This resource is a national organization designed to find a cure for psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation offers conferences, publications, news and events.

Psoriasis Cure Now

Psoriasis Cure Now is also dedicated to finding a cure for psoriasis. They offer pod-casts, conferences and a resource to contact congress

Living with someone with psoriasis can be stressful. My father has suffered with psoriasis for years. He inherited it from his mother. One specific memory I have of his years of dealing with this disease was my mother’s reaction when he had a flare-up.

I recall my mother complaining on a daily basis because she had to change and wash the sheets daily due to the “flaking” skin that was in the bed each morning. My father would roll his eyes, but I could see the pain that was caused by her insensitivity. My mother is not a mean person, but she did not know how to support my father. She did not even realize that her remarks hurt him.

Being the support system of someone who is sick can become stressful at times. You are witness to the suffering of someone you care about. You may even inadvertently say or do something that is hurtful or insensitive. It doesn’t have to be a stressful time; there are ways that you can help and be supportive of the person who is suffering.

What You Can Do

First, you should learn as much as you can about psoriasis. It can at times be very painful or uncomfortable. Keep in mind that the person with psoriasis is suffering not only physically but emotionally as well.

Next, don’t be skittish about psoriasis. It is not pleasant to look at and the person who has psoriasis knows this. Be empathetic to what the patient may be feeling before you say anything that may hurt his or her feelings. Also, keep in mind there is no way you can contract psoriasis - it is not a communicable disease.

Make sure that you listen. The patient may need someone to talk to about what they are going through.  Listen to what they have to say and validate these feelings. Don’t brush it off as “so and so” is complaining again. Chances are the complaints are legitimate.

Finally, don’t forget about you. You may find at times that you are stressed by the condition as well. Find someone you can talk to. Try not to vent your frustration to the patient because it will only increase his or her feelings of guilt. Find a neutral party or join a support group.

One of the most difficult stages in a person’s life is during adolescence. Your body is changing from the body of a child to the body of an adult. It is an adjustment in and of itself. If you add in coping with psoriasis, it can make for a miserable time. However, it doesn’t have to be.

Your teen years will have you experiencing the full gamut of emotions. If you are suffering from psoriasis you may also feel embarrassed, angry, or even guilty. While these emotions are common, you do not have to let your disease dictate your life. There are some steps you can take to make dealing with your disease easier:

• Keep in mind that this is not life-threatening. There are excellent treatments available to help control flare-ups. Also, research is being done to help find a cure.
• Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about your condition and know what you are up against.
• Ask questions. There are no stupid questions. This is your body and if you are confused about something speak up and get clarification.
• Keep in mind that you are not to blame. You did not cause your psoriasis to happen.
• Don’t let psoriasis rule your life. There are many people who have not let psoriasis slow them down and you shouldn’t either (see Famous People with Psoriasis).
• Talk about it. Don’t hold it all in; talk to someone like a friend, family member, or teacher about what you may be feeling physically or emotionally. Or, you can join a support group and speak with people who are in the same boat as you.

Your teen years should be filled with fun.  Try to remember that while psoriasis may be a part of who you are, it is not in control of how you should live your life.

If the symptoms you are experiencing are new to you, you should call your primary health care physician.  Your physician can either help you or refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions).

Some symptoms that would warrant a call to your doctor would include:

• Bright red patches with loose scaly skin
• Thick patches on the scalp
• Problems with your nails - tiny pits, yellowing, separation of nail from the nail bed

What to Expect

When a person has psoriasis it is easily detected by a doctor. Upon your first visit to the doctor’s office, your doctor can usually make a diagnosis by simply looking at your skin. However, there may be some routine tests to rule out other conditions.

First your doctor may order a skin biopsy. During a skin biopsy, a piece of the lesion is cut off so it can be looked at under a microscope. Hospitalization is usually not necessary; the procedure can take place in the doctor’s office while under a local anesthetic. If you are experiencing joint inflammation and pain, an x-ray will be ordered to make the proper diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. If you have guttate psoriasis, a throat culture may be done to check for a strep infection.

Once you are diagnosed with psoriasis, you should contact your doctor and inform him of any flare-ups you have. Also, if your medication is not working you should contact your doctor so adjustments can be made.

When to Call Immediately

There are circumstance that would require an immediate appointment with your doctor. These symptoms can be serious, so it is important to get yourself to the doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Increased pain
• Extreme redness, swelling or tenderness
• Discharge (any fluid that oozes from the lesion)

You are not alone when it comes to suffering with psoriasis. There are quite a few famous and infamous people who have suffered throughout the ages with psoriasis.

The following is a list of just some of the people who have experienced the same symptoms as you and have managed to still live their life:

• Robert Bruce (aka Robert the Bruce) - Robert lived from 1274 to 1329. He was “King of Scots” from 1306 until his death. Many believed he had an unclean ailment. Some thought it was this ailment that caused his death; however, there is evidence to support that he died from syphilis.
• Art Garfunkel - Art is half of the legendary folk duo Simon and Garfunkel.
• Mark Gastineau - A defensive end for the New York Jets. Mark has always been known for his deep, dark tan. Mark claims that his tan is to help keep his psoriasis under control.
• Karin Holestein - An international model. Karin had difficulties accepting her condition and suffered as a child. Her life is based on her appearance and she has not let her condition slow her down.
• Jerry Mathers (aka The Beaver) - Jerry is known for his role on “Leave it to Beaver”. He is currently a spokesman for The Psoriasis Foundation campaign “Step into my Skin.”

• Joseph Stalin - Stalin lived from 1879 to 1953. Stalin was the General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1922 until his death. He is also known for establishing a regime known as Stalinism.
• Kenneth Starr - Kenneth Starr is an American lawyer. He is best known for his role in the “Clinton Scandal” and the “Starr Report”. Starr did not go off to Vietnam because of his psoriasis.
• John Hoyer Updike - John Hoyer Updike is an American Author. He is best known for his Rabbit Series. He had psoriasis like his mom.
• CariDee English -CariDee English is a cover girl. She keeps her psoriasis under control with the help of the biologic Raptivia. She is also a spokes person for the Psoriasis Foundation.

These are just a few of the millions who suffer from psoriasis.   The moral of this list is to prove that psoriasis does not have to rule your life.  You can take control of your condition and not let it stop you from living a rewarding life.

The skin condition that we know as psoriasis can be traced back to biblical times. It may have been called Tzaraat then; however, the symptoms were the same as what we refer to as psoriasis today.

Up until the 1800’s, psoriasis was believed to be contagious. As a result of this belief, many people who had psoriasis were put into leper colonies. It was during the 1800’s that this skin condition was found to not be contagious and was separated from its classification alongside leprosy.

In 1841, psoriasis received its name from a scientist named Ferdinand Hebra. Psoriasis comes from the Greek word psora, which means “to itch”. Dr. Hebra’s original hypothesis about the triggers of a psoriasis flare-up are not far from what is believed today. Dr. Hebra suggested that climate, habits (such as drinking brandy), and nervous temperments were the responsible culprits for psoriasis. Today, it is still believed that climate (especially cold weather) and nervous  (such as stress) are triggers for a flare-up.

Historical Treatments

Treatments for psoriasis have advanced over the years, although some of the original treatments are still being used today. The good news is that science is still progressing in its advancements in psoriasis treatment:

• Over 100 years ago- Dithranol (comes from goa powder from araroba trees), Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, Sunlight, Dead Sea Salt, Emollients
• 1920’s- UVB light, Goeckerman Regimen (a daily concentrated treatment of UVB light and Coal Tar - treatment lasted about 3-4 weeks)
• 1950’s - Topical and Oral Steroids
• 1960’s - Hydroxyurea (an antineoplastic - a drug used to combat the growth of tumors)
• 1970’s - PUVA (psoralen plus UVB)
• 1980’s- Methotrexate (a drug commonly used in cancer patients and patients with autoimmune disorders)
• 1990’s- Topical Vitamin D and Retinoids (same chemical properties of Vitamin A)
• 2000’s - Biologic treatments and laser therapy

As research continues, progress is being made to find a cure for psoriasis.

Supporting Your Child Who is Suffering from Psoriasis

The best ways you can help support your child is to help understand what is going on with his or her body:

• Reassure your child that psoriasis is not contagious. Other children may shy away from your child because they may think they will get the symptoms your child has. Let your child know that no one can “catch” psoriasis, so he or she can educate his or her peers.
• Let your child know that psoriasis runs in families. Many children may feel that they did something “bad” and it is their fault that they have this disease.
• Let your child know that they are not alone. There are approximately 7.5 million Americans who have psoriasis. There are even some famous people who learned to cope with their condition (see Famous People with Psoriasis).
• Be honest with your child. Let them know that there is no cure as of right now, but scientists are working hard to find a cure.
• Educate your child on the condition. Explain what they have and what the symptoms are.
• Also, educate your child about any medications they are taking. A child will not understand if you try to explain the chemical properties, but let them know the name of the medication they are taking and what it is for.
• Ask how your child is feeling, and validate the feelings they are experiencing.
• Inform your child’s teacher about your child’s condition. It is common for a child to want to “cover-up” any lesions they may have, so your child’s teacher may not even be aware of the situation.  Inform the teacher that physical activity may be painful. Also, the itching and pain may be a distraction for your child. For a fact sheet that you can print out and give to your child’s teacher visit Psoriasis Kids.

Diet and exercise play an important role in any healthy lifestyle. As with any disease, maintaining a healthy diet and participating in some form of exercise can be beneficial to your overall well-being. Although there is no specific diet or exercise regimen for psoriasis, there are certain foods and exercises that you can include in your daily routine that will benefit your condition.

Diet

Research has shown that a diet that includes antioxidants, beta-carotene, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc may help aid in the prevention and management of psoriasis.

There are several foods that you can eat that are beneficial to you:

• Oily fish(salmon, sardines, mackerel) - Oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that an increase in omega-3 fatty acids has helped patients reduse the use of steroidal creams.
• Seeds (especially flax, sunflower, and sesame) - These seeds have anti-inflamatory properties and can aid in the relief of the red, itchy patches you may experience.
• Carrots, apricots, mangoes, and leafy green vegetables - These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that improve the strength of the immune system.
• Brazil nuts- Brazil nuts produce an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme helps stop the formation of leucotrienes, which may worsen the psoriasis. Leucotrienes are enzymes that are responsible for the inflammatory response.
• Breakfast cereals- Breakfast cereals are rich in folic acid. People who suffer from psoriasis may have a deficiency of this vitamin.
• Broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts- Again, these vegetables are rich in folic acid.
• Shell fish - Shell fish are rich in zinc. People who suffer from psoriasis occasionaly suffer from a zinc defiency. A sign of a zinc deficiency are skin lesions like the ones seen in psoriasis.
• Dietary fiber- Dietary fiber helps rid the gastrointestinal tract of any toxins in the system that may be linked to psoriasis.

There are also several foods you should avoid or eat in limited amounts:

• Red meat
• Dairy products
• Alcohol
• Spices
• Citrus foods

Exercise

Exercise is beneficial to any healthy lifestyle. Exercise can help with your condition, especially if you are suffering from psoriatic arthritis. The best form of exercise includes stretching the muscles and improving the range of motion due to the stretching of the skin. Some exercises to consider are:

• Cycling - You can ride a bike outdoors or a stationary bike depending upon your preference.
• Tai Chi- Tai Chi can help with the range of motion, as well as, help with meditation and stress relief.
• Swimming (in a heated pool) - Swimming in a heated pool will help provide some comfort for psoriatic arthritis. Also, warm water will help with any scaling you may experience by loosening the skin cells.

While it is a wise decision to engage in any form of exercise, don’t push yourself. If you experience any pain or discomfort while engaging in these exercises you should immediately stop.

If you are a patient who is suffering from psoriasis, you may experience some emotional symptoms that coincide with your physical suffering.In today’s appearance driven society, it is easy to understand how living with psoriasis can make you feel like a pariah. People who suffer from psoriasis have reported feelings of depression and low self-esteem. If you experience these feelings, it is important to keep in mind that even though your disease may be life long, it is not a ”death sentence”. You can, and should, try to maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle.

In order to put things into perspective consider the following:

• Your disease is not contagious.Some people may shy away from you because they may be afraid of “getting what you’ve got.” Become the educator and let those around you know that it is not contagious.
• The stress from worrying about the disease can actually make the disease worse. Stress is a trigger for psoriasis. The more you think about it, the more aggravated your symptoms will become.
• Try to stay optimistic. Know that researchers are looking into ways to cure this disease.
• You are not alone. There are millions of people in the United States and the world who suffer from psoriasis. They are probably feeling the same way that you do. Ask your doctor if there is a support group in your area that you can join. (See Famous People with Psoriasis for some well known people through history who had/have psoriasis.)
• This disease has some genetic links.It is possible that your parents or grandparents may have had a similar experience to yours. If they are available, talk to them and see how they have learned to cope with their disease.

If you find the above suggestions futile or if you experience severe feelings of hopelessness, contact your health care professional immediately, so you can get the help that you need.

A person who is suffering from psoriasis should always follow their doctor’s advice in order to achieve optimal results. The “main stream” routes of treatment include topical, phototherapy, or systemic treatments. Some patients may want to try a homeopathic method in order to achieve a natural source of relief. There are some methods of treatment that are available if you have the money and the time to travel.

The Fish Cure

The “fish cure” is a 21 day treatment in the Kangal Fish Spring in Turkey. This spring contains a toothless fish that feeds off of the dead skin cells that have accumulated. The prices for this treatment start around $6,000, which includes hotel, treatment, and airfare. To find out more about this treatment visit The Fish Cure.

Dead Sea Salts

Another interesting product that is available is Dead Sea salt. Dead Sea salt claims to clear the skin and send your psoriasis into remission. The Dead Sea is located in Israel and has a salt concentration that is 10x higher than the ocean. It also has a combination of magnesium, potassium, and calcium chloride. This unique combination offers natural comfort for the symptoms of psoriasis. There are some who make a pilgrimage to submerge themselves in the relief nature has to offer; however, you do not have to make the journey all the way to Israel. You can purchase the salts and use them in your bath or as a scrub. To purchase Dead Sea Salts visit Saltworks.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a procedure that restores the proper flow of energy throughout the body. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice. During an acupuncture procedure, sterile needles are inserted into specific focal points to restore the energy flow. A drawback is it may take many treatment sessions before any relief is felt.

As with all non-conventional methods of treatment, it is always best to speak with your health care provider before you invest in any treatment.