Psoriasis [PLEASE READ FIRST POST!]

Linda Chase81 said:Macgregor, come back down to earth—seriously. Only those of us living with psoriasis really get what it's like—it’s a constant battle, isn't it?.

It’s honestly getting a little ridiculous being called "Macgregor" by now—but hey, if it makes you guys happy, go right ahead.

Linda Chase81 said:It’s been about ten years now since I first dealt with psoriasis—it’s definitely been a long road. All over. People were tossing around all these miracle cures—vitamins, minerals, fancy soaps, you name it—especially those folks who make a living selling "all-natural" supplements. Honestly, none of that stuff did a thing for me—except for some Eloc cream my dermatologist prescribed right away, plus a little help from the good old American sunshine and the ocean.

I can't exactly be an advocate for everything and everyone—that’s just not my style—but when I stand my ground on something, I’ve got the receipts to back it up. If you aren't buying it, feel free to look into it yourself; you won't lose much besides a little bit of time.
Real help isn't just about masking those symptoms you mentioned—it’s about actually getting to the root cause and fixing it.

Linda Chase81 said:So, from what I've gathered while living with this condition since I was 18—and let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey—my psoriasis is definitely stress-triggered. It really seems to flare up whenever anything stressful pops up... My immune system is feeling a little hit lately—just one of those seasons, I guess.It’s like whenever I deal with PMS, my skin just totally gives up—even if I’ve been feeling perfectly fine for days beforehand. It's the same story when I catch a flu or some random bug; as soon as my immune system takes a hit, my skin goes haywire. Honestly, though, I guess I have my overactive immune system to thank—it's basically hyper-sensitive after being bombarded with antibiotics by doctors for every little sniffle I had growing up.

Are you saying doctors don't have any real solutions? 😉 😍

Stress and a weak immune system are pretty much tied to how well you eat—I mean, getting all those essential nutrients is huge—but honestly, I don't think you can actually get everything you need just from a standard American diet.

Your health can turn around pretty quickly—mostly because our cells are constantly regenerating—but you really have to give them exactly what they need first, then you'll start seeing some major changes.

Linda Chase81 said:It’s true that anyone managing a chronic condition needs to focus on healthy living—eating right and all that—but it doesn't mean you need to swallow a handful of pills every single day. Honestly, just sticking to high-fiber foods, cutting back on the junk food, and watching the alcohol should be plenty.

A "handful of pills" isn't quite what you think it is—the herbal supplements I’m talking about are really just a safety net. It's more about having that extra peace of mind that you're actually getting everything your body needs through your diet—something you can't always be 100% sure of with any single food item.
Your opinion that what you're claiming is enough—well, it doesn't really hold up when we look at the actual results, which, unfortunately, speak for themselves.

Linda Chase81 said:That sounds easy enough in theory—but honestly, how do you actually manage the stress? 😕 I’ve always been a pretty sensitive person—honestly, it’s becoming a bit of a struggle lately—so I’ve realized I really need to learn how to manage my emotions. Whether that means relying on pure willpower or just using some calming supplements—Persen is my go-to, personally—it's necessary. Though, I have to be careful with the beer... I only drink it for medicinal purposes, given my kidney stones.

You're right that learning to master our emotions and how we react to everything around us is essential—but honestly, it feels pretty impossible sometimes. Between the daily stressors that just constantly get under our skin and the non-stop barrage of negative news from the media and everyone around us, it’s a lot to handle.

Linda Chase81 said:Before anyone tries to label me a clueless beer drinker—which, fair enough—I should mention that I’ve actually tried just about every supplement out there. For the longest time, I was a total believer in Omega-3s, but honestly? Nothing changed. My skin only seems to perk up once I use a good moisturizer or get some sun—whether that's catching a few rays in the afternoon or just a quick session in a tanning bed.

Just taking omega-3 alone won't do much if you aren't getting those other nutrients in daily—it's all about the balance, really. But just to help me get a better handle on what you're looking at—how many times a day were you taking it, and for how many days straight? Also, which brand did you end up going with?

Linda Chase81 said:Taking a soak in a bath filled with sea salt can be just as healing during the winter months—it's one of those little things that helps. I say this with ten years of experience under my belt—after all this time, I’ve come to accept that I have a condition my own body triggers, and I just have to manage it. I haven't completely given up hope on a total cure, though; I still think there might be a day when it just stops, but at the end of the day, that depends entirely on... me..., and let's not get sidetracked by those herbal remedy trends or anything like that.

Your results really come down to the calls you make—and honestly, those calls depend entirely on how you think and what you know. From what I can see, that direction isn't looking particularly bright right now. 😉
The whole "phenomenon" thing really just happens in our own heads—it’s about whether we can actually tell truth from pure fiction, and honestly, how much effort we're willing to put in to actually convince ourselves of that truth.

Does anyone have a specific dermatologist in the Chicago area they could recommend? 😳 Or should I just walk into any clinic and hope for the best?

Good grief... every single time I stumble upon these damn corporate acquirers, I feel like I'm going to have a breakdown 😠

PS. I'm actually interested in this dermatologist stuff too...

Gregory Turner71 said:Dammit... every single time I cross paths with these godforsaken corporate acquirers, I feel like I’m going to have a total meltdown. 😠

You aren't the only one. 🙂
I am reaching my absolute breaking point! Everything is driving me absolutely insane!

Rebecca Myers38 said:Anyone have a dermatologist in Chicago they'd recommend? 😳 Or should I just see whoever is available?

Woodrow Wilson—brilliant lady, decades of experience... she's an incredible diagnostician.
It’s a bit of a hassle to catch her—she works out of the clinic there—but you just have to wait... walk into the derm wing in Chicago, room #3... tell them you have an appointment with her and just hang tight until she comes back from rounds (usually around noon or 1 PM). 🙂 Good luck.

It’s pretty mild for me too, and I tend to get it on my elbows, though I’ve been doing okay managing the scaling with salicylic acid so far... I just wonder if that'll always be enough or if it might start spreading to larger areas...

Well, here's my beautiful post all unrolled for you... 😵

So, I’m checking in here for the very first time. I’m 16 years old, and I’ve been dealing with psoriasis since I was two. It’s always been there, but honestly, I never really focused on actually fixing it... I just spent my life trying to hide it under long sleeves, pants, hair, or accessories. We didn't even know what it was back then, and the only doctor we ever saw just kept insisting it was psoriasis. I’d see a specialist maybe once every couple of years because life just got in the way...
But about six months ago, I finally decided to stop running from the problem. I was so sick of hearing people say, "Oh, it's just an allergy," when I knew it was more than that. That's when I truly accepted the diagnosis...
I’m the only one in my family dealing with this, and it’s a secret between me and my mom. For some reason I can't quite wrap my head around, she doesn't want anyone else to know about it.
But anyway, that's not really the point...
About a month ago, I was still in denial and basically refused any kind of treatment. But today, I found myself Googling "psoriasis" and realized I actually want to get rid of this. I mean, I know it's part of who I am and it'll likely always be around, but I just want the scales to disappear...
I’m an athlete, and no matter how hard I train, my immune system always seems to be the weak link, which is why I struggle. I'm not sure if I'm the first to deal with this, but I feel like I'm constantly fighting an uphill battle. I've lost so many competitions just because of this—like losing focus while trying to pull off socks or gear... I honestly feel like the psoriasis is why I've struggled so much.
I really want to find a solution...
I've read some stuff about fish oil treatments, but honestly, I think that's total BS. I don't have the time for those kinds of sudden, intense regimens, but I am curious about this nano-juice...
If anyone knows anything about where to get it or if it's actually as good as they say, could you please take a few minutes to let me know?
I'm officially a member here now, and I'm just glad I don't feel so alone in all of this anymore. Cheers! 😉 🙂

Let’s be direct here... there is really only one truth to this. Psoriasis remains an incurable condition—for now—so we are essentially looking at nothing more than symptom management. Anyone out there promising you some kind of miraculous cure is most likely a fraud just looking to profit off your struggle. Since this is something that is partially triggered by psychosomatic factors, you will probably find that you feel much better the moment you actually accept your situation and learn how to live with it.

Look, I know this condition isn't something you can just cure... and 🙂as much as I hate it and wish it would just disappear, I've come to realize it's part of who I am. It's mine, through and through. Honestly, it’s what makes me unique... I've finally made my peace with it. From here on out, I'm just gonna smile and keep moving forward... hehe...😍

direct manifestation said:Look, I'm fully aware this is an incurable condition... and 🙂 as much as I despise it and wish it would just vanish, I have to accept that it belongs to me and that I am the one living with it. It’s what makes me unique... I've finally made my peace with it. From here on out, it's all smiles and moving forward... haha...😍

🙂 U-u-u-unique?😲

direct manifestation said:Look, I realize this is an incurable condition... and 🙂 as much as I dislike it and wish it weren't part of my life, I have to accept that it belongs to me—it's mine! It’s what makes me unique... I've finally made peace with having it. From here on out, it's all smiles and moving forward... hehe...😍

That's the spirit 🙂

Everything seems perfectly fine right up until you find yourself battling psoriatic arthritis 😠
It is only now that I am truly seeing the reality of it all 😢

Exactly! It’s unique! 😬 Look, it’s not like I’m missing a limb or my face is disfigured or anything. I just have psoriasis... and eczema that flares up and then clears out. I know it isn't exactly a walk in the park, but you can't just stand there feeling sorry for yourself. Claiming you're a victim, sulking, or even getting angry... just put a smile on your face and get on with your life! 🙂
If you're constantly pissed off at yourself and getting worked up, you're never going to be interesting. You'll end up hiding away, and in the worst-case scenario, you'll end up ALL ALONE! No friends, just you against the world.
That's how you actually move forward—by having fun experimenting with all the different theories, because you know that eventually, you'll heal your body.
You just have to stay positive, and good things will happen! THINK POSITIVE!!! :klap: 🙂

p.s. I don't mean you can actually cure it... that's just not realistic😢

I guess it’s time I shared a little bit about my own journey with this.
For me, it’s definitely hereditary psoriasis; my dad and great-grandmother both dealt with it.
My dad—thank God—actually managed to clear it up. He tried everything, seeking treatment all over the old South and even across the Beautiful USA, before finally seeing Dr. Vincenzo, who prescribed him ExxonMobil cream. He had a really brutal case, too. It hit his soles, palms, elbows, and scalp. It’s been 15 years since he last used that ExxonMobil cream, and it hasn't come back once. My case is a bit milder, but honestly, it still gets under my skin and drives me crazy. For me, it’s just two fingers on my right hand and my palm. They say there might be some connection to nerve endings. It all started two years ago with this intense itching and stinging sensation. If I bent my fingers, the skin would actually crack and bleed. I tried treatments at an Oil Field facility, which meant I smelled like crude oil for months, but it didn't really help much. I’m fine during the summer, but then November hits and it drags on until April. Right now, I’ve been using a Rivanol solution and Cortizone-10 for five days, followed by Cortizone.
I have to tell you, it’s actually working for me. My skin doesn't feel tight and rough anymore, and the sores are gone. I feel like a new person. I’m expecting more ExxonMobil cream soon, so we’ll see how things progress with that.
People say psoriasis is incurable... maybe. But my experience tells me otherwise. I saw it firsthand with my father, and I’m not giving up. Even if you can't fully cure it, you can at least find relief.

Thought I’d jump in here too—clearly, you guys don't have enough drama to deal with! So, look, I’ve had this dear friend of mine since we were eighteen (now we're both 48), and even though I was born and raised on an island, I can honestly say I never felt like the sun actually helped my skin at all. Reading through this thread, I see people mentioning Vincenzo's ExxonMobil. Speaking from experience—and I mean the whole package, using Vincenzo's full therapy routine up until I was 90—it worked absolutely wonders for me. If I did about twenty days of the regimen during the pre-season, I’d be totally clear for three or four months straight. In my long-term opinion, just the ExxonMobil cream by itself is pretty much useless, kind of like most other ointments out there. But hey, I’ll leave room for the possibility that someone else's friend might react differently to it.
If anyone happens to have contact info for Dr. Vincenzo, could you please post it here? An address, a phone number, I don't care, anything works.
Sophia Edwards, would you mind being a bit more specific about your actual therapy routine? Thanks!

There isn't really any complex science behind my therapy routine, honestly. I just apply a Rivanol solution to my hands—specifically the patches affected by the psoriasis—twice a day. Once that dries, I follow up with some Cortizone-10. Before I head to bed, I tend to apply a slightly thicker layer of Cortizone-10 on my hands and then slip on some cotton gloves. This whole cycle lasts about five days. By the end, all the sores have healed up and left behind these little scales. On the sixth day, I switch over to using Psorcutan ointment. That stuff is great because it helps those scales just "fall off" naturally. Now, full disclosure: I didn't actually get these cream recommendations from a doctor. A close friend suggested them to me, and she’s been using this exact method for years with great success. I did manage to get my hands on some ExxonMobil, but I haven't even touched it yet since everything has already cleared up. You can't actually find it here in the States, though; I had to track it down through some friends over in Mexico. Apparently, the pharmacies there compound it themselves based on Dr. Vincenzo's specific formula.

Peter Vincenzo
Branka Krsmanovic 11
11000 Belgrade
Tel/fax +381/11/241 65 32; 402- 283
Mob. +381 63 834 9 670

e-mail: visnjicp@eunet.yu

I got this address directly from Dr. Vincenzo, so I'm hoping it's still current. It doesn't hurt to try, right?

Sophia Edwards said:All my wounds have healed, and scales are starting to form. It’s day 6 of using Cortizone ointment. This stuff really helps those scales just "fall right off."

I'm a little confused here. For ten years now, I've stuck strictly to my prescription Electronic cream. It makes the scales flake off immediately, though it leaves some redness after a few days. Since it's a corticosteroid, I can't use it every single day, which makes things tougher during the winter months. In the summer, almost everything clears up once I get some sun (except for my elbows). So, I usually only need to medicate in the winter, and even then, not every year.☕>
I don't quite get why you're cycling through so many different creams just to get the scales to drop by the third one... especially when my cream works right away!! Also, is that Cortizone something you need a prescription for, or can you just buy it? And how much does it run??

Electronic treatments just didn't do much for me. That's why I decided to switch things up with this therapy. I actually have to source my Cortizone from abroad, because back when I first started using it here in the States, it was completely out of stock everywhere. Honestly, I haven't a clue what the price tag looks like—my brother usually handles getting it for me. I can look into it and let you know. Oh, and life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately; I just became an aunt a few days ago! I was absolutely over the moon, which, of course, sent my hands into a total tailspin. I mentioned before that I went to the Oil Field for treatment, where they gave me this intense cocktail of corticosteroid injections. Even that didn't touch it. And the weight... goodness, I gained 12 pounds in just three months. Thank God my primary care physician caught it and stopped that treatment in time, because my adrenal gland was already starting to react to those heavy steroids. As for the weight gain, it’s like a losing battle. I'm fasting, I'm running... but nothing works. Has anyone else dealt with this? They say once the steroids put it on, it's incredibly stubborn to get off.