Oct 5: Psoriasis

Believe me, I'm getting a bit tired of not posting anything technical but to get one last thing out of the way before I do, I mentioned in a recent blog that I might talk about Psoriasis. Now, I happen to agree with Andy C that talking about your illnesses is probably boring for anyone but yourself (but that doesn't stop me doing it still), but this is more an informational blog and, whilst a minor skin condition might not be a big deal to me, the strange thing about this one is that it can be to other people who don't know what to say to me when they notice it. As a person, I like to see all of the cards on the table so, in the interests of truth, once and for all time ...

Psoriasis is an incredibly common skin condition which has some similarities to Eczema, but many differences too. I'm not going to bore you with the facts, though, because that Wiki link will cover those better than I can. I suppose my favourite aspect is that it's essentially genetic and your skin grows too quickly! (Hey, man, my skin is buzzing!)

What does it mean to me and my life? Most of the time, not very much to be honest with you. It can be a little uncomfortable at it's worst. Actually, at it's worst I had to go to the hospital three times a week for UV treatment for about four months. A major annoyance, but I had the most beautiful Christmas sun-tan by the end of it ;-) Dermatologists have the know-how and equipment to give you a great tan with minimal risk of skin cancer ;-)

There's a wide variation of types and degrees and the vast majority of cases are minor. Having seen some people in hospital with real problems with it (and, of course, The Singing Detective), I've been lucky so far.

Most of the time it might look a bit unsightly to you, and I suppose I don't notice that I maybe scratch more often than most people, but I've grown so used to it that I don't really care. Recently it's got a bit worse in more visible places (fore-arms particularly) and the first time I really noticed was because I noticed other people noticing. Time to use the creams again. It's a chronic condition but sunlight helps and there are lots of creams, some that work better than others for different people but (and this is the real pain) most are looking to be applied four times a day. That doesn't sound too bad, until you have dozens or hundreds of little areas to apply it to. Frankly, if it's not hurting me and you can't see it, I stopped caring a long time ago. That whole cream thing is soooo boring ;-)

That's it really. It's doesn't hurt me most of the time, it's definitely not contagious, or dirty and you don't have to worry about mentioning it to me or anyone else but, frankly, if you did I'd be surprised because I rarely think about it myself. Maybe when a big Beach Party is coming up but the beer-gut is a bigger concern ;-)

Parallelism's going to seem pretty interesting after this ...

Posted by Doug Burns Comments: (37) Trackback: (1)

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A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (well, on my other blog) I mentioned I have Psoriasis and that I probably wouldn't mention it again, but I reckon it's ok to pass on some good news that might help someone.I'd been thinking about the effect of my
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#1 - David Aldridge said:
2006-10-05 20:06 - (Reply)

>> but sunlight helps ...

Ah, time to take a Colorado vacation, mate. I woke up the other day thinking it was the middle of the night or summit, but it was actually cloudy! I nearly fell out of bed with surprise.

Anyhoo, Number One son had a little psoriasis on the top of his head, so I took his hat away. Seems all better now. Little comfort to a Scot facing a northern winter I dare say, but come over anytime you feel like it. Wecan talk about parallelism!

#1.1 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-05 20:18 - (Reply)

That's most generous, thanks.

The UV treatment (and the occasional trip to the Med) worked best, without question, but I won't be getting much sun around here ;-)

It's very minor these days, but noticeable enough to pick up on other people's furtive glances, so better to just mention it and be done with it ...

It's also (if I'm not disappearing too much up my own ..... here) worth mentioning for those who are still insecure about it. I'm not - really.

#1.1.1 - Rich said:
2008-01-25 05:00 - (Reply)

Doug,

You have a real interesting outlook. At first reading I figured your psoriaiss cant be that bad because you seem so lax about it. But then I see youve gobe for UV treatment so its probably more than I thought. YOu seem to handle it real well. Good for you.

#2 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-05 20:48 - (Reply)

Well, I might as well get it all out of my system (unintentional - but noticed - pun) while I'm here. I've been reading some of those links and ...

"Often the lesions appear symmetrically, which means in the same place on the right and left sides of the body."

How weird is that? (and true)

What's going on with that knee, elbow, scalp, ... (a whole hierarchy should be plugged in here) thing, too?

I find the whole thing slightly fascinating ...

#3 - Noons said:
2006-10-06 02:27 - (Reply)

It is one of the weirdest skin conditions. I call it a condition because it isn't really a disease: no virus, no bacteria, nothing. Not to be confused with eczema, although it looks similar.

Just genetic pre-disposition and apparently encouraged by childhood chickenpox. Or so the latest theories say.

Bottom line is: if some important politician or media personality suffered from it, a cure would have been found by now. As is there is none so far.

It varies enormously in symptoms as well as treatment. In my case:

- Sunlight is detrimental: it exacerbates the itching rather than getting rid of it,

- but seawater helps. So if you see me diving into a set of waves dressed in a long sleeve singlet, don't ask...

- Cortisone ointments are the only thing that gets rid of the patches. But they have a side effect: the skin becomes so thin any scratch causes immediate bleeding. So I tend to only use them as a last resort.

- Daivonex (calcipotriol) reduces the scales but doesn't eliminate the patch. The only thing that eliminates them is the cortisone, unfortunately...

- Ointments based on urea (!) like Uroderm work a treat to keep the itching under control without side effects. So does Aristocort, a very mild cortisone preparation.

and that's more than you ever wanted to know about this...

#4 - David Aldridge said:
2006-10-06 04:09 - (Reply)

Do Doug's in darkest Scotland, Noon's in sunburnt Australia ... you guys need to arrange a house swap or summit.

#4.1 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-06 06:50 - (Reply)

you guys need to arrange a house swap or summit.

Only if he spends a month or two packing up all the creepy crawlies first so that he can bring them with him ;-)

#4.1.1 - Anonymous 2006-10-06 08:14 - (Reply)

Only if he spends a month or two packing up all the creepy crawlies first so that he can bring them with him

C'mon! Creepy? You cannot possibly think that of dear old Josephine! Here she is:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~nsouto/photos/brrr.JPG

(gd&r, vvf!)

#4.1.1.1 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-06 08:37 - (Reply)

Thanks for that photo. I'd seen it before, though.

This morning I had to use the upstairs bathroom because there was another biggie in the downstairs bathroom. I couldn't waste time on him (and I need to build up to these things) because I had to get to work, but he's copping it big time when I get home.

If anyone feels a desperate need to rescue him before I get home, give me a shout.

#4.1.1.2 - David Aldridge said:
2006-10-06 14:05 - (Reply)

>> You cannot possibly think that of dear old Josephine!

The course of action is clear ...

i) leave trail of dead flies and other morsels from Josephine leading out the house ...
ii) ... round to the garage ...
iii) ... and up the rear wall about 18 inches.
iv) Wait for bait to be taken
v) Start car engine
vi) Engage reverse gear
vii) backup repeatedly into rear wall of garage until problem fixed.

Friends who have lived in Warner-Robins, Georgia, swear by this technique as the only way of killing the cockroaches there.

For bathrooms I recommend luring them to a tiled surface then dispatching 'em with an aerosol can and a cigarette lighter. It's the only language they understand!

#5 - Tim Hall said:
2006-10-06 07:48 - (Reply)

I can't even spell it, so I couldn't possible have it! :-)

#6 - Jan Smets 2006-10-06 13:39 - (Reply)

Hi,

Have you ever heard of the Gesret-method ?

This is a technique used by specialised osteopaths in order to cure asthma, psoriasis, ... (with a very high success-ratio !).

More information can be found/requested on :

http://www.asthma-reality.com/phorum/list.php?2

Kind regards,

Jan Smets
Belgium

#7 - joel garry said:
2006-10-06 14:59 - (Reply)

Great wikipedia article, especially the historical treatments.

My dermatologist suggested UV, I thought that was pretty funny here in socal. Since it would interfere with my billable hours, I didn't go for it. Tempting to say I have to go to the beach for medicinal purposes :-)

#8 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-06 15:50 - (Reply)

My dermatologist suggested UV, I thought that was pretty funny here in socal. Since it would interfere with my billable hours, I didn't go for it.

I was permanent at the time ;-) Had I been a contractor, I might have had to seriously consider how important my skin is to me ;-)

#9 - Dave Edwards said:
2006-10-06 16:09 - (Reply)

Ain't this a site for psoriasis! ;-)

Dave Edwards.
Log Buffer -- pythian.com/blogs/about-log-buffer

#9.1 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-06 18:41 - (Reply)

Oh, my word. Punnery at it's finest.

#10 - Peter Lewis 2006-10-06 19:30 - (Reply)

It usually amuses me when I catch people staring at the large hairy birthmark on my left forearm. The birthmark is quite striking, but to me it is entirely normal, as normal as if I didn't have it.

Only rarely do I notice people obviously staring, frequently it is check-out operators in supermarkets. I have no problem with people asking about it, some do, often thinking it is some sort of burn. Others appear embarrassed if they realise I've seen them looking, but I really don't mind. Though I do wonder how I would feel if it were on my face.

I'm proud of my birthmark.

#10.1 - Thomas Presslie 2006-10-07 08:25 - (Reply)

My three year old daughter has a birthmark on her cheek. She's only recently been asking about it and my wife tried explaining to her what it was in the simplest way possible, but after still not understanding properly she ended up telling her that an angel had touched her cheek. Kids are cruel, so I'm a little concerned how it'll affect her later in life.

Man, time to switch on your ISP4400 I think!

#11 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-07 11:12 - (Reply)

Man, time to switch on your ISP4400 I think!

Just finished installing Solaris 10 and Oracle 10gR2 on it. More on that later ;-)

#12 - Knock Ninja 2006-10-11 15:13 - (Reply)

"Parallelism's going to seem pretty interesting after this ..."

Parallelism will never seem interesting....ever !!!

#13 - Paul Vallee said:
2006-10-11 18:42 - (Reply)

Had just read this article on your blog when I heard about this on the CBC news: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-10/uops-prf100606.php. Perhaps it's time to start taking an aspirin a day, Doug?

Be well,

Paul

#13.1 - Doug Burns said:
2006-10-11 21:24 - (Reply)

That's extremely interesting - thanks.

Of course I manage all the other cardio risks so well, too. Not.

#14 - victoria andrich 2006-10-11 21:43 - (Reply)

hey this is my first time on this site or even doing a blog i am writing because i have developed a natural product that help aleve the itching and reduce s the look of open rawness that this condition produces i have given it to friends and family for a variety of different conditions and it helps all of them it's not a cure but after having this for 40 years any relief is appreciated holler back if you want or need furthur info

#15 - Jennifer 2007-01-29 19:15 - (Reply)

I have found eliminating certain foods in my diet is the best way to control psoriasis. I am 32 years old and have suffered from severe psoriasis since I was nine. This has been a chronic condition that I inherited from my mother and grandfather and over the years I have never been psoriasis free. Ironically, my mother has always suggested a change in diet. She watched her father completely clear up while he was in a coma after a stroke. Obviously, he wasn’t eating anything and was having nutrients given to him through an IV. Although we mentioned this experience to countless dermatologists, none of them would agree with its validity.

Over the years, I have seen countless doctors and experienced numerous treatments. During my last visit to my dermatologist I was a wreck. I had the worst break out of my life. My family said I looked like ground beef! The visit resulted in a recommendation to start biologic medicine. He mentioned the treatment had good results but only 14 years of history so the verdict was still out on the long term side effects (possibly cancer). This scared me enough to take matters in my own hands. I searched the web and found a book called "Spot Free in 30 Days". I read it and realized what the author was proposing was not a radical diet (like eating cabbage soup for two weeks) but a natural healthy way of living. I have changed my eating habits for six months now and I can go days without even thinking about psoriasis. I don’t even feel like a psoriasis sufferer anymore. Even better, you can only imagine how much money I have saved not having to go to the pharmacy every week for yet another tube of Dovenex for my body and bottle of Clobetesal for my scalp. I am completely spot free!

The diet is strict and it is very hard at first but the result you receive is worth it. After being on the diet for several months, I have eased up on the strict guidelines and have found a way to make the diet work for my lifestyle (I travel three weeks out of the months so it can be difficult - BUT DOABLE!) I stay away from anything processed, dairy, flour, beef and pork. On a typically day, I eat eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and fish. I continue to take supplements everyday, such as, cod liver oil, flax seed, calcium, B12 and a multi-vitamin. As far as alcohol, I stay away from everything except for red wine. I have shared this book with others and they have had the same results.

If you have been struggling with psoriasis, go online, Google the title and give it a try. As strict as it feels at first, you will be amazed by the results. I am looking forward to the summer months; I've already filled my closet with sleeveless shirts, shorts and bathing suits! I truly hope you find the same success! Best - J

#15.1 - Rich said:
2008-01-25 05:06 - (Reply)

Jennifer,

I realize its been a while since your post. But are you still clear? Did diet REALLY do it?

#15.2 - rich said:
2008-01-26 16:50 - (Reply)

Is your psoriasis still cleared? ive heard of people where diet helps - but only for a short time.

#16 - Brian 2007-02-28 13:59 - (Reply)

Ditto with the diet change. It's crazy to me to think now that people believe there is no cure for psoriasis. It's because a dermatologist will tell you some things that might help, but never mention diet. I went through the UV and the creams. Worked for a while. The creams actually make things worse in the long run, as they hurt the liver and make it harder for your body to get rid of toxins.

A good book to read is "Healing Psoriasis Naturally" by John Pagano. The reviews on amazon.com convinced me. I know it seems crazy that there is a cure, and it's eating well (and avoiding nightshades - tomatoes, potatoes, etc), when no dermatologist ever even mentions it, but its true. For a quick test, eat a big tomato dinner and guzzle down 6 beers. When your skin is looking horrible in the morning, start researching diet and psoriasis and get yourself better.

#16.1 - Rich said:
2008-01-25 05:05 - (Reply)

Brian,

Have you tried the diet? Does it really work?

#17 - PLM 2007-09-08 11:19 - (Reply)

My husband used to have moderate plaque psoriasis. But it used to flake so much, never he could wear any dark colour Tshirts. After suffering for almost for 10years, he started using an Ayurvedic product with Natural extracts and minerals called Dermist (www.dermist.in). This worked well for him and now there is no more flaking. He will be able to wear even black tshirt now without hesitation. YOu may also check that. Main thing we liked about dermist is, that is side-effects free medication and do not interact with any of other medications we take.

#18 - Mary Olds 2007-11-17 01:22 - (Reply)

Just wanted to share some wonderful news about my son’s psoriasis. He was diagnosed at age 1 with it–all over, hair eyes, knees, hands legs. It was horrible. Not knowing any better, we did the tar treatments, etc. It never really went away, but would get better and then he would have flare ups. He has surgery a few months ago and developed RED MAN SYNDROME from the antibiotic they gave him during and after the surgery. Ever since then his psoriasis has come back with a vengence. Hands, arms, knees, legs, ankles cracking open and bleeding. Family doc gave him cream to use. Tried over the counter stuff. Nothing was helping. Long story short, my husband who is a chiropractor met a heart surgeon from Russia who now lives in Maryland. Somehow, in the conversation, my husband mentioned my son and his psoriasis. This doctor had an old family “recipe” for a salve to use on psoriasis. The doctor came to our clinic two days later and examined my son. He gave him a sample container of this salve, told him how to use it and to wear only 100% cotton clothing over his psoriasis while treating with the salve. This Doctor, then called my son later that night to see how he was doing. THE NEXT MORNING, MY SON CALLED ALMOST CRYING. ALL THE WHITE SCALES WERE GONE! HE WAS STILL RED WHERE THE WHITE SCALES WERE, BUT THE SCALES WERE GONE. The Doctor was still in town for a while so he came to the clinic and saw my son two more times during the week. By the end of the week, all the white scales and cracks were still gone and the red spots now looked like brand new baby soft skin! This family is telling everyone we know about this. My son has lived with this horrible disease for 30 years! Anyone can reach the doctor or his precious wife (Billie) by looking at this web sight and calling the number listed at the bottom of the page: http://www.drnedostupenko.com/1.html
Both “Doc” as we call him because I can’t pronounce his name and his wife are wonderful, kind, caring people who just simply want to help people. My husband has been on the phone with every doctor he knows who believes just a little bit in a natural approach and telling them about this. Our pharmacist and our health food store are both now selling it. Their eczema treatment worked equally as well on one of our employees grandson who is only 5. The “Doc” and his wife say it doesn’t work for everyone, but as my husband tells his patients….there is something out there who will work for anyone, but there is no one product out there that will work for everyone. I would have paid hundreds of dollars in co-pays at doctors and medicine costs to get half these results! Trust me, it is well worth a try for a possible cure! Thanks for letting me rattle on and on. This is my first ever blog and my son said I absolutely had to do this to let other people know!

#19 - Billy 2008-01-19 16:47 - (Reply)

i personally have psoriasis for years now. on a trip i took with some good friends to Israel, i found this amazing place called the Dead Sea.a few days there helped me to achive a great relief in my condition.the combination of salts in it's water and the sun there, is great. now i try to travel there ones a year.

#20 - ran said:
2008-05-31 03:24 - (Reply)

i have psoriasis and i want to share it to the world how i struggle to live with it. but my blog isnt in the google index can anyone help me?

mail me...
my email is ran_mb@yahoo.com

#20.1 - Doug Burns said:
2008-06-01 21:49 - (Reply)

Maybe it isn't indexed by Google because you haven't been writing it for long yet? If you keep up the writing, I'm sure it will appear soon, but maybe appearing in Google results isn't the most important thing anyway?

#21 - Millie 2008-07-26 19:02 - (Reply)

I had to apply champori cream 2 times a day only and after 3 weeks didn't have to: my knees and elbows cleared out. No flare ups for 8 months so far!!
Cheers,
MW

#22 - Tina Nelson 2009-02-14 19:50 - (Reply)

There is an unsightly patch of psoriasis on my left leg, between my ankle and kneecap ~ mostly towards my ankle.

If i run an electric razor over it everyday, it stays totally under control. I keep my little rechargeable Remington handy in case it starts itching. It is instant relief to run the razor over it. I don't have any insurance so i have been trying to deal with this, myself, in lieu of expensive ongoing treatment.

Until i accidentally discovered this, i was pretty miserable with the scaling and itching. If my little Chihuahua accidentally licked it, it would burn like fire (still does ~ but not as badly with the electric razor effect).

Anyway, i hope this gives somebody a tiny bit of relief from what i know is just one of those aggravations in life that you sometimes have to adjust enough to deal with it.

#23 - Jason 2009-03-12 10:37 - (Reply)

I'm currently in the process of having it diagnosed by a dermatologist, but I'm almost positive that I have Psoriasis. The bad part for me is that it is on my forehead, scalp, parts of my upper arms, and right below my knees. Since it is on my scalp, naturally, it causes a huge amount of flaking dandruff like symptoms.

I have no idea why it started happening, and it's honestly scary to me. I am trying to find out currently if my family has a history of it, and will be heading in to see a dermatologist once I'm home long enough to get in there.

#24 - Judy Westmore said:
2010-08-19 11:28 - (Reply)

by the way, ultimate psoriasis treatment has a great natural technique to get rid of psoriasis, I can really recommend that.


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