Dr. Gott: Psoriasis proves difficult to treat

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had psoriasis for many years. When it first started, my husband (a pathologist and a university professor of pathology) diagnosed it and told me to see a dermatologist for treatment. I have seen several dermatologists and was prescribed many medications. None of them really helped to relieve my symptoms, so I finally stopped seeing the specialists and stopped using the medications.

I often receive notices in the mail regarding psoriasis drugs, especially Humira. I am enclosing a copy of the list of warnings associated with the medication. I can’t help but wonder why the Food and Drug Administration would approve a drug that can cause so many life-threatening problems. After all, psoriasis is not pretty and can be uncomfortable, but it is not life-threatening. I’d rather keep my psoriasis than take any medicine that could possibly cause cancer, heart problems or more.

Now, to some good news. Recently, my husband decided to do some research on psoriasis and see what he could come up with to help me. About a month ago, he told me to start taking 1,000 milligrams of fish oil and 2,000 IU of vitamin D three times daily. My skin looks so much better already. It’s amazing! It’s not completely cleared, but I no longer have the huge red splotches and ugly scales. My arms are almost clear, and my legs are very much improved. I no longer feel I have to be completely covered up. I’m much more comfortable in my skin.

DEAR READER: I am glad to hear that your husband appears to have found a simple, nonprescription remedy to your psoriasis. I have chosen to print it in my column for the benefit of other sufferers. I urge anyone interested in trying this to first discuss it with his or her physician because the dosages are fairly large and may not be suitable for everyone. Fish oil, for example, can interact with certain medications and worsen or cause bleeding tendencies and spontaneous bruising. It should not be used without permission of a physician by people with clotting disorders or by people who are on anticoagulant therapy.

If my readers find success, I will print a follow-up article with the results. Perhaps your husband has come across something amazing.

Now, to your concerns about Humira. It is my understanding that the FDA approves medications based on rates of success. No drug is perfect, and most carry potentially serious consequences. What comes into play is the percentage of people who experience adverse effects. Most serious complications appear in a small subgroup of users, affecting less than 1 percent of all people taking any particular medication.

It is for this reason that patients should always be informed about the possible side effects of a drug so they can determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks. In most cases, they do, and the user is unlikely to experience a problem.

Alternative herbal or holistic remedies can adversely affect some people, so the problem is not limited to prescription drugs. Lifestyle, diet and behavioral modifications should all be implemented first in order to prevent or reduce the need for medication.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicine.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.