Skin conditions

[Juan King]

Yeah it's one of those things, and I'm of the (uneducated) opinion at this stage that we just don't understand our bodies as well as we think we do when it comes to how diet affects us. Have you checkout out Auto Immune Protocol diet? It's very hard to follow as it's a) strict and b) costly but it apparently is a game changer for skin conditions, and it all goes back to gut bacteria. There's also a lad on youtrube who very bravely documented his psoriasis and how he cured it with a raw vegan juice diet. You can see in all his videos how it definitely worked for him, but a diet of juice is a horrible thought for most.

I've done all the steroid creams, phototherapy(avb) and 3 years on methotrexate. I refused to do the biological injections as a potential risk was heart failure and I'd two mates die young of heart attacks at the time and it wasn't worth the risk. All the treatments seem to work, but at the same time you are aware that you are on something and they all feel like papering over the cracks.

In my case changing my diet was what sorted me out, after being told by specialists that diet wasn't a key factor. I cut out dairy and meat and my skin cleared up completely. I think it's a combination of that and the fact that my diet now is a whole food, plant based one, so I'm getting more nutrients, vitamins etc from what I'm eating. I'm convinced that in my case cutting out dairy has been the biggest factor. I don't think you have to go as extreme as a raw juice diet, as per the video you mention, but it wouldn't hurt to try cutting out dairy for a month to see if it makes a difference to you. Also trying incorporating some juice or more vegetables to your diet may be beneficial. I messed about for over 20 years, with GP's prescribing things that didn't help or in some cases made things worse, getting referred to dermatologists, paying to go see private specialists, having light treatment which helped temporarily but has it's own risks etc and the thing that fixed it was my diet.

 

[Thaksinssoldier]

In my case changing my diet was what sorted me out, after being told by specialists that diet wasn't a key factor. I cut out dairy and meat and my skin cleared up completely. I think it's a combination of that and the fact that my diet now is a whole food, plant based one, so I'm getting more nutrients, vitamins etc from what I'm eating. I'm convinced that in my case cutting out dairy has been the biggest factor. I don't think you have to go as extreme as a raw juice diet, as per the video you mention, but it wouldn't hurt to try cutting out dairy for a month to see if it makes a difference to you. Also trying incorporating some juice or more vegetables to your diet may be beneficial. I messed about for over 20 years, with GP's prescribing things that didn't help or in some cases made things worse, getting referred to dermatologists, paying to go see private specialists, having light treatment which helped temporarily but has it's own risks etc and the thing that fixed it was my diet.

Yeah I switched to a paleo diet for a few months and saw a huge difference. I've slowly put a few things back into my diet, but I've learned what to avoid like the plague, namely tomatoes , peppers, eggs, high fructose corn syrup, dairy and the beer. I've added wheat back in and it hasn't made too much difference, but if I eat any of the others I'll notice it next day or sooner.

Diet is definitely a game changer, even if the science can't understand why just yet.

 

[Rascal]

Just being pedantic, the tub says 'Diprobase Cream Emollient' ;)

One of the benefits with these clinical emollients is that they come with pumps. Tubes and tubs collect bacteria and all sorts.



Yeah, I can't use most washing powders. I stick with Fairy gel, and always use the extra rinse setting.

I've also learned to wash my hands regulalry, and wipe down mice, controllers, keyboards and remotes. And after 30 years I discovered I am allergic to latex - especially the thick stuff they use for pen grips (always carry my own pens!). It definitely draws the moisture out of your skin, I'd not be suprised if most people with skin conditions had a similair reaction. I'd reccomend using gloves for all household / surface cleaners and if's a big job, showering afterwards. Last time I checked Tesco stock latex-free gloves.

Doctors are told to prescribe the least potent steroid, and whilst i can see where they are coming from, I think they're wrong. Betanovate/Betamethasone for a day or three is surely better than Eumovate for two weeks. My doctors gave up arguing with me a long time ago and will give me a tube a year.

Yeah Diprobase does say that. They can probably justify it as being fine to use as an emollient if you have perfectly healthy skin.

It is cold to touch though, anything cold will have alcohol or an alcohol derivative in it. I'm sure everyone knows how a mouth feels in the morning after 10 pints of lager. You would never be given diprobase on the ward at my hospital. Never share emollients as well as you are right it carries a risk of cross infection.

Your advice about washing hands is very good and everybody regardless of health should do it.

GPs proscribing steroids generally give you the latest one available and are unaware of its potency. Strong steroids are fine short term, mild ones like Eumovate I have only ever used in sensitive areas such as face and ears. I was given one once for around my bollox which was very very mild and I cant remember its name. It worked thankfully as I would hate raw balls :))

 

[Rascal]

I was diagnosed with dermotitis on my face, around my nose. Sometimes it won't flare up but about 80% of the year it does. It flakes and goes bright red, and at times can burn. I was prescribed a load of creams but non seem to shift it, to the point where I just let it flare down on its own.
I still use the cream prescribed to me as it's more of a placebo effect for me, but it's really irritating that the doctors told me that nothing will be able to shift it.
Strange thing is it only appears around where my glasses rest.

There is a name for it. I think this is it

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/seborrheic-dermatitis-medref#1

Have a look pal, it may help

 

[Rascal]

Just on my way for the 6th visit to the docs now with a skin condition on my finger and toes. Goes dry brittle cracks open into lge fissures. end up wearing gloves because the ends of my fingers are cut to ribbons.

Tried
Prescribed Anti Fungal tablets and cream..no effect (the tablets are pretty toxic the doc said they can fuck up your liver)
all manner of steroids...no effect
Anti Bacterials...No effect
Hydromol temporary supple skin, (1hr later the same )
stopped using soap to wash now use Dermol 500 helps a little to suppress it
loads of Eczema/Psoriasis creams

Weirdly, some mornings, I wake up and it looks like it has disappeared and left behind pinkish healing skin. 1/2 hr later it's a dry white crust.

Like i said i'm on my way to the quacks now and was going to ask to see a dermatologist, but i won't hold my breath after reading this thread.

Ask your Doc if it is possible you have Palmoplanter Psoraisis. It only affects hands and feet. I don't know much about it, but I do know there are machines at hospital that apply UVB to just hands and feet and work.

Ask your GP for a specialists referral as well. In the meanwhile try and keep them as moist as possible. White soft paraffin might help and you can use as much as you need mate

 

[Rascal]

Yeah it's one of those things, and I'm of the (uneducated) opinion at this stage that we just don't understand our bodies as well as we think we do when it comes to how diet affects us. Have you checkout out Auto Immune Protocol diet? It's very hard to follow as it's a) strict and b) costly but it apparently is a game changer for skin conditions, and it all goes back to gut bacteria. There's also a lad on youtrube who very bravely documented his psoriasis and how he cured it with a raw vegan juice diet. You can see in all his videos how it definitely worked for him, but a diet of juice is a horrible thought for most.

I've done all the steroid creams, phototherapy(avb) and 3 years on methotrexate. I refused to do the biological injections as a potential risk was heart failure and I'd two mates die young of heart attacks at the time and it wasn't worth the risk. All the treatments seem to work, but at the same time you are aware that you are on something and they all feel like papering over the cracks.

Methotrexate is an awful drug in my experience. Biologics to my knowledge have no connection with heart failure. Psoraisis itself is believed to lead to heart conditions and I do know research is being done but as of yet it is inconclusive.

The biggest threat if using Biologics is TB and if you use them you are monitored and screened. There is also an increased susceptibility to infection.

It is brilliant to see people finding ways to better their lives and I applaud them all. There is possibilities in their experiences but nothing definitive. I prefer the advice, knowledge and wisdom of my Prof.

Stratified medicine is the way forward. Soon a simple blood test will be able to identify a treatment that is specific to you. The possibilities for it are mind blowing. Problem is I'm sure money hungry drug companies will hate it.

 

[talkativesprout]

Ask your Doc if it is possible you have Palmoplanter Psoraisis. It only affects hands and feet. I don't know much about it, but I do know there are machines at hospital that apply UVB to just hands and feet and work.

Ask your GP for a specialists referral as well. In the meanwhile try and keep them as moist as possible. White soft paraffin might help and you can use as much as you need mate

Cheers pal. Didn't have to ask for a specialist, he just suggested it off the bat. Having looked at images of Palmoplanter Psoraisis, it looks different though similar.

I guess just managing it with neutral moisturizers and paraffin creams.

Thanks bud

 

[Rascal]

Cheers pal. Didn't have to ask for a specialist, he just suggested it off the bat. Having looked at images of Palmoplanter Psoraisis, it looks different though similar.

I guess just managing it with neutral moisturizers and paraffin creams.

Thanks bud

Very pleased to hear that mate. One of the biggest problems we have encountered is GPs reluctance to refer people to see a dermatologist. Comes down to money I suppose. Of course everybodies skin is different and reacts differently, but a specialist will know what particular markers to look for and diagnose you correctly. Then I hope you get the treatment you deserve. Let us know how it goes pal. Good luck.

 

[talkativesprout]

Well it took a while but had my Derma Nurse appointment last week. Prescribed cortisone creams of varying strengths on a 4 week treatment plan for contact dermatitis, emollients to avoid soap.

The biggest difference is a product called Flexitol for the first time in 18 month or more i haven't got one fissure on my hands and can function without wearing gloves.

 

[Uncle Wally One Ball]

Well it took a while but had my Derma Nurse appointment last week. Prescribed cortisone creams of varying strengths on a 4 week treatment plan for contact dermatitis, emollients to avoid soap.

The biggest difference is a product called Flexitol for the first time in 18 month or more i haven't got one fissure on my hands and can function without wearing gloves.

Great news, hope it works out for you