posted November 28, 2007 10:57 AM         

I’ve had psoriasis for 30 years. It’s chronic, meaning it doesn’t “get well.”
I called the pharmacy to refill one of the skin creams and they say they can’t refill it without my being seen by the prescribing physician once a year (it’s been more than a year since I saw the dermatologist).

So, although dermatology visits are covered, the health insurance deductible at my workplace is approx $2,500/year (out-of-pocket), so this visit which will cost me about $190 to be seen for 5 minutes by a dermatologist will be all out-of-pocket for me, merely so **someone** can satisfy themselves that I still have my skin condition and that I’m not buying this cream unnecessarily (perhaps to sell it on the Psoriasis Creams Black Market).

I asked the receptionist at the clinic what law this was and she had no idea (of course) – she says “the doctors just tell us to say that you have to be seen once a year if you want your prescriptions refilled.” Well, at least I have a slight workaround to postpone the office visit expense for awhile. The prescription for the cream can be filled once a month for a year (with a $10 copay). I don’t use an entire tube in a month, so I’ll have extra left over when the year is up and will have bought myself a few extra months before I have to go throw my $190 (oops, better add 20% increase per year into that amount) into the dermatologist’s pocket for seeing me for 5 minutes and noting, “yep it’s still there.”

posted November 28, 2007 11:48 AM         

There's gotta be some limitations imposed somewhere. We need change, desperately.

posted November 30, 2007 01:58 AM         

I suffered from psoriosis as a child. I'm not sure why but it seem to have gone away. Occasionally i will get a small flare-up.

I just found this book. Have you heard of or read it?

Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative

This book proves that Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, as well as Eczema, can be alleviated, controlled and even healed in a natural way; that is, without the use of drugs, steroid creams, tar baths or even ultra-violet light. The book views psoriasis, as well as eczema, as originating in the intestinal tract. Looked at from the inside out, rather than from the outside in, a whole new approach to the disease evolves. This concept identifies the problem as a build up of toxins (poisons) in the system which make their way out through the skin, but does not originate in the skin. Dr. Pagano defines psoriasis as the external manifestation of the body's attempt to throw off internal toxins. Because of thin, porous, intestinal walls these toxic elements "seep" through the walls of the intestine (now referred to as "The Leaky Gut Syndrome"), causing a pollution of the lymphatic and blood circulatory system.

The body then attempts to rid itself of these toxins by expelling them through the sweat glands. Dr. Pagano further emphasizes that a proper DIET and adequate ELIMINATIONS are a major part of the solution. This concept, first promulgated by the late Edgar Cayce, identifies the problem as a build-up of toxins (poisons) in the system making their way through the skin, but not originating in the skin. This book proves the efficacy of this theory by documented case histories, patient affidavits and striking before and after photographs. This book proves the efficacy of this theory by documented case histories, patient affidavits and striking before and after photographs.

posted November 30, 2007 02:03 AM         

No two eczema/psoriasis heal at the same time rate.For example, I experienced the first 70% of my healing in a matter of weeks following the introduction of flaxoil in my diet, but the other 30 % required an additional year or more to complete the healing process. On the other hand, it took an entire year following the introduction of flaxoil in my son's diet before any sign of healing appeared (he had a large dry psoriasis patch on his shoulder). Most people would think that flaxoil is not working for them if they don't see results after a few weeks. Persit, persevere, and patience is the name of the game here.

Conclusion
I always knew that my body was capable of healing itself once proper conditions were provided. I think that homeopathy, uropathy, the raw food diet and juices, (especially wheatgrass/cilantro juice), detoxifying and nourishing tonic herbs, flaxoil and EPO, therapeutic water, and all other aspect of my program describled above played an very important part in my recovery. But I think that if my deficiencies of essential fatty acids, mainly the omega 3 fatty acids , essential sugars (glyconutrients), and transfer factors had not been corrected, my recovery would have been nearly impossible. I also believe that bee pollen and fulvic minerals which I began taking since 2001 are playing an important role in maintaining my health and strong immune system. How I achieved optimum health after a lifetime of suffering"
_________________
Testimonial of healing psoriasis with castor oil

Email Pegi metashankara@gmail.com
Date: 10 Jan 2005
I had really bad psoriasis about a year ago (and since I was a small child and I am 38 years old) and last April I began massaging castor oil on my liver after each shower (daily) and I have seen a 90% reduction in my psoriasis since that time. I didn't have the patience to do the packs so I just do the daily massage and have seen amazing results. I put about a dime size amount in my hand and without having dried the area of my abdomen after my shower so that it is still moist, I massage in the oil. I don't massage it for any real length of time - no more than the time I spend massaging in other lotions into my skin. After a couple weeks of 30 degree temperatures I have had a little psoriasis pop up, but the amount is so minimal in comparison to what I have experienced in the past that I am unconcerned and undaunted. I have also struggled with endometriosis and have had physicians want to do surgery on me for the condition. I do a full abdomen massage with the oil and my endometriosis symptoms have greatly reduced as well. Castor Oil is also suppose to help soften scar tissue. I have had 2 c sections and after 8 months of using the castor oil, once was once a nasty thick and solid scar is now almost imperceptible.

Oil Packs (for external use)

The Oil That Heals by William A. McGarey, M.D.
A fascinating analysis of a medical doctor's research on and verification of the healing properties of castor oil packs, first recommended by the noted psychic Edgar Cayce as an adjunct for many ailments that resist traditional medical treatment.

This natural oil has amazing healing properties. It has been used in virtually every major civilization since antiquity for the cure of normally fatal disabling conditions. In India, they called it erand. In ancient Greece it was known as kiki. It is mentioned in the Bible and in the most ancient Egyptian papyrus yet found. In Europe, in the Middle Ages, it was used by some to cure the plague. They called it the "palma christi" or the "hand of Christ." This extract of the castor bean is a safe, gentle, easy to use remedy for virtually any illness - when it is used externally.

Castor oil (cold pressed)
___________________________
The Skin Requires Constant Supply of Essential Fatty Acids
Evening Primrose Oil

Prostaglandins, which strongly influence skin health, are the body's chemical messengers, governing many processes, including inflammation. They are not stored in the body but must be constantly synthesized from essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are taken in from the diet. The best dietary sources of EFAs include flax, seafood and evening primrose oils.

Yet while fish and flax oils supply omega-3 fatty acids, evening primrose oil is one of nature's richest sources of an even rarer fatty acid: gamma-linolenic acid. The exceptionally high gamma-linolenic acid content of evening primrose oil makes it critical to skin health. That is because two key enzymes-Alpha6 desaturase and Alpha5 desaturase-involved in metabolizing many of the EFAs and making them useful to the skin are absent in skin itself. However, the skin does not require either of these enzymes to convert gamma-linolenic acid into favorable compounds required for mod-erating inflammation.

But, the skin requires the continual formation of gamma-linolenic acid from precursor compounds by the liver, and then depends on the blood for transport to the skin. Although the body can convert other EFAs into gamma-linolenic acid, it may be more beneficial to provide a constant supply of already-formed gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose oil. That is because the body's capacity to convert the more common linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid decreases with age, increasing the body's requirements. Also, the activity of ?6 desaturase is inhibited by many environmental influences such as diet, stress, and aging. Thus, supplying already-formed gamma-linolenic acid enables the skin to use EFAs more efficiently to fight off disease and quell inflammation. - Where to buy evening primrose oil

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema.htm#Pagano

posted November 30, 2007 02:04 AM         

Jane Drake's testimonial of healing seborrheic dermatitis on her face and eczema on her hands.

Read other amazing testimonials of healing in the Amazon.com's Customer Reviews section (to be found a little further down that page)

The danger of steroids(prednisone, cortisone) New research shows that permanent damage from the use of steroids is immediate and devastating

posted November 30, 2007 02:08 AM         

- GIESSEN, GERMANY. Psoriasis is a fairly common skin disease characterized by thick, silvery white scales surrounded by a red, inflamed border. Psoriasis is accompanied by high concentrations of arachidonic acid in the plaques and profound changes in the metabolism of eicosanoids leading to an increase in proinflammatory agents. It is known that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) counteracts the formation of these proinflammatory agents and some studies have shown that oral supplementation with fish oil benefits psoriasis patients.
A team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Germany, and Poland now report that intravenous infusions of a fish oil emulsion is quite effective in ameliorating the symptoms of chronic plaque-type psoriasis. Their double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial involved 54 men and 29 women between the ages of 18 and 80 years who had been hospitalized with severe psoriasis. The patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (43 patients) received twice daily infusions of a fish oil emulsion (100 ml of a 10% emulsion infused over a period of 90 minutes) while group 2 (40 patients) received twice daily infusions of a placebo emulsion based on linoleic acid. The severity of the psoriasis was assessed by physicians on days 0, 4, 7, 11 and 15 of the two-week trial. Sixteen of the 43 patients (37%) receiving fish oil showed at least a 50% improvement in their condition at the end of the trial as compared to 9 out of 40 patients (23%) in the placebo group.

The researchers conclude that intravenous administration of a fish oil emulsion is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic plaque-type psoriasis and plan further work to determine if once daily infusions would be equally effective. NOTE: This study was funded in part by Fresenius AG, a manufacturer of fish oil emulsions. Mayser, Peter, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid-based lipid infusion in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 38, April 1998, pp. 539-47

Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory
by Joseph Maroon, Ph.D.

Did you know that the root cause of serious chronic diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and asthma has been identified as chronic inflammation? Although numerous studies have confirmed these findings, few physcians are aware of or consider the fact that the battle against inflammation is at the forefront of the fight for health and well-being of the global population. Authors Joseph Maroon and Jeffrey Bost have set out to reverse that trend with "Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory." Ultra-Refined Fish Oil

Pharmaceujtical companies have spent billions of dollars in an attempt to understand the bio-chemistry of inflammation. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical anit-inflammatories such as Celebrex, Vioxx, and Bextra have been shown to greatly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and uncontrollable gastric hemorrhage, with potentially fatal consequences. Is there a safer alternative? Absolutiely! The answer lies in the power of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, undeniably the most under-recognized and also the most petent natural anti-inflammatory available. With compelling arguments and the results of thousands of clinical studies to support them. the uathors explain in plain and simple terms; How the inflammation process works and how it can evolve into a chroninc condition that is the cause of many diseases; How fatty acids work in the body; Why supplementtion with omega-3 fatty acids can restore the body's balance and mitigate the effects of inflmmatory factors; and why fish oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, and how to identify good-quality fish oil supplements.

Joseph C Maroon. M.D.,is a professor and vice chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also a Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience as well as the team neurosurgeon to the world-champion Pittsburgh Steelers. His publications numbr more than 250, and he is a reviewer on five medical journals and an editorial board member of "Neurological Research." Jeffrey Bost is a neurosurgical physician assistant and clinical instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has coauthored many presentations, articles, and grants exploring the use of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oils reduce psoriasis symptoms / Topically applied fish oil alleviates psoriasis

Fish oils and psoriasis symptoms
SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM. - Medical doctors at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital have just released the results of a clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation with fish oils in the treatment of psoriasis. The 28 patients involved in the trial had all been diagnosed with chronic psoriasis. They were randomized into two groups with one group receiving 10 fish oil capsules (containing 1.8 grams of EPA) and the other group receiving 10 olive oil capsules every day for the duration of the 12-week trial. After 8 weeks of treatment there was a significant reduction in itching, erythema and scaling in the fish oil group and a trend towards a decrease in the surface area of skin affected by the disease. No significant changes occurred in the placebo group. The researchers conclude that fish oil supplementation is useful in the treatment of psoriasis particularly when itching is a major problem. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a major component of fish oils, is known to dampen the adverse effects of leukotrienes and has been proven to have significant anti-inflammatory effects. Bittiner, S.B., et al. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil in psoriasis. The Lancet, February 20, 1988, pp. 378-80

posted November 30, 2007 02:15 AM         

308078509907Retail: $9.99
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Psoriaflora Psoriasis Cream is the Natural Alternative for Psoriasis.

- Relieves Redness, Itching of Psoriasis
- Fast relief for Scaling, Dry Skin, Skin Irritations
- Doctor Recommended Clinically Proven Effective
- Maximum Strength Formula Topical Cream

- Effective Natural Homeopathic Safe for Long Term Treatment
- Fast acting, pleasant odor, easy to use, won't stain clothing or skin
- No animal testing and No animal by-products

Psoriaflora Cream is a unique alternative pharmaceutical preparation that provides relief for the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriaflora's maximum strength formula is doctor recommended and is backed by clinical research proving it's effectiveness in relieving the scaling, redness, dry skin and itching associated with psoriasis. In a 12 week study of 433 patients, 81.8% of these patients demonstrated significant improvement or disappearance of scaling and flaking skin.
Unlike coal tar products, Psoriaflora is pleasant to use. It has a light, pleasant odor and will not stain the skin or clothing. Psoriflora does not contain salicylic acid or corticosteroids that can cause adverse reactions or interact harmfully with other medications.

Indications: For the temporary relief of symptoms of psoriasis such as dry skin rashes, itching, scaling, flaking, redness or irritation of the skin.

Directions: Adult & children 2 years of age & older: Apply to affected skin area up to 4 times daily. Rub in gently. Children under 2: Consult a doctor.

Active ingredient (HPUS, Class N): Berberis aquifolium Tincture 10%.

posted November 30, 2007 02:19 AM         

The principle supporting this type of treatment for skin disease emerges from understanding the essential triggers of skin problems and working with clients to develop remedies that more substantially address the issues, rather than just treating the surface symptoms. Miasms are intrinsically linked to the genetic programming of the individual and are part of the subtle structures attached to our DNA. Miasms are like shadows forming the background in the multiple reflections of a hall of mirrors. These reflections of the shadow cast by the original point of the reflection are part of the genetic blueprint passed on to future generations to resolve. The word miasm means a ‘cloud or fog in the being’ and they were first introduced into the theory of homeopathy by Hahnemann in 1828. Miasms are constitutional weaknesses created by either a personal or ancestral suppression of a disease. Everyone’s genetic structure contains miasmic imprints and Hahnemann considered psora to be the primary miasm – ‘an itch that could not be scratched’ - that is to say, an itch that was originally suppressed by a grandparent will be transferred down the genetic lineage for someone else to attempt to scratch.

Often the most obvious miasms are those that distress the skin, as the first thing we notice about someone is their appearance, yet what is often not acknowledged is that a skin problem is the external reflection of an internal problem. What is also not often recognized, particularly in Western medicine, is that all skin problems have an emotional stress at their core. There are three basic miasms affecting the integumentary system; psora, syphilinum and sycosis – a combination is tuberculinum being the most predominate in my experience. Miasms lie dormant in a person’s genetic makeup until a pre-encoded trigger is activated by the occurrence of something contraindicated to that individual’s maintenance of well-being. These triggers are most commonly a trauma or intervention of some kind that affects the person’s physical, mental and/or emotional status.
Prime triggers are invasive assaults on the immune system like immunizations and ingested substances that stress the body. Drugs, like antibiotics or corticoids, are also one of the biggest triggers for miasms. If using the metaphor of a jack-in-the-box, the miasm lies contained and dormant inside its box of genetic encoding, primed and ready on its highly tensioned spring, until something triggers the catch; like an unnecessary and unwelcomed jab from a hypodermic needle assaulting a new born baby’s immune system with a Hep B inoculation, for instance. This invasive assault triggers the catch, freeing the miasm to leap out of its containment and make an often dramatic appearance in the person’s life, by way of a physical ailment, or in the case of the new born, possibly even death. more

More about miasm http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema2.htm#itch

Steroids - Cortisone in Skin Condition
In Western medicine, cortisone is the most common treatment for skin ailments. The ingestion of cortisone or the application of cortisone cream begins the vicious cycle of degeneration. Cortisone actually compromises skin integrity and suppresses the body’s natural ability to heal. Skin, being the largest organ of the human physiology, is fundamentally linked to all systems of the body. The use of cortisone, whether external or internal, causes adrenal depletion and thus the domino effect begins, eventually forcing the reactions into the lungs – the internal skin of the body. Western medicine focuses so predominantly on the symptoms of a disease and rarely addresses the core issues, especially in the case of a miasmic response.
An important step in initiating the healing process is to offer the client the opportunity to understand that their skin condition is their body’s way of expressing unresolved emotions through their skin. By assisting the client to connect with and acknowledge these emotions and encouraging them to verbalize their feelings, the body can begin to heal. Cleansing the large intestine and then the liver and gall bladder with herbal support and dietary management to avoid the triggers, as well as implementing ways to neutralize the stress that triggers the underlying emotional response, are key strategies in the health regime. The practitioner’s prime focus is to first inform the client of the process involved and then to fully open the miasm with homeopathic support. If the life force and immune system of the client are low, then it is very important to support the blood chemistry with appropriate foods and herbals. In particular, the reduction of stress will assist the miasm to deactivate.

Applying natural creams to sooth the ailment, whilst being supportive, should not be relied on as the only source of treatment. However, using a non-mineral based aqueous cream that will not suppress the ailment, can offer great local relief for the problem. The use of petrochemical based creams like sorbaline is definitely not recommended, as these cause even more problems in the long run. A very soothing cream can be produced by using a base of 50% purified water blended with coco butter and oils, especially those containing essential fatty acids such as flax seed, linseed, and evening primrose; plus coconut, avocado, wheat germ, and rosehip as well as vegetable glycerin with grape seed oil extract for preserving the cream. Dry skin is an indication of general dehydration and the applications of skin preparations alone, whilst being supportive and soothing, will not resolve the problem. If the cause of the dehydration is simply due to not drinking enough water, this can be a result of self-punishing behavior due to a lack of self-esteem and other associated issues. Other issues of dehydration can involve the adrenals, kidneys and thyroid, as well as other systems, and have a more involved physical inter-relationship. more

Steroids The sleaziest of drugs

Far from being a wonder drug 'cure all', steroids cannot cure one single condition. All they do is suppress your body's ability to express a normal response. In a few instances, this type of suppression will give the body a chance to heal itself. But more often, the effect is immediate, devastating and permanent damage. And we are only now realizing just how quickly damage can occur. Despite what doctors say, that steroids only have side effects after many years of use, there is no such thing as a safe dose.

Studies show that steroids cause permanent, debilitating effects after a single dosage. 'Steroids are probably the most sleazy of modern day medications,' says John Mills, former professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and chief of infectious diseases at San Francisco General Hospital.

Coping With Prednisone and Other Cortisone-Related Medicines : It May Work Miracles, but How Do You Handle the Side Effects?

by Eugenia Zukerman, Julie Ingelfinger

Amazon.com: When flutist Eugenia Zukerman developed a rare lung disease and began taking the powerful drug prednisone as part of her treatment, she was subjected--with little choice and less preparation--to a barrage of side effects: intense mood swings, bloating, changes in her hair and skin, gastrointestinal problems, and more. Physician (and sister) Julie was shocked to discover how few materials were available to help patients cope with this difficult medication. Together, the distinguished sisters created a highly readable, easy-to-understand, and complete guide through the treatment experience.

posted November 30, 2007 02:22 AM         

Cat's Claw
Uncaria Tomentosa, is being called by many the "Miracle Herb from the Rain Forest of Peru". The highly effective properties contained in the inner bark of the cat's claw plant have demonstrated, through centuries of usage dating back to the time of the ancient Incas, to have a profound and positive influence on the body's defense system. Studies conducted since the 1970s at research clinics in Peru, Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy validate the traditional usage and indicates that this herb may be beneficial in ameliorating a host of modern day afflictions which have no answers from the orthodox medical arena. It is known to help nutritionally support the body's defense, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems through its antioxidant and build properties.
Cat's Claw is known to support a wide range of health problems associated with immune and digestive problems; such as gastric ulcers, arthritis, intestinal disorders, certain skin disorders, herpes, candidiasis, chronic fatigue, lupus, and tumors. It can also be used as an aid for stomach and bowel disorders including: Crohn's disease, leaky bowel, colitis, diverticulitis gastritis, ulcers, intestinal flora imbalance, and hemorrhoids. Cat's Claw prevents the formation of blood clots, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, and inhibits the formation of plaque. It is helpful for inflammatory conditions; such as arthritis, bursitis, and rheumatism. It is also helpful with female hormonal imbalances, irregularities of the female cycle and with symptoms of PMS. It is also beneficial in support of diabetes and organic depression. Cat's Claw also protects from environmental toxins