Finding the root cause?
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I am dealing with chronic, troublesome psoriasis.
It first surfaced during my military service when I was 19—I’m 38 now—starting on my hands and scalp (which gradually began creeping down from the hairline), and now it has essentially spread everywhere.
Everything was "relatively manageable" when it was confined to my hands, legs, abdomen, or backside—summer helps mitigate that somewhat—but over the last few days, it has suddenly flared up on my face, and I must admit, I am starting to panic.
The worst part is that topical creams aren't doing anything anymore... though, most psoriasis creams aren't even designed for facial use.
So, what now?
I have noticed that almost every thread revolves around creams and oils applied topically, but what happens when those stop working entirely?
Or perhaps I should frame the question this way:
What is the actual underlying cause of psoriasis?
To be honest, I don't expect much from "mainstream medicine."
They talk about "treatment"—where medical science is quite thin—focusing on ointments, lotions, and creams... but where is the core issue?
Has anyone experimented with dietary changes?
Does anyone have any actual experience with that?
Through some friends, I came across several English-language links discussing the total elimination of gluten from one's diet, as well as issues regarding stomach acid, specifically involving the liver and bile production.
To pivot slightly from the main topic, I stumbled upon this today:
How is it possible that on a forum dedicated to psoriasis, populated by patients themselves, there isn't a single dermatologist present to offer advice—or even just to satisfy a professional curiosity about what we are experiencing "on this side"?
Isn't it absurd that, for instance, a facility like the Baku spa shuts down from mid-December to mid-January for the holidays?
Where are the patients during that time?
It is treated as if this were a luxury wellness retreat rather than a serious health condition.
Regarding Baku, I can say it does have some positive effects, particularly during the initial visits.
One more thing:
Is anyone here a member of the Salisbury support group, and if so, is it actually worth it?
If members are enrolled but see no practical value in it, we ought to organize ourselves to make it meaningful.
I did a little digging online and saw that the government distributes a decent amount of funding annually to our association.
In my 19 years of dealing with this, I haven't seen a cent of benefit from it, which seems unfair, doesn't it?
Returning to the subject at hand...
Has anyone ever heard of someone truly overcoming psoriasis, or at least significantly reducing it? Because if it continues to progress like this, it will eventually reach a stage where it becomes completely unbearable.
I will leave a few links here (assuming I am permitted to do so without violating any rules) regarding various diets—what to eliminate, what to consume heavily, and what to avoid at all costs...
These accounts come from people who have successfully managed their condition, or experienced relapses only after seriously compromising their diet.
The texts are in English; my proficiency is good but far from perfect, so I would appreciate help translating certain terms.
It seems to me this is the right path—all of us sharing experiences (mine are quite extensive, as I also deal with psoriatic arthritis)...
For example, some firsthand information that might help: people with arthritis, especially psoriatic types, should generally cut out POTATOES, and if possible, bread.
If you are "addicted" to bread, buy gluten-free options (you can find them at Whole Foods; they are a bit pricey, but try them a few times as a test...).
LINKS:
http://groups.msn.com/psoriasisisavoidable/general.msnw
The link above leads to an English-language psoriasis forum. The diet program is located on the left under "NEW DIET," and it is certainly worth reading the other links on the sidebar as well as the forum posts.
The diet includes lists of what is permitted, what to avoid, and so on.
http://www.newtreatments.org/Here is a second interesting link—you’ll need to scroll down to the middle of the page and, under the SKIN DISEASES section, click on the link titled: Psoriasis, caused endotoxins.....
Once you're there, you will find further useful links in English.
Generally speaking, one should cut out ALL STORE-BOUGHT JUICES—stick to water, herbal teas, or perhaps freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juices (though I suppose sparkling mineral water is fine?)—eliminate coffee entirely, quit smoking altogether, and skip bread too—anything containing gluten, which, frankly, is everywhere—potatoes... some even mention avoiding pasteurized milk and all types of "processed food."
My interpretation is that this means avoiding manufactured foods—essentially, we should only consume fresh, organic, healthy food, at least while following this strict diet.
Now, regarding the timeline (this is new to me as well), I am hoping this refers to a diet one maintains for an extended period, though perhaps not indefinitely....
On the other hand, fish is permitted—even canned varieties—Walmart clearly labels which ones are gluten-free, provided you read the packaging carefully.
Fresh meat, plenty of vegetables... drink liters of water to flush out those toxins....
The results ought to be visible—someone needs to provide a before and after.
There is a note suggesting that for a complete cleanse, one must follow this regimen for as many months as one has lived with psoriasis.
That part sounds a bit like old wives' tales to me, but in that text, it's the only thing that feels unsubstantiated; everything else seems quite convincing.
I am starting this process now (I have already cut out gluten)—I will report back on my progress, and I would truly appreciate it if any of my fellow sufferers would join me... it would make things easier for both myself and those of you who reach out.
If anyone is truly proficient in English, please give me a call at my cell (555-019-3030) or I can call you—just send your number first so I can reach out (my company offers decent rates for landlines or mobile calls) or simply check in here on the forum more frequently.
If someone wants to test this diet but lacks English skills, feel free to call as well.
I will help as much as I possibly can—I believe I have grasped about 95% of the vital information.
My cell number for quicker contact: 555-019-3030.
I am interested in seeing if anyone decides to commit to this diet so we can track our progress together and exchange advice on whatever changes we notice in ourselves—anything at all.
Regards,