Definition:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes a chronic skin condition where cells grow too quickly. The rapid growth of cells causes patches of plaque on areas of the skin. These patches appear as red raised areas on the skin, and most often occur on the elbows, knees, and scalp, however the patches can appear on any area of the body. Many individuals with psoriasis report these areas can be itchy and tender.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Psoriasis vary from mild to severe. Mild Psoriasis can appear on the body as a small rash. Moderate Psoriasis can appear as raised red areas with loose, silvery, scaling. These areas can be small or as large as an individual’s entire back. Finger and toe nails can also be affected with pitting, color changes, and separation from the nail bed. Joint pain and inflammation can be symptom of psoriasis. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.
Causes:
Autoimmune response is when the body’s immune system recognizes normal cells as a threat, and attacks them. In the case of psoriasis immune response is attacking the skin. Although causes of psoriasis and autoimmune is unknown, much research is connecting the body’s immune response to the health of the gut. Research has linked gut permeability with autoimmune disorders. This research has found that the gut’s natural permeability has been compromised, allowing particles that should remain in the intestine to escape into the blood stream, thus causing an immune response. These cells mimic other cells in the body, causing the immune system to attack normal cells, thus causing the autoimmune disease.
Common triggers of psoriasis are widely recognized. These triggers include cold, dry weather, stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain medication. Food sensitivity and allergy may also be a culprit in triggering psoriasis, as well as common environmental allergens may trigger an episode of psoriasis. Certain fungal infections may also contribute to triggering psoriasis.
Diagnostic tools:
- Autoimmune Panel
- Food IgG 90/120
- CDSA
- ALT/ALS (CMP)
Treatment:
- LDN
- Stone Age Diet / Rotation Diet
- Guided Imagery/Stress reduction
- Adding Fermented foods to the diet
- Yeast Eradication
Products and Services:
Nutritional Supplements:
- Galactomune powder or capsules
- Probiotic:
- Therbiotic Complete
- Culturelle
- LactoPrime
- Vital 10
- Biotagen
- Saccharomyces Boulardii
Allergy Extracts/Signal Therapies:
- Allergy Testing to foods
- Allergy Extract
- Interferon Alpha B
- M2
- M4
- BCG II
Preparing for your appointment:
Prior to your appointment with a doctor at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine it is important for you to review the new patient information sent to you by our new patient coordinator. This packet includes specific information about preparing for you visit as well as an in depth medical history form. Please take some time to fill out the form to the best of your ability. This form will take some time, and may require reaching out to family members for additional medical history. Please also complete all registration forms prior to arriving at the center for your appointment. If you have completed any recent blood work or laboratory tests please bring copies with you to your appointment. Your clinician and doctor will review this information as part of your medical history. Plan on being with us at the center for a full day on the first day of your appointment. Some of your recommendations may include allergy testing, and this process will take some time.
Sites:
National Psoriasis Foundation.org
WebMD, Psoriasis
Mayoclinic.org
Experiencing Life, when your body turns on you