My husband has severe psoriasis. Can you give us any alternative methods of dealing with this?

A.

There are a number of alternative methods for treating psoriasis, many of which have been tested and found effective in studies. Psoriasis is caused by too rapid replication of skin cells which results in them piling up and forming the characteristic silvery scales. Two compounds within skin cells control replication, cAMP and cGMP. cAMP decreases cell replication and cGMP increases it. Patients with psoriasis have increased cGMP and decreased cAMP. Many natural therapies help to reestablish a normal balance of these.

A variety of toxins produced in the bowel either from poor protein digestion or from the overgrowth of bacteria and yeasts in the bowel may contribute to psoriasis because the toxins inhibit cAMP and increase cGMP. Improving digestive function, increasing dietary fiber (absorbs toxins) and decreasing levels of toxin producing bacteria and yeast will all help. Fiber should be water soluble, try pectin or psyllium. Since food allergies and intolerances can interfere with proper digestive function, it may be helpful to eliminate foods that are highly allergic such as dairy, citrus, wheat, corn, eggs and soy. Allergy testing, elimination diets and rotation diets can be helpful to identify food allergies and treat them. Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements can promote normal intestinal bacterial flora.

Individuals with psoriasis also have greater that normal production of inflammatory compounds in their skin, called leukotrienes. Leukotrienes also promote increased cGMP. Leukotriene production can be decreased by reducing the intake of arachadonic acid (high in meat and animal fat) and increasing the intake of omega-3 oils (from cold water fish and flax seed oil). Other natural products that can decrease leukotriene production include flavonoids like quercitin, the herb milk thistle, vitamin E, garlic and onions.

Psoriasis patients often have low levels of vitamin A and zinc, both necessary for healthy skin. Supplements of these will help to insure normal skin formation.

There are a number of herbs which can help to decrease cGMP levels and have been shown to be helpful for psoriasis. They include Sarsasparilla, Goldenseal, Coleus and Bitter Melon. Topical applications of chamomile, glycerrhetinic acid from licorice and capsaicin from cayenne have all shown good effects in psoriasis. It is important to avoid herbs that contain inulin (Dandelion, Echinacea, Burdock) and Ginseng as they can increase cGMP levels. Also limit vitamin C intake to 1000 mg per day and biotin intake to 50 mcg per day- both can exacerbate psoriasis in larger doses.

Other things that are helpful include eliminating alcohol, getting some sun exposure and managing stress.

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* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.