Psoriasis and Treatment
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring disease that causes one or more raised, red patches that have silvery scales and a distinct border between the patch and normal skin. Also characterized by disorders of the body and allergies. Sometimes the joints hurt, as in arthritis.
Caused by incomplete protein digestion and bowel toxemia.
Can be aggravated by skin injury, emotional stress, and some forms of infection or irritation, such as cuts, burns, rashes or insect bites. Factors that can cause a flare-up of psoriasis include sunburn, stress, hormone imbalance, allergic reactions, toxic substances, food, and vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiencies, poor health, cold, and frequent friction. Ten percent or more of psoriasis sufferers have a tendency to psoriatic arthritis.
Research has shown a link between psoriasis and the body's ability to properly use fat and create necessary breakdown products. Prostaglandins (hormonelike chemicals) that regulate your inflammatory and immune reactions are made from essential fatty acids. Since inflammation is a characteristic of psoriasis, some doctors believe there is a link to the body's immune response. Type 1 prostaglandins promote the breakdown of stored fat and decrease inflammation and swelling. Your diet is the only way to obtain these essential fatty acids (EFA's). The most important EFA is linolenic acid that you can get by eating seeds, oils, vegetables, and grains. Linolenic acid is used by your body to make gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), another EFA, that helps fight high blood pressure and has important anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is used by the body to produce prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a hormonelike compound, that has anti-inflammatory properties. Modern methods of processing food take out many of the oils essential to your health.
Heredity appears to play a role in the development of psoriasis.
Vitamin D deficiency plays role; body can make vitamin D from sunlight on your skin.
The patches of psoriasis occur because of an abnormally high rate of growth of skin cells. The reason for the rapid cell growth is unknown, but a problem with the immune system is thought to play a role (The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd home edition, 2003, pp. 1201-1202).
Psoriasis is just one of the many early signs of enzyme deficiency.
Psoriasis affects more than 6.4 million Americans, is the 2nd most common skin disease in the U.S., and the leading cause of disability. Each year another 150,000 cases are diagnosed (Lisa Levan, The Psoriasis Cure, 1999). First strikes most people between the ages of 15 and 35.
Prolonged stress makes your adrenal glands work overtime. This will cause your adrenal glands to become exhausted and cease producing cortisone (steroid hormones). Your doctor may prescribe steroid hormones (cortisone) to offset the natural version now lacking. Extreme losses of potassium can also cause a depletion of cortisone. This lack of cortisone contributes to the onset of psoriasis. You will become hypoglycemic (having low blood sugar) when your adrenals get depleted of steroid hormones. Low adrenal function will also cause chronic fatigue. Fatigue, hypoglycemia, and inadequate steroid hormones are common in people with psoriasis.
If you are agitated or irritable when you wake up in the morning or before meals, then feel much better after eating you probably have hypoglycemia.
People with psoriasis have problems with their immune systems, which is determine largely by the functioning of the thymus gland. The thymus gland has problems if you get frequent infections or suffer from chronic infections. The thymus gland secretes a hormone, thymosin, that regulates the production and maturation of immune cells called T lymphocytes (white blood cells) which you give you cell-mediated immunity. This type of immunity is extremely important to help your body fight yeast infections, parasites, viruses, cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Thymic hormone levels are typically very low in people exposed to lots of stress, AIDS patients, the elderly, and people prone to infections.
In an allergic reaction your immune system may think a harmless substance is a foreign invader and send your white blood cells to fight them. This mistaken identification will make your white blood cells overreact, and chemicals called histamines are released to fight the substance, which wind up hurting your body, causing the characteristic swelling and inflammation of an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction appears to be the cause of psoriasis in some people.
Some possible allergic reactions are: congested nose, cough or wheeze, an itch, hives or other skin rashes, headaches, and you may become fatigued. Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.
Alcohol consumption increases the absorption of toxins in your gut and impairs your liver function making your psoriasis worse. A deficiency in B vitamins makes it very hard for your liver to do its job.
Toxic substances produced by faulty digestion include polyamines which prevent the body from making cyclic AMP, regulators of metabolism in the cells. You need cyclic AMP to keep your cells from going nuts and reproducing too fast.
Candida albicans (yeastlike fungus) lives harmlessly in the intestines but causes problems in other parts of the body. Normally under control by the body, it goes wild when you take certain medications, such as antibiotics, cortic-costeroids, oral contraceptives, antacids, lack of enough enzymes in the digestive system, or when you eat the wrong things. The yeast can get directly into the bloodstream directly or produce toxins that can be even more damaging in the body. It can also decrease your body's production of cyclic AMP.
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with at least one unpaired electron. Electrons are negatively charged particles found in atoms and are usually found in pairs. When unpaired, they are highly reactive and can be very damaging to your body. Free radicals can be produced by exposure to environmental pollution, tobacco smoke, radiation, cooked fats, and alcohol. Your body also produces free radicals naturally when you use energy. Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals.
Free radicals are indirect causes of psoriasis in that they can damage your skin tissue and decrease your body's production of cyclic AMP. They also indirectly cause inflammation.
Research has shown that people with psoriasis commonly have decreased levels of vitamin A and zinc.
Inflammation is a characteristic symptom of psoriasis. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) make a group of hormonelike chemicals called prostaglandins, which regulate your inflammatory and immune reactions. Essential fatty acids nourish your body and are the very foundation of your health at the cellular level. They strengthen your cell membranes, help dissolve body fat, increase your metabolism, and increase your energy production. They also help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Several double-blind clinical studies have shown that 10-12 grams of fish oils added to the diet will result in significant improvement in psoriasis (S.B. Bittiner, et al, "A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Fish Oil in Psoriasis," Lancet i (1988): 378-380).
Research shows that psoriasis sufferers has high levels of insulin and glucose in their blood serum (P. Fratino, C. Pelfinin, A. Jucci, and R. Bellazi, "Glucose and Insulin in Psoriasis: The Role of Obesity and Genetic History," Panminerva Medica 21 (1979):167).
Here are just some of the toxins contained in prescriptions/over-the-counter medications commonly prescribed by doctors for psoriasis:
Alcohol or isopropyl (includes anything with the phrase cetearyl-, glyceryl-, or stearyl-): dries skin and hair, creates cracks and fissures in the skin that encourage bacterial growth.
Benzyl Alcohol: found in perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, Vaseline lotion, fabric softener, and deodorants. Can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, central nervous system depression, and death in severe cases (respiratory failure). Irritating to the upper respiratory tract.
Chamomile: may intensify or prolong the effects of sedatives; may reduce iron absorption; and may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants.
Citric Acid: Inhalation of dust irritates nose and throat. Contact with eyes causes irritation. Frequent or excessive intake of Citric Acid may cause erosion of teeth and local irritation…effect also occurs with lemon juice, which contains about 7% Citric Acid.
Coal Tar: Preparations should generally not be applied to the anogenital area because of the potential carcinogenic risk associated with topical application in this area. Photosensitizes the skin, making it more vulnerable to UV rays.Coal tar preparations may produce dermatitis, sometimes severe, when used for prolonged periods. Dermatitis may be allergic or irritant in nature. Irritant effects increase with increasing concentration. Topical application of coal tar preparations in hypersensitive patients may elicit a pustular eruption or keratocystic response. Prolonged use of strong coal tar preparations may produce a painless, chronic folliculitis (tar acne). Kills skin cells.
Coal tar contains over 400 compounds, including high concentrations of highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (Cook, J.W.,C.L. Hewett, and I. Hieger. "The isolation of cancer producing hydrocarbons from coal tar." Journal of the American Chemical Society 1933: 396-405). PAHs are absorbed through your skin (van Schooten, F.J. and R. Godschalk. "Coal tar therapy: is it carcinogenic?" Drug Safety 15 (6) (Dec 1996):374-377). Exposure to coal tar may lead to an increased risk of lung, scrotum, and skin cancer.
Corticosteroids (see hydrocortisone)
Glycerin: Adverse effects following oral administration of glycerin include mild headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, thirst, and diarrhea. Risk-benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist: Cardiac disease (sudden expansion of extracellular fluid may lead to congestive heart failure); Confused mental states or severe dehydration or hypovolemia (conditions may be exacerbated); diabetes mellitus (patients may already be dehydrated); hypervolemia (expansion of extracellular fluid may lead to circulatory overload, which may produce congestive symptoms in patients with reduced cardiac function); Renal disease (accumulation may lead to overexpansion of extracellular fluid and circulatory overload).
Hydrocarbons (e.g. mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin) contain carcinogenic and mutagenic Polycyclic Aromatice Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and can cause chemically induced acne.
Hydrocortisone: Chronic exposure results in adverse physiologic effects including cushingoid appearance, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. Thins the skin. Chronic exposure may cause posterior subcapsulary cataracts and glaucoma. Hydrocortisone is a milder corticosteroid. Corticosteroids reduce the body’s ability to fight infections by suppressing inflammation and must be used with extreme care when infections are present. Their use may worsen high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, peptic ulcer, kidney failure, and osteoporosis.
The long-term use of corticosteroids, particularly at higher doses and when given intravenously or by mouth, invariably leads to many side effects, involving nearly every organ in the body. Common side effects include thinning of the skin with stretch marks and bruising, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, cataracts, puffiness in the face (moon face) and abdomen, and thinning of the arms and legs, poor wound healing, stunted growth in children, loss of calcium in the bones (which can lead to osteoporosis), stomach bleeding, hunger, weight gain, and mental problems. Risk of fracturing a bone is two to five times higher with long-term corticosteroid treatment. There is also a greater risk of vertebral fractures, reduced estrogen in women and testostorone in men. Can lead to Cushing's syndrome: round red face, obese trunk, humped upper back, wasted limbs, women become more hairy, depression, paranoia, and insomnia. About 1/5 of suffers of Cushing's syndrome develop diabetes mellitus.
Cortisone blocks the body's ability to absorb vitamin B6, which is needed for healthy skin and has many other valuable functions.
Common corticosteroids prescribed: Diprolene, Temovate, or Psorcon.
Methylparaben: used to extend a products shelf life and inhibit microbial growth. Highly toxic. Can cause rashes and other allergic reactions.
Mineral oil: forms an oily film over skin to lock in moisture, toxins and waste, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out. Commonly found in baby lotions.
Petrolatum: also known as mineral oil jelly, liquid Vaseline, paraffinum, liquidum and baby oil. Can cause photosensitivity and strips the natural oils from the skin causing chapping and dryness, also premature aging. Prevents elimination of toxins, can cause acne and other disorders.
Propylene Glycol: causes irritation and contact dermatitis. It is also found in shampoo, toothpaste, hair conditioner, beauty creams and lotions, cleansers, makeup, children’s personal care items and many other products used on a daily basis.
Propyl paraben: used to extend a products shelf life and inhibit microbial growth. Highly toxic. Can cause rashes and other allergic reactions.
Salicylic acid: Salicylate is well absorbed across normal and diseased skin. Salicylate markedly impairs gluconeogenesis and increases glucose utilization, resulting in hypoglycemia. It causes moderate to severe skin irritation and stinging. Salicylic acid poisoning due to overuse leads to confusion, dizziness, severe or continuing headaches, rapid breathing, and continuous ringing or buzzing in the ears. Studies in animals have shown that salicylic acid causes birth defects when given orally in doses about six times the highest dose recommended for topical use in humans. The topical solution is flammable. Breathing the vapors can be harmful.
Sodium lauryl sulfate: Strong detergent that can cause eye irritation, permanent damage to the eyes, especially in children, skin rashes, hair loss, flaking skin and mouth ulceration. When combine with other ingredients, can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Easily penetrates the skin and can lodge itself in the heart, lungs, liver and brain. Found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after shave lotions, and fragrances.
Toxic by-product dioxane Synthetic alcohols (anything that contains the phrase benzyl-, butyl-, cetearyl-, glyceryl-, isopropyl-, myristyl propyl-, propylene-, or stearyl-) eg Isopropyl Palmitate, Diglyceryl Caprylate) have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis.
Treatment
Topical drugs (drugs applied to the skin) are used most commonly. Nearly everyone with psoriasis benefits from skin moisturizers (emollients). Other topical agents include corticosteroids, often used together with calcipotriene, a vitamin D derivative, or or pine tar. Tararotene or anthralin may also be used. Very thick patches can be thinned with ointments containing salicyclic acid, which make other drugs more effective. Many of these drugs are irritating to the skin, and doctors must find which ones work best for each person.
Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis. It is often used in combination with various topical drugs, particularly when large areas of skin are involved. Psoralens (drugs that make the skin more sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet light) are traditionally used with phototherapy. Psoralens side effects include extreme sensitivity to sunshine.
Oral drugs, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and acitretin, are used to treat serious forms of psoriasis. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug that may cause high blood pressure and damage to the kidneys. Methotrexate interferes with the growth and multiplication of skin cells. However, liver damage and impaired immunity are possible side effects. Acitretin is particularly effective in pustular psoriasis but often raises fat (lipid) levels in the blood and might cause problems with the liver and bones. It can also cause birth defects and should not be taken by a woman who might get pregnant.
Here are just some of the prescriptions/over-the-counter medications commonly prescribed by doctors for psoriasis.
Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer:Highly Moisturizing Formula with 4 Skin Conditions. Active ingredient:
Salicylic acid 2% - Purpose: Psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis lotion
Equate Hydrocortisone Plus with 12 moisturizers & aloe:Antipruritic (Anti-itch) – states that it is enriched with Vitamins A, D, & E yet lists these as inactive ingredients. Active ingredient: 1%
hydrocortisone. Inactive ingredients: aloe barbadensis,
cetearyl alcohol, chamomile (anthemis nobilis) oil, citric acid , corn (zea mays) oil, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, isopropyl palmitate, maltodextrin, methylparaben, mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, propylene glycol, propyl paraben, purified water, sodium cetearyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearyl alcohol, vitamin A, D, & E.
Vanishing Formula Psoriasin Gel: Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief, Active ingredient: Coal Tar (from coal tar solution, USP) 1.25% w/w
Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5%: Ingredients: hydrocortisone, glyceryl monostearate, polyoxy 40 stearate, glycerin, paraffin, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate , sorbitan monostearate, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, lactic acid, and purified water.
Calciptriene: synthetic form of Vitamin D3. Side effects: skin irritation; unhealthy levels of calcium (when spread on large areas); facial irritation; body fold irritation; itching; burning; dryness; peeling; redness; swelling of skin; and worsening of psoriasis. Rarely: abdominal pain; depression; weight loss; muscle weakness; nausea; constipation; thirst; tiring easily; vomiting; pain; and pus in the hair follicles; and thinning, weakness, or wasting away of skin. May increase the chance of kidney stone formation.
Another common treatment is anthralin which will irritate and stain your skin, can cause cancerous tumors, and redness.
Any effective treatment for psoriasis should include use of shampoos, toothpastes, and lotions free of irritants/toxins such as sodium lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol.
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine): Effect: suppresses certain inflammatory responses of the immune system. Risk: it will suppress your body's production of bone marrow if used for a long time ( Smith, D. "Sulfasalazine: Arthrits Drug Increases CD4 Count?" Aids Treatment News 218 (March 3, 1995).
Treating Psoriasis with pH Balance
Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dry skin, allergies, and similar problems indicate an excessive acidic pH in the body. The more acid in the blood and skin, the less therapeutic effect the oils will have. People who have a negative reaction to oils are usually highly acidic. We must maintain an alkaline balance in our blood and skin for the oils to work the best. AlkaLime and VitaGreen are both helpful for this balancing.
The ideal pH for human blood is between 7.4 and 7.6. Preserving this alkalinity (pH balance) is the bedrock on which sound health and strong bodies are built. When the blood becomes more acidic, the foundation of health is undermined. This creates an environment where we become vulnerable to disease and runaway yeast and fungus overgrowth.
The naturally occurring yeast and fungi in the body thrive in an acidic environment. These same yeast and fungi are responsible for secreting a large number of poisons called mycotoxins, which are believed to be one of the root causes of many diseases and debilitating conditions.
To restore alkalinity: carefully monitor your diet, avoid the use of antibiotics, use essential oils, use alkaline minerals ( AlkaLime ), lower stress, and boost friendly flora ( Royaldophilus).
The DNA in the nucleus inside the cells of the body is alkaline and is also sensitive to the corrosive effects of acidity [3]. The more urine that is produced, the more easily the body keeps its interior alkaline. Clear urine is an indicator of an efficient acid-clearing mechanism, and dark yellow or orange urine is an ominous sign of impending acid burns in the interior of the body.
Non-Drug Treatments with Essential Oils
Bergamot
Used in the Middle East for hundreds of years for acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect bites, psoriasis, scabies, varicose veins, ulcers, thrush, oily complexion, and depression. It balances hormones, calms emotions, and relieves anxiety, stress, and tension.
Cedarwood
May be effective against psoriasis. It can reduce hardening of the artery walls. It is high in sesquiterpenes, which can stimulate the limbic region of the brain (the center of emotions). It also may help stimulate the pineal gland, which releases melatonin, an antioxidant hormone associated with deep sleep. It may help with acne, anxiety, arthritis, congestion, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, purification, respiratory system, sinusitis, skin diseases, and fluid retention. It also helps to reduce oily skin.
Application: diffuse or apply topically on location.
Coriander
May help with acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Application: Apply topically. May be added to food or water as a dietary supplement or flavoring.
Lavender - Buy Now
Action: Antiseptic, analgesic, antitumoral, anticonvulsant, sedative, anti-inflammatory. Lavender is beneficial for cleansing cuts and wounds and is ideal for skin care, since it prevents the build up of excess sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on. Lavender has also been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects.
May help skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.
Diffuse or apply topically. May also be added to food or soy/rice milk as a dietary supplement.
Myrtle
Action: Expectorant, anti-infectious, liver stimulant, prostate decongestant, light antispasmodic, hormone-like for the thyroid and ovary, and a tonic for the skin.
May help skin conditions (acne, blemishes, bruises, oily skin, psoriasis, etc.)
Apply topically, diffuse, or use in a humidifier.
Peppermint (Buy Now)
May help with itchy skin and skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis).
Diffuse. Massage on affected area. Add to food as a flavoring or preservative.
Thyme
Highly antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, uterine tonic, cardiotonic.
Apply topically diluted with a vegetable or massage oil. Add to food or soy/rice milk as a dietary supplement or flavoring.
High in sesquiterpenes and very supporting to the immune system. In addition to helping fight psoriasis, it strengthens and calms the cardiovascular system, stimulates under-active ovaries, and helps with tachycardia, anemia, and hemorrhoids.
Single Oils: Roman chamomile, Melaleuca alternifolia, patchouli, helichrysum, rose, German chamomile, and lavender. Blends: Melrose, JuvaFlex.
It is also important to exercise regularly, manage stress, and practice good sleep habits.
Supplements: Cleansing Trio, AlkaLime, JuvaTone, Sulfurzyme , and Rehemogen.
Topical Treatment: Tender Tush Ointment.
Use JuvaTone at least 120 days. To soften cracking skin, cover with Rose Ointment.
Thyromin and Ultra Young may help reduce wrinkles and rehydrate dry skin. These supplements strengthen the thyroid, which is important to many body functions that affect the skin.
Aromatherapy Treatment
Aromatherapist Victoria Edwards, Fair Oaks, California, recommends a 10-minute soak in warm (not hot) water spiked with five drops of German chamomile. After the bath she says to apply a nourishing oil made from one drop of German chamomile per ounce of carrier oil.
Removing Toxins From Your Body
The liver is pivotal for purifying the blood and plays a key role in converting carbohydrates to energy, as well as storing energy in the form of glycogen and fats. An overburdened liver can affect our energy, digestion, skin and blood.
Fats and bile within the liver can easily become saturated with toxic by-products, chemicals and heavy metals – many of which are oil-soluble. As these toxins accumulate, the liver becomes taxed and stressed. Skin conditions, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and similarly related conditions, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, digestive disturbances, pallor, dizziness, irritability, mood swings and mental confusion can all become evident. Cleansing the liver can remove toxins and alleviate the problems caused by them.
The level of toxins within your body determines the effectiveness of essential oils.
Use JuvaTone and JuvaFlex as advised to cleanse your liver.
Treatment per the Vitamin Bible, Earl Mindell with Hester Mundis, Revised 2004
Beta-carotene, 10,000 IU daily
B complex, 50 mg. A.M. and P.M.
Rose hips vitamin C, 500 mg. A.M. and P.M.
Vitamin E (dry form), 200-400 IU twice daily
Evening primrose, borage, or flaxseed oil capsules, 500 mg.
3 times daily
Selenium, 100-200 mcg. Daily.
Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century 