My 5 sen worth on psoriasis

I've had P ever since i was a baby. I'm currently 22. i am never cured from P until now. my worst attack was when i was between 8-9 yrs old where the scalp and behind my ears hardened and bleeds. since i was too young to understand i basically enjoyed staying free of school for some time. Along with meds from skin specialist (Jln TAR) my mother applied Johnson & Johnson baby oil on my head every night to soften the P and later combed the skin (layer by layer) away until finally i was told that i am cured. having P at a young age, i dont know how normal scalp looks like and i thought my scalp is OK with a bit of dandruff problem which i attributed to my P that damaged my scalp. however, i was mistaken. this is actually P but only less serious than before (so i actually had it all along). When I was 18 it 'spread' (note: P isn't something contagious) to my body parts. I thought it was an embarrassing fungus infection. I suffer it silently for 2 yrs until the itchiness became unbearable and the patches looked...well serious and went to see a specialist at Tmn Melawati that i had known from previous engagement. At this point, when she confirmed that it's P i became curious about it and she answered that:
a) It is not contagious,
b) P is in the gene (may i say hereditary?) and;
c) Usually it (the P) materialized between two or more generations (say if my great grandmother had P, my grandmother and mother does not have it 'ignited' but i shall have P on my skin but my children later might not).
Well some people might not agree but it does make sense to me based on my family history. Besides, it convinced me that since its in my gene so i shall forever had it and the difference is whether it's triggered or not. Rather than hoping for total cure, i opted to control measure. since my P isnt as serious as before i decided that i'll only get meds from my specialist when i see and feel that i must use it (due to financial problem).
since my P is mainly on the scalp, i shampoo my hair everyday (to control the flakes, have no idea if it helps the P at all). the P on the scalp isnt really visible but it does made my hair falls a lot (i don't believe its due to shampooing). I wonder if i will became bald before i am 30.
For all its worth, P doesn't really bother my self esteem because i already suffered oily skin, severe acne, PCOS and obesity. so having P doesnt really mean anything than it already is. By the way, i googled somewhere and it told me that obesity might be one of the trigger of P. I wonder if i lose weight the P might go away.
I have a theory that my oily face and acne on me is due to P on the scalp and not obesity because: a) I used facial cleanser 3 times a day and washed my face 5 times a day, scrubbed and masked my face and; b) my neighbor who is not obese, had P on scalp also had the same problem.
I don't actually know what is my true feelings on having P on me. Perhaps it's because I am a fully covered woman due to my religious observance (that was not done due to P. lol) and therefore i am not concerned whether anyone would see it. Even if they can, my scalp is currently under control and my few patches only look like skin irritation.
When i told my best friend that i had P she is very understanding. Apparently she had an uncle in serious P condition. Her Auntie had to sweep the floor of the fallen skin from his body everyday and he cannot move his limbs because his whole body hardened. He even had P on his eyes. so i was told. I am thankful that it does not happen to me. However, i wonder if my condition will worsen to that when i am around that man's age.
Anyway, i decided to join the forum today and sort of share my experience, theories, fears and thoughts because two days ago my 21yrs old brother shaved his head bald and i saw what i am very familiar with on his scalp - Psoriasis. Despite my own silent battle with P all these years, i felt fear and sympathy for my bro. i never wanted this to happen to anyone (although its really not my decision).
I examined his scalp and applied what i had left from previous specialist visit (liquid called beprogel - Betamethasone dipropionate topical solution). I finally saw what my own scalp really look like. Its scary. I shared the address and phone number of my doctor with him and told him to arrange an appointment. I felt helpless so i decided to search on the internet (again) on anything that could help us. I googled 'psoriasis malaysia' and somehow end up with this forum site. At first, i just wanted to be a silent observer. however after some exploring and reading the content i felt like sharing and hope my post can be of use in any way. reading other people's posts on this site helped me see that at least there are more people out there that experience the same ordeal.
-peace n out-

GsoUL

Psoriasis Can be recovered and well control provide we need total health care approach.As below exacted from American Psoriasis Org.web-site: www.psoriasis.org.
Please Ask ourself following question:
1.Do we have lifestyle healthy ?
2.Do We sleep early before 10 pm?So that let the body immense system Work for our body?I found that sleep early do help my scalp psoriasis clear and hair cutting and I hard use any shampoo to wash my hair only plain water to wash my hair dairy.
3.How often do we do regular exercise?
4.How well do we manage our stress?
5.How many natural alternative professional health books do we read and invest our time and money per year?
6.Treatment :outside they many qualified field health professional you may explore yourslf.
This is very good article research from WWW.PSORIASIS.ORG.

http://psoriasis.org/files/pdfs/advocacy/chd2007/200702_psoriasis_research_issue_brief.pdf
partly exact:SORRY UNABLE TO EXACT AND POST

If you interest you may see my post at
https://psoriasismalaysia.editboard.com/health-management-f5/how-i-overcome-my-pa-and-stop-mtx-t33.htm



And also chinese article appeal in Sin chew newspaper
http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/46513?tid=6

iN ACTUAL i WANT TO POST THE PICTURE FILE OF PATH ,SORRY DUE TO TECHNICAL ,i UNABLE TO POST THE PICTURE OF PATH UNDER POWER POINT.
IF you cannot find in the web-site and interest the path topic can e-mail to me :sihatkuat@yahoo.cpm. i will forward this article to u.



P S O R I A T I C A R T H R I T I S T O T A L A P P R O A C H T O H E A L T HPsoriatic arthritis is a chronic (lifelong) inflammatory disease that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in and
around the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is related to psoriasis, a chronic (lifelong) skin disease that can cause dry, red,
scaly patches on the skin. The pain associated with these conditions, and their effect on outward appearance, can
have a negative impact on a person’s physical, psychological and emotional well-being.
The Psoriatic Arthritis Total approach to Health (PATH) program is a patient education initiative, brought to you by
Abbott, in partnership with the National Psoriasis Foundation. PATH is designed to support people living with
psoriatic arthritis and their loved ones by providing them with information and tools to manage this complex disease.
PATH takes a holistic approach to psoriatic arthritis by addressing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment,
and includes elements that affect disease management, such as exercise, stress, nutrition, and weight control.
A T O T A L H E A L T H A P P R O A C HPATH focuses on the multiple facets of psoriatic arthritis – physical and emotional, and skin and joints – as well as various means to address them.
People who participate in the PATH program receive information on:
_ Exercise/Physical Activity: The importance of and benefits associated with strength and flexibility, and ways to incorporate activity despite physical limitations
_ Healthy Living: The impact of nutrition, weight control and an overall healthy lifestyle on the daily lives of patients
_ Stress Management: Suggestions for managing stress and the mental and emotional effects that can be associated with psoriatic arthritis
_ Skincare and Style: Recommendations for how best to approach outward appearance and tips on hair, nails, skincare and clothing

G E N E R A L F A C T S A B O U T P S O R I A T I C A R T H R I T I SCommon symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include pain and swelling in one or more joints, usually the wrists, knees,
ankles, fingers or toes. When nails are affected by psoriatic arthritis, they may look like they are pulling away from
the finger or toe and even have pits.
Psoriatic arthritis can result in irreversible damage to the joints, and can cause permanent disability. Early diagnosis
and treatment of psoriatic arthritis can prevent joint damage. In most cases, people with psoriatic arthritis develop psoriasis first, but some people develop the arthritis before they notice psoriatic lesions on the skin. People with psoriasis who also have joint pain or stiffness in the morning should inform their doctor about these symptoms.
Due to the outward effects of psoriatic arthritis, the condition can greatly affect a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. People with psoriatic arthritis may experience feelings of helplessness and frustration.
The physical and emotional effects of psoriatic arthritis may reduce an affected individual’s overall quality of life.
For example, some people with psoriatic arthritis may have trouble with daily activities including using their hands,standing for long periods of time and walking. Psoriatic arthritis may also limit job performance, social interactions
and intimacy.
F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
Additional information about PATH, including tips and tools for implementing a total health approach to psoriatic
arthritis, can be accessed online through the National Psoriasis Foundation Web site at
www.psoriasis.org/PATHThe PATH program is provided through an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott.
Psoriatic Arthritis Total Approach to Health
Healthy living tips

Ensuring a healthy lifestyle is essential for people with a chronic condition such as psoriatic arthritis. To help manage the disease, it is important to implement a healthy diet, control weight, quit smoking (or never start!) and limit alcohol use.


Eat a variety of foods. It's important that your body gets all the essential nutrients and healthful substances that it needs to function properly. The nutrients we need come from a variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy and grain products, which provide carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Helpful Hints for Preparing Healthy Foods

When you feel like cooking, prepare extra so you always have healthy food around to eat on your lower-energy days.

Eat regularly. Establish a schedule in which you eat several small meals each day. Steadily fueling your body will keep it functioning properly and help you maintain energy. Eating several small meals can also keep hunger at bay.
Maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you feel good both physically and emotionally, and it can help reduce your risk of developing health problems. Your healthy weight range is dependent upon several factors, including your body composition and body fat distribution. Work with your doctor to determine your healthy weight, and be sure to set reasonable expectations for yourself to ensure long-term success.
Watch food portions.

– One serving of meat - 3 ounces - is the size of the palm of your hand.
– One serving of dairy - 2 ounces of cheese - is the size of a pair of dominoes.
– One serving of vegetables - 1 cup - is the size of your fist.
Add color to your diet. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Choose ones in a wide range of colors to ensure you are getting the maximum nutrients, such as fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants.
Choose frozen entrees and canned soups that are low in sodium. Read the nutrition labels and limit your total daily sodium intake to less than 2,400 milligrams.
Use sugar and salt in moderation.
Limit foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. All of us need a small amount of fat to build, strengthen and repair body tissue. Want to be healthier? Choose lean beef and poultry, fish, low fat dairy and plant-based oils such as soybean, canola or olive, and stay away from fat found in animal foods like red meat; processed meats like bacon; poultry; whole milk dairy foods; and palm and coconut oils.
Purchase a few "arthritis friendly" kitchen gadgets to assist with food preparation.
Avoid foods that can interact with your medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about specific food-drug interactions.
Do not smoke and limit alcohol consumption. Smoking is bad for your health so if you smoke, you may want to consider quitting. Heavy drinking may hinder the potency of certain medications.
Consider pre-cut vegetables and fruits for healthy snack options.
Be supplement savvy. Although a healthy diet can help you get the vitamins and minerals you need, supplementing your diet with a multivitamin may also help.

If meal prep is largely out of the question for you, consider using your local "Meals on Wheels" program.
Discuss any changes in diet with your physician.
Avoid the "splurge". Carry finger foods and healthy snacks to work or outings to minimize the urge to splurge on "junk" foods. Grapes, carrots, apple slices and nuts are healthy and portable snack options.

Speaker Bio: Andrea Frank




Back to PATH main page

Back to National Psoriasis Foundation home page


Post By :Kurniasihat

Thank you kurniasihat.
I have addiction to food. However, reading ur reply gave me motivation. I already feel like eating healthy. Thank God i dont smoke or consume alcohol. As to healthy eating, lets hope procrastination doesnt get in my way.

Hi Gsoul,

This Dom the admin. Glad to have had your posting here.

You may want to explore the diet and getting healthy aspect to manage your P. It is harmless to have a good diet and no extra cost i.e. eat wise.

Google Pagano or search for his book at Amazon. See if you can try it or bear it. Just don't eat the nightshades for a 3-6 months and see what happens.

Good luck and keep us updated

sorry for this out of topic question...

DOM, do you by any chance also suffers Psoriasis?

Hi Shah,

Thanks for your posting. To answer your question - yes, I am a psoriasis patient.

Where did it affects?
How bad was it?

Sorry for being curious lol?!!

Syah try this. http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles08/moringa-oleifera.htm

Blender the leaves with little bit of water, keep it in fridges. Use it as mask to your skin. I'm using it just 3 days till today and the result is amazing. Malay people call it Pokok Kelor. I'm positive with P since 2003

good suggestion throughout the replies.

Yes, top of my list would be healthy lifestyle. Secondly, educate urself fully and understand the science behind P and the meds associated with it. i cannot stress how important is is to understand what ur dealing with, then u can accept and followed by learning. that itself is a healing process.

good suggestion on pokok kelor, inexpensive? and relatively easy to apply. if possible, avoid extensive and long-term usage of steroid creams. the side effects are well documented and recurrence is most likely aggressive in nature. i have experience on this on my scalp.

here's another forum (P UK) that i use to update myself on latest P news (also check out the alternative page...that's my fav)

http://www.psoriasis-help.org.uk/community/

Hello again,
Off course its inexpensive. Its easy to find in kampung. I also use olive oil by Shurah. 1 bottle RM7.90. Smell very nice and cheap! The oil absorb and dry quickly and soften the scalp. Try it!

hi bro....thx !! will hunt for this in urban jungle PJ

tried olive oil on scalp before, wasn't really effective. but i'm applying virgin coconut oil on body, and its really good.

Don't put the oil on the scalp, you may lost your hair! The oil bad for the hair root. I've seen it on TV. Now I'm using Chlorophyll from K-Link for scalp treatment. It also work very effective for itchy skin, just rub it!

http://www.k-link.com/products/health_drink/k_liquid_chlorophyll/