| | | | Psoriasis is a common disease that produces silvery, scaly plaques on the
skin. A dermatologist should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis of
psoriasis.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: Ingestion of
alcohol appears to be a risk factor for psoriasis in men but not women.1 2
It would therefore be prudent for men with psoriasis to drink moderately,
if at all.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with psoriasis
may improve on a hypoallergenic diet.3 One study reported that eliminating
gluten (found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley) improved psoriasis for some
people.4 A nutritionally oriented doctor can help individuals with
psoriasis determine whether gluten or other foods are contributing to
their skin condition.
Nutritional supplements that may be
helpful: In a double blind study, fish oil (10 grams per day) was
found to improve the skin lesions of psoriasis.5 In another study,
supplementing with 3.6 grams per day of purified eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA, one of the fatty acids found in fish oil) reduced the severity of
psoriasis after two to three months.6 7 That amount of EPA is contained in
about 20 grams of fish oil. However, when purified EPA was used in
combination with purified docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, another fatty acid
contained in fish oil), no improvement was observed.8 Additional research
is needed to determine whether fish oil itself or some of its components
are more effective for individuals with psoriasis. One study showed that
applying a preparation containing 10% fish oil directly to psoriatic
lesions twice daily resulted in improvement after seven weeks.9
Supplementing with fish oil also may help prevent the increase in
blood levels of triglycerides that occurs as a side effect of certain
drugs used to treat psoriasis (e.g., etretinate and acitretin).10 Some
nutritionally oriented doctors have been impressed with the effectiveness
of flaxseed oil (usually 1-3 tablespoons per day) against psoriasis,
although there have been no published studies to support that
observation.
The vitamin D that is present in food or manufactured
by sunlight is converted in the body into a powerful hormone-like molecule
called 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. That compound and a related naturally
occurring molecule (1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3) have been found to be
helpful when given orally to people with psoriasis.11 Topical application
of these compounds has worked well in some,12 13 14 15 but not all,
studies.16 17 These activated forms of vitamin D are believed to work by
preventing the excessive proliferation of cells that occurs in the skin of
people with psoriasis. Because these potent forms of vitamin D can cause
potentially dangerous increases in blood levels of calcium, they are
available only by prescription. The use of these compounds (under the
supervision of a qualified dermatologist) may be considered in difficult
cases of psoriasis. The form of vitamin D that is available without a
prescription is unlikely to be effective against psoriasis.
Fumaric
acid, in the chemically bound form known as fumaric acid esters, has been
shown in some studies to be effective against psoriasis.18 19 However,
because fumaric acid esters can cause significant side effects, they
should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor familiar with their
use.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to
the individual supplement for information about any side effects or
interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful: Cayenne contains a
resinous and pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves
pain and itching by depleting certain neurotransmitters from sensory
nerves. In a double blind study, application of a capsaicin cream to the
skin relieved both the itching and the skin lesions in people with
psoriasis.20
Creams containing 0.025-0.075% capsaicin are generally
used. There may be a burning sensation the first several times the cream
is applied, but this should gradually become less pronounced with each
use. The hands must be carefully and thoroughly washed after use, or
gloves should be worn, to prevent the cream from accidentally reaching the
eyes, nose, or mouth and causing a burning sensation. Do not apply the
cream to areas of broken skin.
In traditional herbal texts, burdock
root is described as a blood purifier or alterative.21 Burdock root was
believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally
and externally for psoriasis. Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of
burdock root tincture per day. For the dried root preparation in tablet or
capsule form, the common amount to take is 1-2 grams three times per day.
Many herbal preparations will combine burdock root with other alterative
herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers.
Some nutritionally oriented doctors believe that "sluggish" liver
function is a contributing factor in psoriasis, possibly explaining why
milk thistle seeds, which promote normal liver function, can be
beneficial. Milk thistle can be taken in an amount that provides 420 mg of
silymarin per day. Milk thistle is available in capsules, tablets, or an
extract that is standardized to contain 70-80% silymarin. Once improvement
occurs, intake is often reduced to 280 mg of silymarin per day. This lower
amount may also be used for preventive purposes.
Psyllium husk
powder is sometimes used by psoriasis sufferers, since maintaining normal
bowel health is believed to be important for managing psoriasis. Psyllium
acts as a bulk-forming laxative to cleanse the bowel and encourage normal
elimination. Some doctors of natural medicine suggest 7.5 grams of the
seeds or 5 grams of the husks to be taken one to two times per day, with
water or juice. It's important to maintain adequate fluid intake when
using psyllium.
Sarsaparilla may be beneficial as an
anti-inflammatory agent. Capsules or tablets should provide at least 9
grams of the dried root per day, usually taken in divided doses. Tincture
is used in the amount of 3 ml three times per day.
An ointment
containing Oregon grape has been shown in a double blind study to be
effective against psoriasis.22 Whole Oregon grape extracts were shown in
one laboratory study to reduce inflammation (often associated with
psoriasis) and to stimulate the white blood cells known as macrophages.23
In this study, isolated alkaloids from Oregon grape did not have these
effects. This suggests that there are other active ingredients besides
alkaloids in Oregon grape. Barberry, which is very similar to Oregon
grape, is believed to have similar effects. An ointment made from a 10%
extract of Oregon grape or barberry can be applied topically three times
per day.
References:
1. Poikolainen K, Reunala T,
Karvonen J, et al. Alcohol intake: a risk factor for psoriasis in young
and middle aged men? BMJ 1990;300:780-83.
2. Monk BE, Neill SM.
Alcohol consumption and psoriasis. Dermatologica 1986;173:57-60.
3.
Douglas JM. Psoriasis and diet. West J Med 1980;133:450 [letter].
4.
Michaelsson G, Gerden B. How common is gluten intolerance among patients
with psoriasis? Acta Derm Venereol 1991;71:90.
5. Bittiner SB, Tucker
WFG, Cartwright I, Bleehen SS. A double-blind, randomised,
placebo-controlled trial of fish oil in psoriasis. Lancet 1988;i:378-80.
6. Kojima T, Terano T, Tanabe E, et al. Long-term administration of
highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid provides improvement of psoriasis.
Dermatologica 1991;182:225-30.
7. Kojima T, Ternao T, Tanabe E, et
al. Effect of highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid on psoriasis. J Am
Acad Dermatol 1989;21:150-51.
8. Soyland E, Funk J, Rajka G, et al.
Effect of dietary supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids in
patients with psoriasis. N Engl J Med 1993;328:1812-16.
9. Dewsbury
CE, Graham P, Darley CR. Topical eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the
treatment of psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 1989;120:581-84.
10. Ashley JM,
Lowe NJ, Borok ME, Alfin-Slater RB. Fish oil supplementation results in
decreased hypertriglyceridemia in patients with psoriasis undergoing
etretinate or acitretin therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol 1988;19:76-82.
11. Morimoto S, Yoshikawa K, Kozuka T, et al. An open study of vitamin D3
treatment in psoriasis vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1986;115:421-29.
12.
Morimoto S, Yoshikawa K. Psoriasis and vitamin D3. Arch Dermatol
1989;125:231-34.
13. Kragballe K. Treatment of psoriasis by the
topical application of the novel cholecalciferol analogue calcipotriol.
Arch Dermatol 1989;125:1647-52.
14. Smith EL, Pincus SH, Donovan L,
Holick MF. A novel approach for the evaluation and treatment of psoriasis.
J Am Acad Dermatol 1988;19:516-28.
15. Kragballe K,. Beck HI, Sogaard
H. Improvement of psoriasis by a topical vitamin D3 analogue (MC 903) in a
double-blind study. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:223-30.
16. Henderson CA,
Papworth-Smith J, Cunliffe WJ, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial of topical 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol
1989;121:493-96.
17. Van de Kerkhof PCM, Van Bokhoven M, Zultak M,
Czarnetzki BM. A double-blind study of topical 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin
D3 in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 1989;120:661-64.
18. Kolbach DN,
Nieboer C. Fumaric acid therapy in psoriasis: results and side effects of
2 years of treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 1992;27:769-71.
19. Altmeyer
PJ, Matthes U, Pawlak F, et al. Antipsoriatic effect of fumaric acid
derivatives. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;30:977-81.
20. Ellis CN,
Berberian B, Sulica VI, et al. A double-blind evaluation of topical
capsaicin in pruritic psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993;29:438-42.
21. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 23-24 [review].
22.
Wiesenauer M, Ldtke R. Mahonia aquifolium in patients with psoriasis
vulgaris_an intraindividual study. Phytomedicine 1996;3:231-35.
23.
Galle K, Mller-Jakic B, Proebstle A, et al. Analytical and
pharmacological studies on Mahonia aquifolium. Phytomedicine 1994;1:59-62.
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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Psoriasis - Health - Evening Primrose Oil - 1000 mg - EXTRA STRENGTH
60 softgels
Humble Herb Once "King's Cure-All!" Today, Evening Primrose Oil Addresses Everything From MS to PMS!
14.11 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Evening Primrose Oil - 500 mg
180 softgels
"King's Cure-All!" Takes on Everything From MS to PMS!
16.91 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Evening Primrose Oil, Cold Pressed (10% GLA) - 500 mg
120 capsules
17.43 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Psyllium Husk Powder - 500 mg
90 capsules
11.78 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Evening Primrose Oil Premium - Hi Potency - 1000 mg
90 capsules
24.78 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Black Currant Oil - 500 mg - 90 GLA
100 softgels
25.38 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Evening Primrose Oil - Hexane Free
250 softgels
28.51 US
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Psoriasis - Health - Evening Primrose Oil - Hexane Free
100 softgels
13.15 US
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