How to Live with Psoriasis

I've had psoriasis for about 30 years. This is meant to be a discussion of my layperson's experience with psoriasis and does not constitute medical advice or medical care. I strongly urge that everyone consult with their doctor or medical practitioner. The psoriasis first showed up as a scaly spot behind my right ear. I thought it was just an allergic reaction to a cheap pair of earrings. Little did I know that I was starting a lifelong relationship with an uncureable condition that has baffled doctors for ages. As a matter of fact, let's take a quick look at its background. Some people think that psoriasis has been around since Biblical times, and may be the "leprosy" mentioned in the Old Testament. Personally, I can't prove whether or not that's a valid theory, but scientists say that it is one of the longest known illnesses. In the 18th century, Thomas Bateman and Robert Willan categorized it as a condition separate from leprosy and it became known as Willan's Lepra at that time. In 1841, it was given the name psoriasis by Ferdinand von Hebra. The name comes from the Greek word "psora", which means "to itch". Ancient times also had various ancient treatments, some more dubious than others. For example, psorisias has been treated by applying feline waste to the psoriatic scales. Onions and sea salt have also been reported as antiquated treatments as well.

I won't go into detailed descriptions of the various types of psoriasis but I will mention them in order to raise awareness. Again, I want to caution that I am NOT a medical professional and that everyone should discuss these conditions with a medical professional. I would suggest that you spend time familiarizing yourself with the different types of psoriasis because some types are more serious than others. For example, Erythrodermic psoriasis usually covers most of the body and can be fatal. Pustular psoriasis may also cause medical complications and may lead to problems with kidney functions. Fortunately, the majority of psoriasis cases fall between the mild to moderate brackets, with less than ten percent of patients being labeled as severe. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting up to 90% of those with psoriasis. Other types include Guttate psoriasis, Flexural psoriasis, and Nail psoriasis.

I've had or currently have several types of psoriasis and I've experienced the symptoms of more than one type at a time. Most of the time it stays at a dull roar, and I have found that it's usually not noticeable by most people. As a matter of fact, when it's in a stable mode, I could wear a t-shirt and shorts and no one would know that I have psoriais. Fortunately,those days are the rule, not the exception in my life. However, there have been times in my life when it has erupted into an inferno of itchiness and I've felt tortured until the flare up subsided. It has been so severe at times that I have been awakened from a sound sleep by the itching.

It is crucial that everyone with psoriasis finds what works for them and sticks with it. You have to decide that you are going to control the psoriasis and not let psoriasis control you. What works for "Bob" may not work for "Martha", and "Martha's" medications may not help "George" at all. If you are working with a dermatologist, I would strongly suggest following their advice but also doing a complete online search for the side effects of the medications he may prescribed. Some of the drugs may have serious complications so you need to make sure you're informed about the ramifications of your drug choices. No one can weigh the pros vs. cons of these drugs but yourself, so make sure you know what you take it before you take it.

I can't count the number of times I've been to a dermalogist, but unfortunately, there is no hard and fast cure or treatment. Personally, I have found my greatest relief with alternative choices. One topical treatment I have found helpful are OTC lotions and creams that contain Shea Butter and Grape Seed Oil. I don't spend a fortune on them and usually buy what's available at my local discount store. I have also found that eliminating sugar and wheat and all gluten products from my diet can give me great relief from the symptoms. I know that sounds like a hard decision to make, but after a flareup that involved my face and neck, I would've tried almost anything. It can be very difficult at times to live without sugar or wheat, but I have found that websites for people with Celiac disease have lots of helpful dietary information. I also have consulted sites that target those that follow a gluten-free diet and have seen amazing and remarkable results by eliminating sugar and gluten from my life. I feel more in control of my psoriasis than ever before. I don't think I am "cured" from psoriasis, because there is no cure. But I do know that changing my diet has changed my life.