New to psoriasis

[Nawee]

Hello,

I'm 37 years old and was diagnosed just over a year ago. It came as a big surprise because I have friends with psoriasis and have always thought that it is the kind of condition you develop in your teens and it is genetic. I thought I was definitely not getting it because no one in my family has it and I was already in my 30s. How wrong I was!

I must say I was quite depressed when I was first diagnosed because I had seen how bad it could be. The doctor first prescribed 2 doses of anti-fungal pills (he said it slowed down the growth rate of the skin cells which is one of the causes) and Dermovate mixed with some kind of ointment. It took me 2-3 weeks to get rid of a patch on my elbow (about 2 cm in diameter).

After that my super sensitive skin went a bit mad. I would feel burning sensation on my elbows and arms, but no patches. After a while, it went away.

About 4-5 months later, I got another flare up around the same area, just a few bumps similar to insect bites. I couldn't find time to go to see the doctor, so I searched the Internet for some homemade cure to help until I could find the time. I came across the baking soda method. I made a paste and applied it on my elbow once a day. After 3 days, it got so much better that I didn't even go to see my doctor.

I also drank fresh mangosteen juice. And that helped me a lot. According to a recent research I read, people with psoriasis has a high level of TH2 which is the stuff your white blood cells produce. The mangosteen juice helps increase the T-regulator which helps control the level of TH2. I don't know if this is scientifically sound, but a friend of mine has tried a dose of new medicine which helps control the immune system as a way to help control psoriasis. So she said my mangosteen juice was not that far off from modern medicine.

The down side of it is magosteen juice is quite pricey. A 300g bag is about 160 THB (maybe it doesn't sound much for those of you in the US or UK, but it is certainly not cheap if you think of the cost of living here in Bangkok) because it uses up to 5 kg of mangosteen to make one bag. And it's a hassle when you travel because it's heavy and takes up a lot of space. (Having said that, I did take 6 bags with me when I was on a 9-day Japan trip last year)

I'm having another visit from psoriasis now. Just a few bumps. I'm back to one bag mangosteen juice a day, baking soda paste and generous application of coconut oil twice daily. Let's see how it goes. I'm tempted to try the Eucalyptus oil too.

[Fred]

Hello and to Psoriasis Club.

I'd never heard of mangosteen juice but Wikipedia says "Various parts of the plant have a history of use in traditional medicine, mostly in Southeast Asia; it may have been uses to treat skin infections, wounds, dysentery, and urinary tract infections."

I wouldn't class psoriasis as a skin infection, nor would I have thought anti-fungal pills would help. But I guess you have to go with what you can afford, what is available, and then what you believe in.

Buttermak3r has a baking soda thread in Natural Treatments For Psoriasis you may be interested in, you will also find a few other natural treatments there that may be worth reading.

I hope you get it back under control soon

Regards.

Fred.

[Nawee]

As my dermatologist explained it, the anti-fungal pills have the side affect of reducing the growth rate of skin cells. So it helped in an indirect way. I guess it worked on me because I started the treatment early and the affected area was so small. My skin went back to normal without developing white scales. He prescribed other treatments to patients with more severe conditions though.

The mangosteen juice helped, as I said, because it boosts the level of T-regulator that helps keep the TH2 in check. I'm hoping they come up with something that's easier to take. 300 ml of juice is a lot and too heavy when you travel.

The new bump is getting a bit better. It didn't sting when I applied baking soda tonight. That's always a good sign. Keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.

[jiml]

Hi Nawee and to the forum it seems as if you are getting on top of your psoriasis with natural treatments
It's nice to hear how others are coping with the condition and thanks for coming on here to tell us. As Fred has said look around the forum there are some very interesting articles on all sorts of treatments for psoriasis.
But sometimes it is just nice to unload your problems on here. You will find a great mix of people who will offer support if required and advice.
I hope to read more of your progress

[mataribot]

I'd be careful with the anti fungal pills. Some are harsh on the liver and would only be taken sparingly.

[KyPrincess]

Hello and Welcome to the forum.

[weenona]

Sawa dee kah Nawee to the forum

[Nawee]

Sawasdee ka, Weenona.

I'm suitably impressed!

[Troll]

Belated hello Nawee

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