Questions and Answers
Questions and AnswersDate: 31 Aug 1998 01:04:16 -0400
1 PSORIASIS ON FEET AND HANDS I have psoriasis on my feet and the palms of my hands, complicated by contact dermititis on my hands, the tops of my feet, and lower legs. My doctor has prescribed several medicines for me to use, some of which contain cortizone. Another contains urea. My skin is very dry, but any skin lotion or cream containing moisturizers (including urea) seems to causes fizzures to develop on my hands and feet. I suspect that cortizone is weakening my skin so that dimethicone, sodium lactate, urea, Aquaphor brand moisturizers and other humectants make the skin too thin to keep from splitting. Do you have any information about problems with mixing these ingredients? Thanks in advance for your help. I have an appointment to see another dermatologist but hope you can help me get comfortable until then. Answer by Dr. George Schmidt, O.D. Dietary changes are definitely in order. I recently heard an interview with Dr. Morton Walker, a respected nutrition author, who claims that taking olive leaf extract (2,000-3,000mg/day) for 2-3 months has worked wonders with psoriasis. May be worth a try and certainly can't hurt. Liver toxicity may cause psoriasis as well, and taking milk thistle herb in a liver cleansing formula may be helpful as well. Disclaimer: The material contained here should not be considered a substitute for a physician. These are only general guidelines to help you think about the medical possibilities. We direct you to your doctor for an answer you can trust. *** See Ask the Doctors on the web at http://www.flora.org/ask-doctor/ ***