Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Psoriasis and Vitamin D

It is common knowledge that vitamin D helps many people with psoriasis. Why is it then that vitamin D tablets and creams alone will not control the condition?
The answer is simple. There is only so much vitamin D the body can take in before it reaches its limits and can take no more.
The way around this is to encourage the body to produce its own vitamin D. UVB and sunlight will cause your skin to manufacture its own natural vitamin D which is by far more effective than the synthetic vitamin D products.
The positive effects of UVB when treating psoriasis have been known for over 25 years. This makes it a safer form of treatment than many of the new medications simply because its side effects are known whereas the side effects of new drugs are often not fully known for 10 – 15 years.
The only risk is over exposure to UVB (and natural sunlight) is the skin becoming burnt. If used in moderation and in accordance with an approved treatment program UVB is a very safe and highly effective form of treatment.
The World Health Organisation recommend the use of UVB in the treatment of psoriasis because it is so safe and effective.

Mel SinclairRegistered Nurse

Thursday, January 13, 2005

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic scaling skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another. There is no blood test to diagnose psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Psoriasis Information Source

A source guide to psoriasis information available on the web:

The National Psoriasis Foundation Home Page
The National Psoriasis Foundation. Who we are: We are a patient ... Find others who are coping with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. ...

MedlinePlus: Psoriasis
... Psoriasis. ... Search MEDLINE/PubMed for recent research articles on • Psoriasis. ...

Psoriasis Handout
Psoriasis: What is it and How is it Treated? ... The purpose of this handout is to give you some useful information about psoriasis and its treatment. ...

Welcome to The Psoriasis Association
... Psoriasis can affect many different aspects of people's lives - it is not only coping with the treatment that can be difficult but also coping with other ..

Psoriasis Resources - PsoriasisSupport.com
Get the facts about psoriasis from PsoriasisSupport.com. ... Psoriasis Resources - PsoriasisSupport.com. Get the facts about psoriasis from PsoriasisSupport.com. ...

International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation: Actively helping Eczema & Psoriasis SufferersThe International Eczema-Psorasis Foundation is an organization whose mission is to gather in one place, available information found on the web, in books and articles concerning the often confusing terms dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.