I'm pretty sure psoriasis is caused by a fungus. I notice that my skin gets worse during the winter. I believe it gets worse in the winter because I take longer hotter showers in the winter.

When I applied baking soda (which is an antifungal) to my psoriasis affected skin, I noticed that the skin would get sweaty. Could this be due to a fungus trying to fight the baking soda treatment, by creating a moist environment which they like?

I think you might also be able to make the argument that it is indeed a fungus, by
looking at the known treatments that are proven to work, and whether those treatments treat fungus' too. If not, then I am wrong.

If psoriasis is indeed caused by a fungus, then any anti-fungal should be effective against it.

Tea tree oil is a good antifungal. It's not that expensive. It smells ok. It's non irritating (I apply it undiluted to my skin).

Wikipedia says that a 10% tea tree oil cream is as effective as well as Tinactin (which is an antifungal) in treating athlete's foot: "a 10% tea tree oil cream works about as well as tolnaftate 1% cream" in treating symptoms of athlete's foot, although being less effective than clotrimazole or terbinafine."

If 10 percent is effective as an over-the-counter antifungul, then I would just use 100% tea tree oil, and apply it undiluted (I have done this many times without problems)

I think camphor oil is also an antifungal, but it does smell kind of bad and it's used in tiger balm for it's iceyhot properties. And there are other essential oils which are antifungals. But I would stick with tea tree oil...

I would get a 1oz NOW Foods Tea Tree Oil bottle from amazon. It's a good value, and the 1oz bottle has a built in dropper in the cap so you don't have to mess with a glass dropper. If you're going to buy more tea tree oil, I would either buy the NOW brand or from bulkapothecary.com which is cheap and good (but no built in droppers in the cap)

Stay away from people who say the essential oils can cure depression and stuff like that. If they say it cures everything... it doesn't

every time I google psoriasis an ad appears publicising this cream and it's apparently on sale in a large department store as well as drug stores. I don't know whether it's just a Spanish or international product, but with the English name i'm hoping that it is available elsewhere.
As usual with every winter, i'm now beginning to find new spots beginning to appear in various parts of my body and i'm hoping to use a less aggressive ointment to fight them this time around before they start to grow. So if anybody has any info on Blue Cap please let me know

My dermatologist is always telling me diet and exercise can help with psoriasis, so she will no doubt be reminding me after reading this study published in the British Journal of Dermatology

Quote:

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Background:
Increased body mass index and weight gain are risk factors for psoriasis, and the prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis is higher than in the general population. Limited data exist regarding the role of diet in psoriasis. Here we assessed the impact of a dietary intervention combined with physical exercise for weight loss on improving psoriasis in overweight or obese patients.

Methods:
This study included 303 overweight or obese patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis not achieving clearance after 4 weeks of continuous systemic treatment. They were randomized to receive a 20-week quantitative and qualitative dietary plan associated with physical exercise for weight loss, or simple informative counseling at baseline about the utility of weight loss for clinical control of psoriatic disease. The main outcome was any reduction of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) from baseline to week 20.

Results:
Intention-to-treat analysis showed a median PASI reduction of 48% (95% confidence interval, 33.3 to 58.3%) in the dietary intervention arm and 25.5% (95% confidence interval, 18.2 to 33.3%) in the information-only arm (P=0.02). Among secondary outcomes, PASI50 significantly differed between study arms (49.7% with dietary intervention vs. 34.2% with information only, P=0.006). The weight-loss target (a ≥5% reduction from baseline) was reached by 29.8% of patients in the dietary intervention arm compared to 14.5% in the information-only arm (P=0.001).

Conclusions:
A 20-week dietetic intervention associated with increased physical exercise reduced psoriasis severity in systemically treated overweight or obese patients with active psoriasis.

Hello all, I've now suffered psoriasis for around twenty years and have managed to get it down to lower legs and elbows. I now work in sunny Catalonia as a gardener and am still waiting for the sun and vitamin d to do their job and make the psoriasis go away but after fifteen years still no luck.
I've tried many things both prescribed, and natural remedies and up until now the only attempt with any success has been bath, Wrights coal tar soap, scrubbing brush followed by a moisturiser. Unfortunately I now live in a small house with a bath made for Hobbits so it's back to the drawing board.
Hoping to find some new ideas but more importantly just hear how others are coping with the day to day, glad to have found you

Thanks Yoyo for the welcome note. I realized I have psirosis few months back when my scalp becomes so itchy that it needs constant scratch. A visit to dermatologist confirms that it is not a typical dandruff problem. Besides scalp, there are few patches on my arm and neck. I am now using tea tree oil syampoo sometimes twice a day if the itch gets too unbearable. I try to avoid stress but it is quite hard to escape work stress.

Hello.... again....


Things have been crazy since I last posted......

I can't remember if I got back to you guys on the plan but I definitely have Psoriatic arthritis, apparently very little skin involvement, but several joints and enthesis is where I am now...... after a big fight with the insurance company, Humiar was approved for me......

I started Humira last week and the 5th day after the injection I developed a severe cellulitis in my elbow.....We are hoping it is not in the joint..... the big concern was whether it was bursitis and also there is a concern about MRSA....... I have been loaded up with antibiotics and the plan is to restart the Humira after I finish 2-3 weeks of antibiotics......

Even in this short time, with the Humira and a job change where I am able to move around more, I was starting to feel better..... now my right arm is so swollen and painful that I can hardly do anything.......


I am hoping this is just a small setback.....

I will post pictures as soon as I figure out how to do is..... Cellulitis is a possible side effect of Humira and mine started with pain.... well when you have different pains all the time, it is hard to know when it is something to worry about, I ma glad that I called right away and have a great Doctor since she said one more day would probably put me in the hospital for IV antibiotics......so i want everybody on Humira to know about it........

Hi everyone!

I am Rini from India, new on this forum .Psoriasis affected me at a very young age. I had taken homeopathic treatment but it it didnt help me a great deal. M not takin any treatment now...i only apply dipsalic that to occasionally.. my P isn't bad but as its winter now..chances of flare up is somethin which is botherin me :(

Hello,
I have only had psoriasis for the last seven years and my first time on a forum.
Just about to start 3rd course of phototherapy. It has been really difficult to manage/control, though consultant is really good. For all those who are perhaps using Dead Sea salt, I thought I would let you know what my consultant had to say. He was involved in extensive research into the affect of Dead Sea salt and the results were it has no effect on psoriasis whatsoever. He also said why pay for sea salt if you believe salt works, just use table salt as cheaper! It appears there is still a lot to learn about psoriasis and a lot of new treatments. I have so far refused to use anything but topical and phototherapy treatments even though I am currently experiencing my worst outbreak yet! However I don't let it stop me doing anything, I even went to work in bare feet, because the psoriasis meant wearing shoes was agony, thank goodness we had a great summer!
Glad to have found you.

Hi All,
My name is Ali and have suffered from Psoriasis for over 25 Years. I am interested to find out whats been working for other Psoriasis sufferers.

Ali

Some folks have recommended that I read Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. I like the idea of using natural remedies instead of medicines. It looks like it has good reviews, but I wanted to see if anyone here has read it and if it worked??? Thanks!

The screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is mandatory in patients with psoriasis prior to starting on tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, and this study published in The British Journal of Dermatology suggests Fluctuations of IFN-γ release may occur in patients with psoriasis treated with TNF antagonists.

Quote:

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Objectives:
To investigate the longitudinal changes of interferon (IFN)-γ response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens by serial QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) testing in patients with psoriasis during long-term anti-TNF therapy. The direct in vitro effect of adalimumab on IFN-γ secretion was also evaluated.

Methods:
In total, 148 patients with psoriasis designated to start anti-TNF treatment were enrolled. We performed a tuberculin skin test at screening, and QFT-GIT at baseline and serially for 24 months after TNF antagonist onset.

Results:
At screening, QFT-GIT was positive in 22·3% of the patients, negative in 73·6% and indeterminate in 4%. The IFN-γ response following isoniazid therapy declined and became QFT-GIT negative in 8% of 26 patients with LTBI; in 69% of subjects with LTBI the QFT-GIT remained persistently positive with a significant increase of IFN-γ levels during the follow-up, even if no cases of active tuberculosis were found. Variations of IFN-γ levels were observed also in 7% of 27 patients without LTBI who switched to positive QFT-GIT after 12 or 18 months of biologic therapy, suggesting a new occurrence or reactivation of LTBI. In vitro data showed that in the presence of adalimumab the IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0·05).

Conclusions:
Fluctuations of IFN-γ release may occur in patients with psoriasis treated with TNF antagonists. The clinical use of repeated blood tests and the correct interpretation of individual IFN-γ changes could be useful in identifying possible cases of LTBI reactivation or newly acquired tuberculosis infection during long-term anti-TNF treatment.

This study published in The British Journal of Dermatology evaluates the association between Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) in patients with psoriasis.

Quote:

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Background:
Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is a potential indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is proposed as a new cardiometabolic risk factor.

Objective:
To evaluate the association between EFT and CIMT in patients with psoriasis.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional and observational study; 65 patients with psoriasis and 50 age- and sex- matched control subjects were included. Data about echocardiographic EFT, CIMT, anthropometric measurements and metabolic profile were obtained.

Results:
The EFT and CIMT were significantly increased (7·3 ± 0·5 vs. 6·5 ± 0·5 mm, P < 0·01; 0·74 ± 0·11 vs. 0·60 ± 0·07 mm, P < 0·01, respectively) in patients with psoriasis compared with the controls. EFT was significantly correlated with CIMT (r = 0·69, P < 0·01). In a multiple linear regression model in which EFT was independently associated with psoriasis (β = 0·45, P < 0·01), age (β = 0·33, P = 0·01), CIMT (β = 0·50, P < 0·01), body mass index (β = 0·25, P = 0·01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = 0·32, P < 0·01) and duration of disease (β = 0·34, P = 0·03).

Conclusions:
We demonstrated that EFT and CIMT are increased in patients with psoriasis, and that echocardiographic EFT is closely correlated with CIMT in patients with psoriasis. The echocardiographic assessment of EFT may have the potential to be a simple marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis.

This study published in The British Journal of Dermatology looks at the relationship between serum levels of endocan and both cardiovascular risk and disease activity in patients with psoriasis.

Quote:

---

Background:
Psoriasis vulgaris is an inflammatory disease characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation, leucocyte adhesion molecule expression and leucocyte infiltration. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is widely regarded as being the initial process in the development of atherosclerosis. Human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) is a novel human endothelial cell-specific molecule. Previous studies suggested that endocan may be a novel endothelial dysfunction marker.

Objectives:
To investigate the relationship between serum levels of endocan and both cardiovascular risk and disease activity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Methods:
A total of 29 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 35 control subjects were included in the study. Endocan, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and carotid artery intima–media thickness (cIMT) were measured in all subjects.

Results:
Serum endocan levels were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0·001). In patients with psoriasis, serum endocan levels correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, hsCRP and cIMT (r = 0·477, P = 0·009; r = 0·484, P = 0·008; r = 0·408, P = 0·02, respectively).

Conclusions:
Circulating endocan may represent a new marker that correlates with cardiovascular risk as well as the severity of disease in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Endocan may be a surrogate endothelial dysfunction marker and may have a functional role in endothelium-dependent pathological disorders. Whether endocan levels could become a treatment target merits further investigation.

Hello just a quick update. I've been on MTX now for about 4/5 weeks and at first I noticed my skin was clearer but now looks very red and noticeable. As for the pain for Psa it's no different but I know it's only early days still. I get very sleepy the day after taking MTX and I'm still taking my folic acid 4 days after. I am still going for fortnightly blood tests which they struggle getting blood out of me (I don't like to part with anything lol) I have got a rheumy appointment at the end of November so hopefully they may up my dose and change my bloods to every 4 weeks.

Hello,
I have had psoriasis for nearly 50 years. It started as a tiny patch on my scalp and at various times in my life it has covered my body so badly that I have been hospitalised for 4-weeks at a time. I have tried dithranol, Betnovate, UVA, PUVA and now I am on my second course of Neotigason which I have been taking 20mg daily for 15 years. I am not absolutely clear but it is manageable and the summer sunshine helps so much. My last liver test showed some raised levels so I might be looking for an alternative treatment. I'm hoping to chat on this forum and find out about the latest treatments and what you all think about them. If I can share my experiences of my life with psoriasis and the treatments I've had to help others, then that is a bonus. Nette

I came to this site via Twitter.

My Psoriasis score was a 56.

Hello to all and I am sorry for you having to suffer with Psoriasis.

I first was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis 21 years ago.

Then came the psoriasis.

I read about remission. My psoriasis has never gone into remission.

I have been treated with topical cortisteroids, vitamin D3, UVA with Psoralen, UVB, methotrexate, cyclosporine, prednisone, amevive, Raptiva, Enbrel, Humira, Stelara & Remicade.

The PsA symptoms have varied over the years.

I am currently struggling with my second bout of full body
Erythrodermic Psoriasis. I first experienced this in Oct 2010.

Both times it occurred after missing 1 or more Remicade Treatments.

I currently am off my remicade regimen due to an infected foot ulcer.

The hole in the bottom of my foot prevents me from soaking in a bath.

It is a crazy conundrum!

I get Remicade by infusion every eight weeks. When continuous, I have 5 clear weeks (0 P) followed by 1 1/2 weeks of plaque appearances, then treatment, then 1 1/2 weeks of plaques disappearing, then 5 clear weeks all over.

When I was on a every 6 week schedule, I was 100% clear.

The current insurer will not go for a 6 week schedule.

Again, hi to all.

I have skin psoriasis up the middle of my chest and under my arms a little bit and I have found a very simple cure that I don't think anyone knows about because I just happened to come across it randomly... every day when I take a shower I wash normally and then at the end I use clean and clear foaming facial cleanser on my face and psoriasis areas and I have seen none of it for almost a year. I came upon it randomly when I used it to clean my face and then somehow tried it on the psoriasis and it works like a charm. What really proved it was I used to not use it on the the little bit under my arms and then as soon as I did it cleared completely up within a couple days and has never came back. This is such a cheap and easy solution and works to clear your face and psoriasis up all in one swipe. Please spread the word because I used to try the topical stuff I was prescribed and it was way more annoying to use and never really worked. I don't know exactly what in it does it but it works at least for me please try it out and let others know if it works for you too.

This is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of systemic treatment approved for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Including 48 randomised controlled trials totalling 16,696 patients using Remicade, Humira, Stelara, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, and Fumaric acid.

Quote:

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Background:
Dermatologists may choose from various conventional and biological systemic agents to treat patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Objectives:
To systematically analyse the efficacy and tolerability of approved treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Methods:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of systemic treatment approved for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Efficacy was assessed as the proportion of participants with PASI-75 response at primary efficacy measurement (week 8 - 16). Safety was summarized as rates of adverse events and withdrawals. Direct and indirect comparative efficacy was assessed by random-effects meta-analysis of risk differences (RD).

Results:
48 eligible RCTs totalling 16,696 patients (11,178 randomised to biologics, 1,888 to conventional treatments) were identified. In placebo-controlled trials, infliximab was most efficacious (RD 76%; 95%CI 73-79%). Adalimumab (RD 61%; 95%CI 56-67%), ustekinumab 45mg (RD 63%; 95%CI 59-66%), and 90mg (RD 67%; 95%CI 60-74%) each had similar efficacy. These biologics are more effective than etanercept and all conventional treatments. Head-to-head trials indicate superiority of adalimumab and infliximab over methotrexate (MTX), superiority of ustekinumab over etanercept, non-significant superiority of cyclosporine vs MTX, and dose-dependent efficacy of etanercept and ustekinumab. Fumaric acid is similarly efficacious as MTX. Safety of treatments could not be pooled due to a lack of standardisation in reporting across trials.

Conclusions:
Qualitative and quantitative evidence is much stronger for biological interventions than for conventional treatments.

Hi every one at forum
I am new member and I have digestive tract inflammation since 2008 associated with diarrhea . most GI specialists fail to diagnosed my disease
they suspect my disease as Crohns some time and other suspect that I have
intestinal Tuberculosis and the last GI Specialist didn't knowing my disease
after all tests of blood,stool, colonscopies and CT-scan. I took all medication
of above metioned diseases without any improvement but get more worse.

My request is there some inflammation in gut caused by PSORIASIS ??
My mother have history of psoriasis in his legs and arms . is my mother disease
effect my gut instead my skin? Are there some cases like mine occurred to
other people?
Thank for repliers
Denver,CO,USA