here and elsewhere. I've had repeated visits to dermatologists and although some advice helped, every 3 months it's pay €180 for the same advice and the same prescriptions. To be honest, just like Zoot, I've got tired of forking out for short term reliefs like Dovobet and would really like to find an alternative that treats the cause rather than the symptoms. So this week I did something which is completely against my own cynical nature and went to see a herbalist. He's given me some brown potion which looks like it may have been extracted directly from his septic tank and he's precluded me from eating any oranges, tomato skins (pulp is okay), and any pig sourced products (do Jewish people not get psoriasis?). I'm to go back in 2 weeks for the second phase of treatment which may well involve decades of the rosary and rain dances but hopefully no more sewage water. I will of course let everyone know if it works and if it does I can guarantee you that it won't be because of the placebo effect.

z0oT · 30-01-2015 8:53pm

BTW, one thing to mention I've found very good to apply to the plaques is Castor Oil. It's one of those wonder cures like Aloe Vera that can be used to treat a whole load of skin issues. It's a little hard to get since it can induce labor in pregnant women apparently if consumed. I've only been able to get it in a pharmacy after having them order it in for me. Sometimes they'll actually ask you what you want it for too.

I find it's extremely effective at reducing the redness. Just one application is enough to see the effect. The only problem is it's quite sticky, you kind of need to mix it with something else.

I haven't used it long enough to know if it's something that'll actually work like the steroid creams/ointments, and I don't think it'll eliminate it. But I recommend trying it as a means to control your psoriasis flares.

greenfrogs wrote: »

Yah my doctor is very good. I actually can't believe the difference it has made. Before I used be in pain nearly every day and it really affected my quality of life. I don't have a gluten free or dairy free diet but I have greatly reduced my intake of these foods. I haven't noticed a difference so far.

I actually looked up the diet you mentioned and while it doesn't mention gluten, it mentions reducing your intake of dairy, legumes and a lot of the stuff you get from processed foods. It seems to me there's a lot to be said for a Paleo diet.

Another thing I gather is that auto-immune diseases aren't nearly as common outside the Western World. It would certainly stand to reason with our consumption of gluten, dairy, processed foods, nightshades etc.

ryanf1 wrote: »

Also, regarding the leaky gut. I have fairly irregular bowels and I do sometimes wonder if having a pile of waste matter sitting inside me for longer than it should be can contribute. It must give off toxins which can potentially aggrevgate it. No Doctor has ever suggested that to me, its just my own thoughts

What's your diet like out of curiosity?

Shoneen wrote: »

Similar to Zoot I've suffered from a fairly mild version of psoriasis for about 12 years but never had a period where I've managed to get rid of it completely.

...

So this week I did something which is completely against my own cynical nature and went to see a herbalist.

That to me says that the trigger for our psoriasis has to be there all the time, whether it's consumption of dairy/gluten, stress or whatever. Finding it is going to be the tough part.

I'll be curious to see what comes of going to a herbalist for you.

Mountainsandh · 30-01-2015 9:35pm

z0oT wrote: »

The girl who wrote it claimed to have eliminated her psoriasis by following a Paleo AIP diet (no nightshades, no dairy, no gluten, no eggs, no nuts, no legumes) and by consuming bone broth and other foods targetted at the "Leaky Gut Syndrome".
https://paleocollegestudent.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/psoriasis-update-after-one-month-of-paleo-aip/

So bone broth and coconut for life ?
And maybe nibbling on some dandelion leaves or something ?

I'd rather live with my psoriasis tbh.

Gael23 · 30-01-2015 9:54pm

z0oT wrote: »

What's your diet like out of curiosity?

Could be better, could be worse. Breakfast will be cereal with milk and occasionally a slice of brown bread.
Lunch can vary, maybe a small pizza and wedges or maybe meat sandwich/roll, followed by a small sweet.
Dinner again is slightly variable. Will typically consist of potato in various forms, one or 2 veg and a piece of meat, and again followed by a sweet.
I may occasionally add a few more bits to that, particularly if I'm doing a heavy workout or if I go to bed late and I feel hungry.

Almost a year ago I got so constipated I nearly ended up in hospital and I still haven't got 100% normal habits, but getting there. I cant say for sure there is a link between any of that, and I'm not entirely convinced there is but it ha been mentioned many times.

z0oT · 30-01-2015 10:42pm

ryanf1 wrote: »

Could be better, could be worse. Breakfast will be cereal with milk and occasionally a slice of brown bread.
Lunch can vary, maybe a small pizza and wedges or maybe meat sandwich/roll, followed by a small sweet.
Dinner again is slightly variable. Will typically consist of potato in various forms, one or 2 veg and a piece of meat, and again followed by a sweet.
I may occasionally add a few more bits to that, particularly if I'm doing a heavy workout or if I go to bed late and I feel hungry.

Almost a year ago I got so constipated I nearly ended up in hospital and I still haven't got 100% normal habits, but getting there. I cant say for sure there is a link between any of that, and I'm not entirely convinced there is but it ha been mentioned many times.

Yeah you could go a ways to clean up that tbh. The processed breakfast cereal, the pizza, the wedges, the sweets, the bread etc.

Here's my own diet just to show you. The phrase "Nutritional Nazi" and me have been used in the same sentence quite often though.

Breakfast: Brazil Nuts, Apple, Scoop of Protein Powder (currently Beef Protein Isolate, I used to have Whey with milk here)
Morning Meal: Chicken, Vegetables, Olive Oil
Lunch: Fish (usually Tuna), Vegetables, Olive Oil
Evening Snack: Eggs, Banana, Almonds
Dinner: Steak/Salmon/Chicken, Vegetables, Cashew Nuts or Almond Butter with Flax Seed
Supper: Scoop of Protein Powder

That's what I'm eating now, I had much more dairy and bread in it up until 2 weeks ago. It's pretty much Paleo, and it's also very high fat, high protein, and low carb since I need it for my progress in gym and I'm chasing a goal of visible abs at the moment. Not everybody needs to eat like this mind you.

Probably won't help your psoriasis (at least not immediately), but eating better would probably make you feel better in other ways.

Gael23 · 30-01-2015 11:29pm

z0oT wrote: »

That's what I'm eating now, I had much more dairy and bread in it up until 2 weeks ago. It's pretty much Paleo, and it's also very high fat, high protein, and low carb since I need it for my progress in gym and I'm chasing a goal of visible abs at the moment. Not everybody needs to eat like this mind you.

Probably won't help your psoriasis (at least not immediately), but eating better would probably make you feel better in other ways.

Thats a lot of protein but then theres a nice bit of fibre in there to push it through. Puts mine to shame really! Im straying wildly OT here but I'm fairly skinny (5ft7 and 10stone) so I could do with some bulk. I had no real digestive issues until year ago when I got the most awful pain I hope I ever get in the middle of the night, my GP examined me throughly as the reason wasn't clear cut and asked me a few things. To cut a long drawn nightmare short I had an impacted bowel. Since then Ive tried to add some Flax to certain meals and tried to make some dietary changes even though I have a way to go there. Im the sort of person that I don't have a very varied diet but when I get something I like I eat loads of it.

During that time and being that sick I fell off my Psoriasis regime and it obviously stressed me out a lot, which is my no.1 trigger.

BlondeBomb · 31-01-2015 9:11pm

Has anyone ever tried or have any experiences or recommendations with homeopathy?

I've read of people using it before as an alternative medicine?

Gael23 · 31-01-2015 9:25pm

BlondeBomb wrote: »

Has anyone ever tried or have any experiences or recommendations with homeopathy?

I've read of people using it before as an alternative medicine?

No I haven't and I don't really believe in that sort of thing to be honest.

brevity · 01-02-2015 12:13am

BlondeBomb wrote: »

Has anyone ever tried or have any experiences or recommendations with homeopathy?

I've read of people using it before as an alternative medicine?

I tried it and it did nothing for me.

rubadub · 02-02-2015 6:00pm

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1971.tb07232.x/abstract;jsessionid=4B7C897A38F8EDC4C04B4505CE6818FF.f04t03

A DIETARY REGIMEN IN THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS

SUMMARY.— A dietary regimen employing turkey meat as the major protein source has been evaluated in patients with severe psoriasis. These patients had been selected for failure to remit spontaneously and failure to respond to other methods of therapy. Of 12 patients studied, 7 exhibited excellent response, 3 moderate response, and 2 no response to the dietary regimen. Two patients, who responded initially, were studied further. Upon resumption of a normal diet, their disease exacerbated. Reinstitution of the study diet again resulted in complete clearing of their psoriasis. Addition of turkey to a normal diet, however, did not prevent re-exacerbation.

These results suggest that turkey meat may lack a substance potentially harmful to patients with psoriasis.

You can preview the PDF which must be bought (might be found elsewhere). Only the first page is legible, the rest is all blurry, for me anyway

Busi_Girl08 · 02-02-2015 6:18pm

I went through a few months of relatively clear skin but after a few stressful weeks (new car and all the joys :pac:) the lovely psoriasis is creeping back. Definitely exacerbated by stress. Nowhere near as bad so I just need to do a better job at managing it this time round.

Back to caffeine, dairy, processed sugar, gluten and night-shade free diet and coatings of Silcock's Base for me.

Mountainsandh · 03-02-2015 12:57am

Mine is dire with the cold weather atm.
For anyone like me whose hands are affected, I've just bought today Germolene, which is really like a glorified glue like the good old tube glue we've all put on our fingers before.

I use it on the splits on my hands, since no matter how much and how often I apply ointments, lotions or potions, they split all over. It's painful and annoying, and this is the time of year when I feel the most sorry for myself. I think it starts a chain reaction too, whereby the splits make areas vulnerable to infection, and cause inflammation, which brings on more redness and splits...

And as expected, when my hands get bad again, the rest of the body follows, and my arms and legs are dreadful. And ears, but I expect that with the cold.

I haven't been juicing as regularly as I was a while ago too, so maybe my body is missing "that", whatever "that" is.

I bought an extortionately priced Moogoo scalp cream, that I'm actually using on hands and body. I think the scalp bit is really marketing since it's really a normal lotion, maybe a slight bit lighter than the usual body lotions.

When the lotion is well absorbed, I dab all the splits with Germolene, that seals them and I feel a lot more comfortable this evening.

brevity · 03-02-2015 1:03am

Ya, I'm in a bad way as well. Have slathered my legs with petroleum gel and wrapped them in cling film...the only thing that works at the moment.

Mountainsandh · 03-02-2015 2:29am

I should do that but cling film is too much hassle. Good thing it's winter, I'm turning into a yeti at this stage. Can't wax, can't shave, I have a depilator but I prefer to wait till inflammation goes down a bit to use it. Lucky I'm not too hairy.

z0oT · 03-02-2015 6:14pm

I've just got around to making my own Bone Broth from a batch of bones I picked up from a local butcher over the weekend. I had my first glass of it this morning.

It'll be interesting to see what drinking the stuff twice daily for several weeks does. If nothing else though, given it's so rich in nutrients it's well worth having in ones diet anyway.

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

I went through a few months of relatively clear skin but after a few stressful weeks (new car and all the joys :pac:) the lovely psoriasis is creeping back. Definitely exacerbated by stress. Nowhere near as bad so I just need to do a better job at managing it this time round.

Back to caffeine, dairy, processed sugar, gluten and night-shade free diet and coatings of Silcock's Base for me.

Was it that diet that cleared your psoriasis before?

brevity · 03-02-2015 6:23pm

Bone Broth sounds like something from Roald Dahl's BFG.

giggle84 · 04-02-2015 3:55pm

I've had psoriasis for 11 years, thankfully just on my scalp. I spent about 6 years going to different GPs and spent a fortune trying every form of topical steroid cream and lotion they could prescribe.. dovobet, dovonex, betnovate, you name it I tried it.

By the time I saw a dermatologist after about 5/6 years my psoriasis was chronic and he thought I would probably need some sort of oral medication which I really wanted to avoid since the possible side effects are awful. But he told me first to try coal tar pomade which is available over the counter, and apply it for a few hours every day for a month.

After one month of using it I was psoriasis-free for over a year. Ever since then it flares up every now again and I treat it with coal tar pomade for a few days and it clears it up; it has never been as bad again as it was when I saw the dermatologist for the first time 5 years ago. After all the doctors I saw I had to pay €400 for a dermatologist to give me an OTC lotion!

For anyone who hasn't tried it I would highly recommend giving it a go, it's relatively cheap (large tub is about €40 in boots) so it can't hurt!

Call Me Jimmy · 05-02-2015 1:21am

Can you tell me a what brand you used or even what type of lotion? It's something you leave on the skin for hours and wash off it water? It is used for face and body too?

EDIT: I don't see anywhere to buy it online?

giggle84 · 05-02-2015 9:11am

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

Can you tell me a what brand you used or even what type of lotion? It's something you leave on the skin for hours and wash off it water? It is used for face and body too?

EDIT: I don't see anywhere to buy it online?

It's made in Ireland by Foran Chemicals, it comes in a big white tub like the tubs of emulsifying ointment you get in the chemist. Ask for it in your local chemist and if they don't have it in stock they should be able to order it for you within a couple of days, I've got it from loads of different chemists. I don't think you can buy it online.

It's a thick, oily, gooey sort of lotion, it's like cocois if you've ever used that. Warning: it does not smell good but you get used to it! It doesn't dry in it sits on the skin until you wash it off. You can use it anywhere on the body, scalp is probably the hardest place to apply it actually. There are no instructions on the tub, but my dermatologist told me to leave it on as long as I can when I apply it, overnight if possible, and then wash it off with any shampoo/shower gel. It will stain clothes/bedclothes but washes out easily.

Busi_Girl08 · 05-02-2015 10:52am

z0oT wrote: »

Was it that diet that cleared your psoriasis before?

That among other things, I started taking the super cod liver oil complex, garlic capsules and pantothenic acid along with the diet and used bio oil and silcock every day.

Now it took months to clear (bar scarring, which is still clearing

) but I think it was a combination of all above that helped. Then again it could have just been time and being less stressed.

rubadub · 05-02-2015 3:35pm

giggle84 wrote: »

coal tar pomade

There is a world shortage of coal tar so it might be hard to find. Some chemists might have old tubs out the back but the shortage has been for a few years now.

Some are on ebay, some sellers charging a lot since they realise its in such high demand.

Sandoz, which makes Carbo Dome, said its supplier had stopped producing coal tar, so the product would be unavailable until another supplier was found, and stressed there were no safety concerns.
It also claimed it was working with the MHRA on the product's licence, although a spokesperson for the agency said they had no issues with its licensing.

GlaxoSmithKline says changes to licensing and producing Polytar meant supply would not be restored until 2016.

Lack of information from pharmaceutical companies has caused real difficulties for patients, says Julia Schofield, consultant dermatologist at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
'Communication has been poor, so often the first we will hear about it is a patient saying they can't get a product we have prescribed.'
She suggests another factor may be that coal tar products are less profitable than newer remedies - a skin cream called Dovobet, which contains steroids and vitamin D, costs the NHS £61.55 for 120g, compared to £16.38 for 100g of Carbo Dome. However, the manufacturers deny the price is a factor in the shortages.
In the meantime, Ray Jobling fears people may end up using stronger medication, such as topical steroid creams that have more side-effects, such as thinning the skin. 'Treatment options for psoriasis are not that good. When a treatment disappears, it really matters,' he says.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2572425/Coal-tar-shampoo-standby-psoriasis-eczema-So-HAS-trusted-skin-treatment-disappeared.html#ixzz3QshmN97z
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giggle84 · 05-02-2015 3:56pm

I haven't had any problems getting it so far so fingers crossed! If I can't get it anymore I'm screwed!

z0oT · 05-02-2015 4:15pm

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

That among other things, I started taking the super cod liver oil complex, garlic capsules and pantothenic acid along with the diet and used bio oil and silcock every day.

Now it took months to clear (bar scarring, which is still clearing ) but I think it was a combination of all above that helped. Then again it could have just been time and being less stressed.

Thanks, I partly guessed it would take a lengthy amount of time to notice a difference. How many months out of curiosity?

Another blog I found of someone who claimed a dairy free and gluten free diet worked to clear psoriasis, but she claimed she didn't notice an improvement until week 12!
http://thechicphysique.blogspot.ie/2014/01/food-diary-day-20-life-story-how-gluten.html

I've been dairy free and gluten free for about 3 weeks now, but it's only this week I've been eating full-on paleo along with nightshade free, the only exception I'm making is that I'm still consuming protein powder - but its beef protein isolate as opposed to whey.

I can't say I'm noticing a difference in my psoriasis yet, but I think the bit of acne on my chest is starting to die down, so there's that.

Call Me Jimmy · 05-02-2015 4:28pm

I've incorporated greens and fruit into my daily diet (after having never really eaten either) but it's hard to judge results because of the amount of things I put on my skin. There is an overall improvement I'd say, and with medihoney barrier cream the areas are not inflamed or anything like it, but there is that layer of redness that just doesn't seem to go away. The texture of it can be like normal skin, just a different colour. Which isn't the worst in the world, it's manageable atm.

z0oT · 05-02-2015 5:04pm

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

I've incorporated greens and fruit into my daily diet (after having never really eaten either) but it's hard to judge results because of the amount of things I put on my skin. There is an overall improvement I'd say, and with medihoney barrier cream the areas are not inflamed or anything like it, but there is that layer of redness that just doesn't seem to go away. The texture of it can be like normal skin, just a different colour. Which isn't the worst in the world, it's manageable atm.

Have you ever tried the application of Castor Oil? I find it extremely effective at reducing any redness, just one application of it is enough to notice a difference for me.

But, like anything you apply topically, you need to keep applying it regularly. Trouble is that it's kind of sticky and messy too, you kind of need to mix it with something else.

Aloe Vera Gel works for me to a point too for the redness, but Castor Oil is much better I find.

Busi_Girl08 · 05-02-2015 6:07pm

z0oT wrote: »

Thanks, I partly guessed it would take a lengthy amount of time to notice a difference. How many months out of curiosity?

Another blog I found of someone who claimed a dairy free and gluten free diet worked to clear psoriasis, but she claimed she didn't notice an improvement until week 12!
http://thechicphysique.blogspot.ie/2014/01/food-diary-day-20-life-story-how-gluten.html

I've been dairy free and gluten free for about 3 weeks now, but it's only this week I've been eating full-on paleo along with nightshade free, the only exception I'm making is that I'm still consuming protein powder - but its beef protein isolate as opposed to whey.

I can't say I'm noticing a difference in my psoriasis yet, but I think the bit of acne on my chest is starting to die down, so there's that.

It took a few months to be honest

The body needs a few weeks for any changes to take effect, and sometimes there can be a "worse before it gets better" kind of thing - although with me I think it got worse just due to stress. Hence why it's back again.

My only thing now is it's creeping back to places it hasn't been before, mainly my forehead and my eyelids (the latter of which have calmed down a good bit in the last couple of days thankfully).

Gah! Never-ending!!

Gael23 · 05-02-2015 10:20pm

Noticed a bit of redness today which I think is good?
Im seing Dr Kirby on Monday so we'll se how that goes

Gael23 · 09-02-2015 10:44pm

Hi guys its ryan, I've had to change my username because of an issue on another forum.
Anyway, I saw Dr Kirby today and I think he was happy enough with my progress. I didn't get that long with him but I did get across that I was concerned about the timeline and he said he thinks the 8 weeks will be enough which is the max I'm prepared to do

Gael23 · 15-02-2015 8:08pm

Is it a big deal if I miss a treatment of PUVA?

z0oT · 17-02-2015 12:41pm

So, I'm on week 3 of a Paleo diet, with consuming bone broth and coconut water daily. I've had to lay off the coconut oil, I think it's aggravating acne on my upper back, shame because I like it in my morning smoothie.

I can't say I notice a difference of improvement yet with regards to my psoriasis, actually probably the opposite. I think I've new plaques developing where I didn't have them previously and I'm convinced one of the plaques on my scalp is getting bigger.

Another thing, I'm wondering am I starting to get some Psoratic Arthritis. I've had a stiff, sore and ever so slightly swollen and inflamed knuckle on my left hand for the last week; it's at it's worse in the morning but calms down as the day goes on. Also, some soreness in my right heel has come back too - I previously had that last year for a while only for it to go away.

It's a little surprising that all of this is happening at once, which is something it has never done previously. Depressing on some levels, but on the other hand some say it has to get worse before it'll get better as the body is pushing out all the toxins it doesn't want apparently. I'll persevere because I do feel better on this new diet, my energy levels are far better and I think my joints feel better thanks to the bone broth in my diet.

Another thing I've added in supplement form are Probiotics, and I'm taking a digestive enzyme with each big meal too. The enzymes are to aid digestion, and the Probiotics are to flood the gut with good bacteria. I don't know if the enzymes are worth keeping in ones diet, but the Probiotics definitely are since it's difficult to get proper rich Probiotic food here in Ireland.

It's also hard to know with this damn condition. A lot of us (myself included) just learn to accept it and get on with life and not pay any attention to it, so it can be very hard to accurately judge whether there's an improvement or dis-improvement. Sigh... alas all I can do is keep this diet for 3+ months and see what the result is. :P

z0oT · 19-02-2015 1:32pm

z0oT wrote: »

Another thing I've added in supplement form are Probiotics, and I'm taking a digestive enzyme with each big meal too. The enzymes are to aid digestion, and the Probiotics are to flood the gut with good bacteria. I don't know if the enzymes are worth keeping in ones diet, but the Probiotics definitely are since it's difficult to get proper rich Probiotic food here in Ireland

Actually... I take that part back. Fermenting your own vegetables to make things like Sauerkraut is very easy. I need to start doing it, since it'll come in far cheaper as a way of getting Probiotics than buying the supplements.

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-easy-homemade-sauerkraut-in-a-mason-jar-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-193124

http://www.foodrenegade.com/lactofermented-carrot-sticks/

I think my next experiment is to go full on psycho with the diet and try a Paleo Autoimmune diet, which in addition to normal paleo, means you avoid nuts, seeds, nightshades and eggs. It's pretty damn restrictive, but it's only a temporary measure for most; just a number of months typically.

I'm still not happy with things at the moment, I feel I've gone backwards in some cases in the last week. I'm not sure what I'll do ultimately yet, but I reckon I'll give my current diet until the end of the month before delving into full blown Paleo AIP.

On the bright side, I think my knuckle is starting to get better these last few days.

Call Me Jimmy · 19-02-2015 4:16pm

Ye seem pretty disciplined, i'd stick to it if ye can because it might nag you later that ye 'didn't give it enough time' so may again be unsure.

Mine just won't go away. Completely and utterly stumped. I don't know that there is a single thing I can even try any more.

z0oT · 19-02-2015 8:42pm

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

Ye seem pretty disciplined, i'd stick to it if ye can because it might nag you later that ye 'didn't give it enough time' so may again be unsure.

Mine just won't go away. Completely and utterly stumped. I don't know that there is a single thing I can even try any more.

I'm a little extreme about what I eat granted. I have been for the last few years, it was a big part of piling on a lot of muscle, and losing almost 20kg in the process.

As for your own P, have you ever tried a diet to target it?

Call Me Jimmy · 19-02-2015 9:00pm

Well recently I've tried adding greens, spinach and kale to my diet, almost every day. My diet was horrendous before, still is not great but never overeat. Also tried added oils, hemp oil and olive oil to diet, as well as fruit, apples, bananas and strawberries every day.

It's hard to tell if diet is having an effect because of the amount of topical stuff I try. At the moment I've gone back to colloidal oatmeal with aveeno moisturiser and in fairness, it's not BAD. Just never seems to go away completely. I'll be sticking with the additions to my diet because I do feel a bit better.

Gael23 · 12-03-2015 5:35pm

Things have been quiet here for a while.
I'm still on PUVA, it is working but annoyingly slowly. I'm seeing Prod Kirby in 3 weeks time and will be pushing for an end to it at that point

brevity · 12-03-2015 6:35pm

Mine has gone to ****. Had to leave early from work. Waiting on blood results before I can go on humira.

****ing sick of it...

huskerdu · 12-03-2015 8:11pm

Gael23 wrote: »

Things have been quiet here for a while.
I'm still on PUVA, it is working but annoyingly slowly. I'm seeing Prod Kirby in 3 weeks time and will be pushing for an end to it at that point

I was wondering how you have been getting on.

Hopefully the improvement on PUVA will last a long time, which will make it seem worthwhile.

Gael23 · 12-03-2015 8:29pm

huskerdu wrote: »

I was wondering how you have been getting on.

Hopefully the improvement on PUVA will last a long time, which will make it seem worthwhile.

I'm still only on 27 seconds but I've always believed if I got more it would clear faster

Ronney · 13-03-2015 12:57am

Hi folks,

Was referred by a consultant for the UV treatment. Does anyone know anywhere that this can be done in the evening time as taking the required time of work is not really an option.

Based in Dublin but would travel if needs be to surrounding counties

z0oT · 13-03-2015 10:40am

An update from me, and my quest to tackle mine by diet:

I've gravitated towards a Paleo Autoimmune diet. It wasn't that difficult to do for me so I said I may aswell try it for an extended period of time. I've eliminated Nuts and Eggs and also Fruit for the last 2 weeks. I've also discovered (once again) that artificial supplements don't agree with me, so I've eliminated them again too.

I'm still making an exception for protein powder. However I think I'll replace it by buying a second full chicken in my weekly shop once my current bag is done. Basically every meal for me now is Vegetables (lots of Dark Leafy Greens), Meat/Fish/Organ Meat and a fat source like Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Beef Tallow, Lard or Rendered Chicken Fat.

I've developed what I suspect to be Psoratic Arthritis in one knuckle on my left and right hand, and also in my right heel, it's been with me for a few weeks now. I got it in the three areas quite quickly - 2 weeks or so. It doesn't effect me much though, and it hasn't spread beyond those three areas.

On one stage this is depressing, but on the other hand the "Worse Before Better" theory is encouraging. Apparently when the pathogens that actually cause P die off within you, they release toxins which can make your symptoms worse. Hence the "Worse Before Better". You just have tough it out through this "Die Off" phase to see results apparently.

I can't say I notice a difference with regards to my P yet, but I think I may be onto something with eating probiotic rich foods ie. fermented vegetables. From gradually working my own homemade Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and some fermented carrots into my diet to almost once a day now. I notice the acne I have on my back and chest has improved quite a bit in the last week, and my skin does look better in a lot of areas too. Plus I'm really starting to like the taste of my homemade Sauerkraut too.

Since I'm convinced whatever is causing my P is also the reason why I still have acne on my back and chest in my late 20's, this is a little encouraging and it gives me some resolve to stick with what I'm doing.

On another note this diet has worked very well for reducing my body fat level, I almost have my own set of 6-pack abs now. I've never been this lean before which is pretty damn cool, particularly considering I was borderline obese 5 years ago. So there's that at the back of it all.

Psoriasis

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