'Natural remedies help my scaly skin'
Living with psoriasis
In November 2003, I noticed I had a bit of rough skin on the inside of my elbow. Only a few days later, I found I had similar patches all over my body. I was horrified. My GP said I had scabies and gave me some cream, but it made no difference. If anything, my skin was getting worse. I went back to the doctor, and this time he told me I had psoriasis.
I left the surgery armed with more steroid pills and potions than a chemist. But they had no effect. Pretty soon I was covered from head to toe in patches of scaly skin. I looked so awful that I didn't want to leave the house. I became really depressed and, in December 2003, my GP signed me off work.
Eventually, I was referred to a dermatologist. He told me my psoriasis had probably been triggered by a throat infection. But he reckoned it was hereditary, too. He then recommended a range of treatments for me, like UVB light treatment, as well as a load of other creams. But the relief was only ever short-lived.
Then, in February 2005, I read about a psoriasis remedy called Oregon Grape Root Extract, which was a natural cream and spray. To my amazement, after only four weeks of using it, I noticed a difference. My patches were beginning to shrink. And after about six weeks, they had all but cleared up. The more my psoriasis shrank, the more my confidence grew. Until eventually, I started to feel like going out again!
Emily Fisher, 26, is from Sutton, Surrey
More help and advice
- Get the facts on psoriasis
- More tips on relieving psoriasis pain
- An expert's advice on psoriasis
- For more information and advice on the condition, visit the Psoriasis Association
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christine trafford, 11 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
i live in calgary,alberta,canada is there any where in canada where i can buy this prouct ive tried to order it but only can get it from england thank you chris.
stephanie, 12 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I too live in NI, I found this site - http://www.skinshop.co.uk/list.asp?root=74&deptid=77 however I don't know if this is the only brand using the extract, as more or less may be used in other creams. It's cheaper than other creams I have heard help psoriasis, like argan oil, so hopefully I won't be wasting my money buying it.
joanne watt, 12 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
i live in northern ireland is there anywhere over here that sells this product. if so could you please let me know.
Chito S,. Del Rosario, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
Is the product available in the Philippines? also available in the United States? Thanks
Ruth Holland, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I've had psoriasis for nearly 30 years. The only thing that has cleared it up completely is UV. It does come back slowly once treatment has finished but it certainly helps to control it. I've tried acupuncture which didn't work for me. I've just begun using oregan grape root from www.skinshop.co.uk. I've used it for a week and can already see a good improvement.
rory myles, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
You can buy the Oregon Grape Root Range at www.skinshop.co.uk
Danny Hudson, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I recently saw a story on the internet, where a guy had applied for the army, but failed his medical because he had guttate psoriasis, does anyone know if this would affect my application to the fire service?
oneill, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
Please try the following; Cut out all of the following and then check if you see any improvement; Fermented milk products e.g Cheese, yogurts Spinach Kale Aubergine Courgette Leftover meats Tinned tuna Shellfish Processed meats, sausages, bacon. Fermented Soy products e.g. Soy sauce Sauerkraut Vinegar MSG Some spices e.g. curry powder, paprika Tomato and tomato based products Citrus fruits (Lemons are OK) Pineapple Fresh berries All Alcohol except plain vodka, gin, white rum. Red wine, beer and cider is very high in histamines Also, sulphites Chocolate Cola drinks Tea and herbal teas (Coffee is OK) Artificial colouring esp. tartrazine and flavouring Take a Vit C supplement The above list of foods either naturally contain histamines or are known to increase the level of histamines in the body. Some people may be missing the enzyme which naturally breaks down histamine in the body (irritation of the stomach lining can cause this enzyme to disappear) I won't go into greater detail here but I have researched a lot and have drawn my own conclusions. I have cut out or cut down on all histamine rich foods and as Vit C is a natural anti-histamine, taking it also helped. There are also other anti-histamine supplements but I found a high strength Vit C was all I needed. This elimination diet can also work for Eczema, Acne, Acne Rosacea (I've seen it work on family and friends). My psoriasis was often red, itchy and sore during the day but better after a nights sleep, this convinced me that it was more of an allergic reaction to foods I was eating. This lead to a lot of research and trying different food elimination diets. I found that the above foodstuffs were definite triggers of my psoriasis, there are more foods to be added to this list but a internet search on foods high in histamines or known to increase levels of histamine in the body will give you a complete list. I have cut out all alcohol. The list of foods is quite random, I would never have thought that Kale or Spinach was bad for me but they did contribute to the psoriasis because of the histamine content. These natural food products wouldn't be a problem but for the ineffectiveness of my body in breaking down histamines. This randomness makes psoriasis very difficult to control through your diet but believe me, it is well worth the effort. There is no quick fix for healing psoriasis, it takes time and diligence but it can be healed. Good Luck! P.S I was 70% covered in different types of Psoriasis, from scalp to ankles and had been prescribed Coal Tar treatments for scalp and body. I have not used any of the treatments, just a well known skin cream available from the chemist to hydrate my skin from time to time.
LYN, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
Would like to try this treatment, where can i buy it,? Thanks. x
gareth mills, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
would you say that the uvb treament is worth while? and were could i get the oregon grape extract treament from thnk you
charlotte Ridgeway, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
Would also like to know where to get the oregon grape root extract treatment. Thank you
paul banes, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
how do you rate uvb treatment
alex smith, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
where is the nearest shop
john stewart, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
whats the best
phillip bishop, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
reading the article about natural remedies and mentioned oregon grape root extract which was a natural cream and spray, but dosen`t mention where you can get it from ?. could you please inform from where you can obtain it from thank you.
Natalie, about 1 month [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
Hi, I would just like to add my comment to you all! I am 21 and was diagnosed when i was 17 and have had psoriasis for 4 years now. My Doctor said the likley cause of it was having a very bad case of throat infection pior to having psoriasis which was correct as i had a bad case of tonsilitus just before i started to notice patches appearing on my skin! First it started on my elboms and knees now it had spread to both arms, hands,legs,foot and patches have started to form on my tummy and back! I must say i know how you all feel it is the worst thing to have it completley knocked my confidence away. I have tried many treatments inclubing light therapy through a dermatolagist and all sorts of creams e.g double base, dovebet, exorex, polytar emollient, dithranol, micanol...ect non of which worked i have lost count of the amount of different things i have tried! When i got pregnant i noticed my psoriasis completley changing and it dissapered completley it was a great feeling but as soon as the pregnancy was over it was back to haunt me again!! I fell into depression again i hated having to hide away in my cloths even on a hot summers day i would have to wear long sleeve tops/jumpers and shorts were a complete no go area, having to cover up all the time left me in a nightmare. I have also read about the grape root cream and have herd that it works on most people with psoriasis but not everybody i have ordered my first dose and i am willing to try it just to see as i will try anything to achieve a good result on the skin disorder especially as summer is fast approaching...I hope there is a cure one day!!