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Psoriasis is a very diverse skin disease that appears in a variety of forms. Each form has distinct characteristics. Typically, people have only one type of psoriasis at a time, but occasionally two or more different types of psoriasis can occur at the same time. Psoriasis can also occasionally change from one form to another. Trigger factors may "convert" some forms of psoriasis, such as plaque, to another form, such as pustular. Generally, one type of psoriasis will clear and then another form of psoriasis will appear later.
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent form of the disease. About 80 percent of all those who have psoriasis have this form. Its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris means common). It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Anecdotal reports suggest that a diet supplemented with evening primrose oil might prove helpful in psoriasis. Studies using evening primrose oil as a dietary supplement have not revealed any significant effect.
Dietary supplementation with fish oil is said to have a variety of favorable effects on both the cardiovascular and immune systems in laboratory animals. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, so it follows that fish oil-if it alters immune reactivity-could improve psoriasis. Multiple studies have been conducted in humans, with mixed results.
Max-EPA fish oil supplement has been used in studies and has shown mild to moderate improvement in people's psoriasis. It is sold over the counter in health food stores in capsules.
A study published in The Lancet in 1988 showed psoriasis patients who took 10 fish oil capsules daily for eight weeks had "significant lessening" of itching, redness and scaling. Patients in the placebo group who took 10 olive oil capsules saw no improvement. The patients were advised not to change their regular diet.
Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993 showed that dietary supplementation with fish oil was no better than dietary supplementation with corn oil. Studies reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in September 1993 suggest that fish oil supplementation may help patients with psoriasis who are receiving long-term retinoid treatment by reducing their risk of atherosclerosis, a disease that "clogs" the arteries with fatty plaques. Another study suggested fish oil may prevent kidney damage in patients taking cyclosporine, an immune-suppressing medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection and treat moderate to severe psoriasis.
Studies reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in September 1993 suggest that fish oil supplementation may help patients with psoriasis who are receiving long-term retinoid treatment by reducing their risk of atherosclerosis, a disease that "clogs" the arteries with fatty plaques. Another study suggested fish oil may prevent kidney damage in patients taking cyclosporine, an immune-suppressing medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection and treat moderate to severe psoriasis.
However, increased ingestion of fish oil, particularly of cod liver oil, may lead to excess levels of vitamins A and D. Fish oils also can inhibit the blood from clotting, although this potential side effect is not dangerous in most circumstances.
Herbal remedies are increasingly popular and mainstream. Many people dealing with chronic diseases such as psoriasis turn to these alternatives when Western medicine stops working.
Milk thistle has been shown to inhibit human T-cell activation, which occurs in psoriasis; however, no specific studies have been done with psoriasis patients. Milk thistle products can be purchased at health food stores in tablet or fluid extract form. The herb should not be taken when a person is also taking antipsychotics or male hormones. Few adverse effects have been seen when patients take milk thistle supplements, except for brief gastrointestinal disturbances and mild allergic reactions.
Oregano is a commonly used spice for baking and cooking. It possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may be helpful with some infections associated with psoriasis
Studies have shown that shark cartilage extract prevents the formation of new blood vessels. The growth of new blood vessels is believed to play a role in the development and progression of psoriasis lesions. Shark cartilage is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
AE-941 is a shark cartilage extract that has demonstrated some promising results in treating psoriasis. It is currently in clinical studies for treating psoriasis. It is taken by mouth once a day. Short-term side effects of AE-941 include nausea and skin rashes. Long-term side effects are not known at this time.
Turmeric is a primary component of curry powders used in cooking. The spice has a long history of being used in traditional Chinese medicine. Turmeric can be found in capsules to be used as a dietary supplement; however, many people who call the Foundation use the powdered form of the spice and mix it in with their food.
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