Psoriasis [PLEASE READ FIRST POST!]

Timothy Jackson6 said:I’ve been dealing with psoriasis for quite some time now.
I used to go to the coast for treatments and it worked wonders, but after a couple of years, things flared up again. In the meantime, I heard about this specific lotion and ordered it; it's been incredible...
The redness, itching, and spreading have all subsided. I'm really happy with the results right now and hope it stays this way. I don't think anyone should give up; we just have to keep looking for new solutions...

Which lotion exactly? Could you share some details...😘

The lotion is basically just salt, olive oil, minerals from the Dead Sea, lavender, and a few other things
It’s mostly 100% natural stuff, and honestly, it’s worked better for me than any of those fancy creams I’ve wasted money on. I don't even know if I should name the specific brand, but you can easily find it online if you look up the fish icon. Anyway, the flaky skin is gone, and even some of the areas that weren't super thick have smoothed out—and all this in just a week since I started using it. You're supposed to use it twice a day, ideally right after a shower, and they suggest doing a long soak in the tub for about half an hour twice a week... you really ought to try it, what have you got to lose? I used to use Aquaphor before, but it didn't do a damn thing for me so I gave up on it, plus apparently, you aren't supposed to use that stuff all the time anyway.

Look, I probably wouldn't be quite so confident about your recovery if you could just manage to remember a single name. Like this, maybe? I'm not really sure.

My apologies, I accidentally switched pages there. What I wrote above actually refers back to that last message on the previous page. I guess I don't quite understand why Timothy Jackson6 is being so hesitant about just saying the name. It seems to me like nobody would actually stop you from sharing it, unless maybe there's just so little to say that it doesn't feel worth the effort of bringing it up with everyone else.

Timothy Jackson6 said:The lotion is salt-based—lots of olive oil, minerals from the Dead Sea, lavender, and a few other things
it’s mostly 100% natural, and honestly, it’s worked better for me than any cream I’ve ever tried. I’m not sure if I should name the specific brand—you can find it online on those sites with the little fish icons—but basically, the scaling is gone. Even some spots that weren't super thick have cleared up, and I’ve only been using it for about a week now. It works best if you apply it twice a day right after your shower, and they recommend taking a long soak in the tub for about half an hour twice a week... you should give it a shot; there’s really nothing to lose. I used to use something like Cortizone, but it didn't do much for me, so I gave up on it—plus, people say you shouldn't overdo it with those anyway.

Man, please, just tell me the name and where exactly I can pick it up. I was browsing those websites with the fish logos, but I couldn't find anything. I don't actually have psoriasis myself, but my daughter was diagnosed with it—she's only 11 years old. We just got the diagnosis about ten days ago, so we're still pretty much flying blind, though a few days of reading through forums definitely helps you learn the ropes. Up until now, we’ve been using stuff like Cortizone and similar ointments, but it’s all just a temporary fix. You know how it is—it’s so hard to explain to kids that psoriasis isn't some scary thing they need to run away from. My little girl has taken it in stride, but try explaining that to the other kids at school... so please, just let me know where to buy this. THANKS!!!🙏

Psoralan is this lotion they make
The number is 555-012-3456 and you should ask for Ms. Sarah Jenkins
They’re based out of Austin, but she can totally just mail it to you—she sent mine straight to Chicago once
I think I was one of the very first people to try those fish spa treatments with them
Honestly, if you can swing it, I’d tell your daughter to go get those little fish therapy sessions, because even if nothing else happens, it buys you at least two years of peace, especially if you pair it with a cleaner diet and actually paying attention to what you eat
Anyway, I know for a fact that being by the ocean helps me immensely, whereas the snow? Forget about it, everything just goes south when it gets cold or when the seasons shift
I pretty much know exactly how the little one feels since I went through the exact same thing back when I was 14
Even now, when I see someone who doesn't know anything about it staring at me like I have some kind of... well, you know
Bottom line, just give the lady a call and ask her all about that lotion
My skin has improved a bit, but I've basically been riding the wave from those fish treatments three years ago—though things have flared up slightly recently, so I'm trying my best to keep it from spreading further
Good luck, and please let us know how it turns out
Also, there are these tanning salons that use specific medical-grade lamps specifically designed for psoriasis treatment; I actually found out online that you can buy them in Germany too. I am seriously trying every single thing under the sun, but honestly, having my husband and parents in my corner is the most important part

Hey there!
Right now, we’re just sticking to topical creams—thank goodness her situation isn't quite that severe yet—but when the topic of fish came up, she was absolutely horrified. We are definitely keeping that in mind, though. At the moment, we're in the middle of sourcing some PSORCUTAN cream to see how things progress from there. In any case, I really appreciate the advice;

I’m seeing pretty small amounts on my end too,
but when it comes to those little fish
it’s actually killer—like, the vibe is just great, and since you’ve gotta hang out with them for two hours anyway, you might as well catch a movie or something else while you're at it,
so there's really no reason to be stressed about it.

Thanks again. Our plan is to test out that Psorcutan cream once it arrives from overseas, and then we’ll decide on our next move—it feels like the most logical way to go. I’m definitely going to give them a call about that lotion, too, just to see if it might be worth trying alongside everything else.

milljaczg said:Thanks again. We'll try the Psorcutan cream once it arrives from overseas before deciding our next move. I'll definitely give that lotion a call about too...

Are you based in Chicago?
You can actually order Psorcutan through a local pharmacy in downtown Chicago. It usually shows up in two or three days...

I've had nothing but great results with that ointment...👍

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,

For facial psoriasis, I’d suggest applying an extremely thin layer of Geocortone ointment for a few days.

I think you might be overthinking the psoriasis and letting it weigh on you too much. I’m living proof that you can manage almost anything through mental discipline and a balanced lifestyle; I haven't needed prescription creams in years...
I don't lose sleep over the future either, since tomorrow is never guaranteed, let alone ten or twenty years from now. I eat what I want, enjoy a soda now and then, and nothing beats a good plate of fries😬

Chris Morgan67, thanks for the tip regarding the Geokorton cream—I just hope it isn't a corticosteroid, given how much the name suggests...

You're right; I’m taking my current condition quite seriously. I can honestly say I’ve been carefree for years, but this fall and winter, everything seems to be spiraling out of control...

I suppose I should admit that lately, I’ve been completely preoccupied with this issue.

It feels like it's breaking out everywhere now—though the stuff on my face is by far the hardest part to deal with.
Honestly, how much do you have to deal with, and how on earth do you manage to carry yourself so well through it all?

I have to admit, my mental fortitude is starting to wear thin on this matter...

Do you have any flare-ups on your face as well?

Gerald Miller32 said:Chris Morgan67, thanks for the tip on the Geokorton cream, though I just hope it isn't a corticosteroid, as the name suggests...

You're right; I'm taking this situation quite seriously now. For years, I was able to live without much thought about it, but this fall and winter, things have spiraled a bit too far...

It's safe to say this issue has been weighing heavily on me lately.

Right now, it seems to be everywhere—though having it on my face is particularly difficult to handle.
Honestly, how much do you deal with, and how do you manage to stay so composed through it all?

I have to admit, my mental resilience is starting to wear thin regarding this...

Do you have it on your face as well?

I'll just copy and paste an old post of mine here...

Here is my little history with psoriasis.

I developed it while vacationing at the coast when I was 15, and it spread with terrifying speed. Once back in Washington, D.C., I went straight to Brooklyn, where they finally diagnosed me after endless tests. Neither I nor my parents knew how to handle it; within a few months, I ended up hospitalized because 95% of my body was covered in green scales that were actually bleeding... it was a nightmare, truly.

Mentally, I completely broke down, and it took a long time to recover. I found myself caught in a vicious cycle of white rooms, medicated creams, and phototherapy, only to end up with steroid dermatitis. Good grief, Lela :P
Fortunately, with the support of my boyfriend, my parents, and friends over the years, I've stabilized and completely moved away from corticosteroids.
Today, my psoriasis covers only about 5-10% of my body, which I consider a massive improvement.

I would advise my fellow sufferers to avoid unnecessary stress, maintain a proper diet, and rely on oils, which have been a lifesaver for me.
Olive, St. John's Wort, and flaxseed oils applied to the skin can really encourage healing.
Stay strong...

I went from having it on 90% of my body down to 5%. During my worst phase, I had it on my face too.
I know you don't want to hear this, but if things are that bad, have you considered being admitted to the hospital in Brooklyn? They were the ones who saved me. I spent a month doing phototherapy and using various creams. After that, I switched entirely to nourishing oils and occasionally used Psorcutan.

If there is anything else you want to know, just ask...
🙂

I am considering inpatient treatment in Brooklyn—even though I’m based out in Des Moines—but I think I can make the logistics work.
Back in '99, I was hospitalized over in Ivanić at the Naftalan facility; my psoriasis wasn't nearly as aggressive back then, and I have to say, it helped quite a bit.

Even now, I use their naphtha-based oils here and there—they aren't bad, per se—but during the winter months, they feel somewhat ineffective...
Last September, following a trip to the coast, I headed back to Naftalan again—though just for outpatient visits, not a full stay. I kept going to work every day and then heading home, which wasn't too difficult since Ivanić is right halfway between NYC and Des Moines.

During that second stint, I didn't notice any significant improvement—I also underwent UVB phototherapy at Naftalan—but perhaps the ocean and the sun had already done most of the heavy lifting, so the UVB exposure from the therapy didn't seem to carry much weight, given how many days I'd spent soaking up the sun beforehand...

The main issue, however, is the nature of my job—it’s difficult for me to take extended leaves of absence all at once.

Your situation sounded like an absolute nightmare, based on what you said... it seems to have flared up quite rapidly—did it last for a few months or longer? I'm glad to hear it subsided relatively quickly.

I am contemplating whether I should start using these three oils (olive, flaxseed, and St. John's Wort) before committing to a formal treatment plan—either in Brooklyn or at Naftalan.

A few questions:
Do you still go for occasional UVB phototherapy sessions, and what has your experience been like with UVB radiation—assuming we aren't talking about PUVA?

What does "proper nutrition" actually entail for you?

I'm genuinely curious if you mean the specific types of food, the timing of meals, or... something else entirely?
If I were eating poorly until recently—though it hasn't been catastrophic for the last year and a half since I started hitting the gym and maintaining my weight—it just goes to show how little I used to worry about the psoriasis... for instance, it's quite prevalent on my legs.

What do your typical breakfasts, lunches, and dinners look like?

Try not to stress, alright? I'm not sure what else to say.
With today's pace—work, meetings, constant stress—this remains a fascinating subject...

As you can see, I've started a Paleo diet, which is quite demanding.
It involves eating FRESH fruit, vegetables, cooked foods, etc., and adjusting to it at home isn't easy—no dairy, no milk, no potatoes... good grief. I'm honestly not sure how I'll manage once work picks up.

One simply cannot function by eating nothing but bananas, oranges, and carrots... in practice, it's incredibly difficult.

For a more in-depth conversation, feel free to call my cell; I can call you back if you prefer, so you don't have to burn through your minutes. I've listed my number above.

That offer stands for anyone who has some intelligent insight regarding psoriasis.

I am quite serious about this—there is so much I want to learn. I believe I might even be able to offer some sensible advice myself, given that I've been "dealing with this" for a long time now...🙄 Besides, typing things out can be far more exhausting than just talking.

In short, I’ve had excellent results with phototherapy using UVB radiation. I’ve heard PUVA can be quite harsh on the skin. For phototherapy to really work its magic, you need to go consistently for several weeks at a time. If the psoriasis is particularly severe, combining light therapy with corticosteroids works wonders; however, if it's already in remission, just using Psorcutan ointment provides complete clearance...

With phototherapy, it’s essential to go with freshly exfoliated, bare skin.

By a proper diet, I mean eating a balanced variety of foods—nothing too restrictive, just moderation...

It is also vital to shower daily using a gentle cleansing gel. Apply oils while your skin is still damp and massage them in well. You can follow up with a body lotion as well. The key is to ensure your skin never feels dry. Keep a hand cream with you at the office or wherever you are; it makes a significant difference...

You might find it helpful to read through the first thread in this forum, as most of the core advice has already been covered there.

Chris Morgan67, thanks again.
I can't claim to have read every single post here with absolute precision—not that I’ve had the time—but I’ve certainly skimmed through most of them...

I've been feeling a bit lost lately; my current diet is clearly taking its toll, given that I just booked two and a half weeks in California to hunt for some sea bream...

I'll be heading out this Friday (in about four days), and my better half will be joining me for part of the trip. Before that—on Thursday—I need to swing by a dermatologist here in Des Moines to grab a referral for Brooklyn after New Year's Day.

The whole fish therapy business isn't exactly cheap (it's over $2.25), but if it clears my face entirely, takes 50% off my body, and stays away for a year—even if it doesn't clear completely—I'll consider it a win...

I'm bringing my laptop along, so I'll have easy internet access and can stay in touch, naturally.

Afterward, I'll definitely make it to Brooklyn, and perhaps even stop by ExxonMobil to see what the next steps should be...

By the way, the folks down in California are strictly against corticosteroids—and honestly, I hear plenty of nasty comments regarding them from other sources as well.

I'll likely look into phototherapy too, sometime after New Year's Day.

I recall seeing some threads about the fish therapy previously, so I'll probably skim those again. Do you—as my resident "psoriasis guru" 🙂—have any interesting insights or info on the matter?

There seem to be both positive and slightly negative reviews regarding the fish...

P.S. Chris Morgan67, where has everyone gone?
There are plenty of people dealing with psoriasis in America and beyond, unfortunately, yet this feels like a private forum for just the two of us...
Regards

That sounds like a solid plan to me.

Let me know how those fish work out. I'm genuinely curious...
Regarding Naftalan, I've mostly heard horror stories; for instance, I knew a woman whose psoriasis flared up terribly after using it. My skin is pretty sensitive, so the idea of soaking in oil and sludge doesn't exactly appeal to me.

For my part, the winning combo is the ocean, sunshine, moisturizing with oils, and the occasional phototherapy session. I can't stand corticosteroids, but they're necessary when the psoriasis gets completely out of hand. Otherwise, you really should avoid them.

As for the other psoriasis patients, it seems they've gotten a bit lazy...😬

Honestly, you shouldn't rule out trying the Naftalan treatment—it’s actually worth a shot.

It hits particularly hard when it's your first time...
There isn't exactly mud involved—it's more like oil—but it isn't nearly as grim as you'd imagine.

The idea of bathing in what essentially feels like crude oil was a bit much for me too, but the scent isn't quite that overwhelming—and besides, the oil isn't the only therapy they offer there (there's light therapy, various electrical treatments, ointments, and so on...).

The overall vibe is somewhere between a clinic and a hotel—if I had to put a label on it...
It’s not bad; the atmosphere is decent enough, and you can always find a group of people hanging out for a drink until 1 or 2 in the morning and such...

But if things aren't looking too dire where you are, there's no need to rush out there just yet—keep it as an "ace up your sleeve" for the future, though I hope you never actually have to use it.

As for the ocean and the sun, that's common knowledge—it helps me quite a bit as well.

I'm putting a lot of faith in the seafood......

I keep forgetting to ask this: does anyone here have any actual experience with tanning beds?
Any pros or cons worth noting?
Chris Morgan67?