Pregnant & Psoriasis

I have heard really great results with acupunture for psoriasis and even just for general well being during pregnancy. I'm hoping to go to one soon for bad allergies because I don't want to take anything while I'm prego.
K.

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Hi Olga,
I have psoriasis. I thought pregnancy produced something special....mine completely went away on its own during each of my pregnancies. It has been the only thing that has ever cleared it up. Good luck.

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Hi Olga,
You could try rubbing the area with plain yogurt or taking aveeno baths and possibly making some diet changes and some foods can trigger itchy skin and stay hydrated. make sure you let your doctor know about this because some times excessive itching and rashes can be the result of and underlying liver strain while pregnant.

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Dear Olga, I am sure you are a busy mom and of course excited about the challenges that face you as your family prepares for this even busier time ahead. It never hurts to get support from your family and friends at such a time. Your body is telling you that you may need to ask for a little extra help at this time. I'm sure you have talked to your husband and I would say to take some time for yourself to stop and breathe. Look out a window at the garden, take just a walk around the block. Give yourself a 5 minute or 15 minute break, sing, dance with your little one. The house can wait for a bit. Or dive into a bust of energy cleaning to let off steam if you need to. Moms need to remember that they deserve a break. "If mama ain't happy aint nobody happy" as the saying goes. M. a grandmother.

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Try shea butter. You just rub it on like lotion. Heard it works.

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Hi Olga, I also had it as a child and then it went away for 20 years. With my first pregnancy it came back at the very end and I had it through out the time I nursed. It went away. Second pregnancy it came on earlyer and worse. All over my body. It took three years to clear up. My third pregnancy I was determined to prevent it and had nothing to lose so I took a friends advice and did homeopathy. The homeopathest who treated me said there was no way to say if it would for sure work but that it has helped people. Well let me tell you It worked! I never got one hint of it. It was wonderful. And there are so many benifits to doing a remedy while pregnant. It was my best pregnancy and my baby was the most calm and relaxed , easy baby. She is 2 1/2 now and I just found out I am pregnant again. I called for an appointment next week to get started right away. I am not sure how it will help once the psoriasis has already started but I think you should look into it. I truley believe if I hadn't done it I would have gotten it back again. For what ever reason pregnancy triggers it. Best wishes to you.

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Two non-medical things worked for me when I was pregnant. I did light therapy in tanning beds in the winter. I did 5 minutes every other day at the lightest setting. It didn't go away completely, but it did get significantly better. The other thing I swear by is stress relief, whatever that is for you. I would go for a long walk and then do maternity yoga and meditate before bed. I find as long as I keep my stress level low to moderate, my psoriasis isn't bad. Best wishes!

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I have had psoriasis since I was little also. I am the mother of 4 and during my pregnancies when treatment was needed I did phototherapy sessions. My doctors said since it is similiar to being out in the sun -- no worries to the baby inside. However, I only did it for a couple of months just because I am ultra conservative during pregnancy. Also, I was told that topical creams are not suggested during pregnancy because there is absorption through the skin and the effects are not known to the baby. Same with internal medicines. I would talk to your dermatologist and OB/Gyn to figure out something you are comfortable with. First, I asked my dermatologist then verified it with my OB/Gyn to make sure she also thought it was safe to my baby.

Another idea is to use OTC dandruff shampoo (moisturizing) as a body wash on your psoriasis because I have found that it helps with scaling, itching and redness. After showering, use intense moisturizing creams (eucerin intense)not lotions because it is thicker and lasts longer on your skin. Vaseline also keeps it smooth and soft (kind of messy on clothes though).

I know it is a nuisance (especially because people can be harsh) but I decided that: yes,I have psoriasis but it is not going to define who I am or keep me from doing something. Hope some of this helps. Take care. =:)

R

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Hi Olga,

I have psoriasis and the doctor, last year, had me try a new "light treatment" that has been approved. It involves using UVB light (I think). Your dermatologist should know about it. It involves going to the doctor 2 or 3 times a week for careful exposure to the specific areas. In time (for me it took about 2 months of going 2 or 3 times a week), it seems to make it MUCH better, but it only lasts for maybe 4 to 6 months. Still, if you're having a worse breakout now than usual, maybe this will help control it.

Good luck! Meanwhile, I always use Eucerin heavy cream to stay as comfortable as possible.

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Have you tryed Tee Tree oil. only afew drops in your hand with a little water and rub on. From a mother of Five

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Hi Olga,
My brother has psoriasis pretty bad. I know this sounds gross, but he uses Crisco on it and it helps! Her is very into homeopathic medicine and has been taken supplements forever with some success.(especially Omega 3) Of course it gets worse when he is stressed out. Hope you find something that works. Keep us posted on it okay? I would L. to let my brother know other options.
L.

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Hi

You may want to ask your dermatologist about UV (light) therapy. Sometimes UV light therapy (tanning beds)is combined with special photoactive drugs that are applied to the surface of the skin to treat psoriasis. Light therapy on its own may be helpful, just ask a specialist/doctor.

Good Luck,

SG

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Hi, Olga.
Let me share the information I recently found out. Many health problems including skin conditions are due to weakened or over reacting immune system and it caused by toxins. Those toxins are sneaking up on you through skin with your personal care products. I don't know how much you pay attention to the ingredients of your shampoo, lotion, toothpaste. Baby products are not any different from regular products. FDA has no regulations on personal care and make up products. I launched a campaign called "1000Moms making difference" in Fremont last November and we have monthly meeting at Centerville Presbyterian Church. We get together with speaker and learn new and old information which are not available through media or doctors' office. Our next meeting is on March 13th at 10am. Let me know if you are interested in learning health information.

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Psoriasis runs in my family and from what I understand it can be aggravated by food allergies, especially gluten (wheat, barley & rye) and also eggs, citrus fruits, which are some of the most common food allergies.
Another thing that seems to work is plenty of sunlight on the affected skin.
Start out slowly with 15 minutes and increase to no more than 30 minutes per day, in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not right overhead.
There are also creams and salves that may help. One is Dr.Christopher's salve. You can google it in order to find a supplier.
Hope this helps!
-A.

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Hi, My husband has psoriasis and he has stopped taking all of the drugs and controls it with olive oil on his arms, elbows and even scalp. He puts it on before he goes to bed at night. He uses vaseline on his fingers when they get bad. He's been doing this since I met him and it seems to really help. Good luck!

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Years ago I was introduced to creams which was made mainly of goats milk. I even bath my hands in just goats milk. The results was fantastic. Today, if I cannot find goatsmilk or creams made of it, i just bath my hands in regula rmilk. First it feels cold but than it warms up by your body heat. It is worth a try.

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Skin problems like that are the body's way of saying it's not getting what it needs and it's also getting things it doesn't need. All too often the only remedy people seek is a pill or cream to treat it, but all those things do is suppress the skin's reaction, not treat what the actual cause is. I recommend you avoid dairy, highly allergenic grains like wheat, barley, oats, and corn, and load up on fresh fruits and vegies, and plenty of lean meat(grass fed and free range if possible, as they are higher in Omega 3 fats and low in saturated fats). Also, I suggest you take a buffered vitamin C supplement approved by your doctor, as well as an omega 3 supplement. Eat salads with dressing consisting of flax oil, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, garlic, and whatever herbs you like.
Skin conditions like yours are an inflammatory response in the body, and you can easily clear it up by eating a non-inflammatory diet rich in nutrients and omega 3 fats. Diets high in grains and dairy and low in lean meat often result in skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. My daughter had bad flare ups with her skin as a toddler on up. When we took her off dairy, it cleared up in one day. Now that she's 9, she began to have the same problem, but worse. We now eat a grain and dairy free diet loaded with lean meat, fruits, vegies, and nuts. My children are thriving better than ever. Their skin is clear, their moods are stable, and they are growing well - they were always slow growers before now! It's a myth that we need to eat grains and legumes to survive. Grains and legumes are actually toxic if not cooked thoroughly, and many people's bodies don't tolerate them even when cooked. Just about any ailment can be remedied with a proper diet. For more info I urge you to read information on Paleolithic eating which is how humans ate before learning to cook. (No, I'm not talking about a "raw" diet. You can still cook your meat, vegies, and fruits.) This style of eating sounded so off the wall to me when I first heard about it(I mean, isn't it natural to eat grain? -that's what most of us think!), but after reading the research and trying it for ourselves, it's turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened for us!
You can read about it at:
http://www.nutritionreporter.com/stone_age_diet.html
http://www.mercola.com/article/carbohydrates/paleolithic_...

I wish you all the best!

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Hi Olga,

My daughter as well as my sister suffer from psoriasis, my daughter had it on her face at the age of 4 to the age of 12 and it was horrible, we took her to many Dr.'s and finally to UCSF and one of the Dr.'s were concerned about too much cortozone cream on her and suggested we use little and start using a cream called Tri Ceram, I believe her husband had something to do with inventing this cream and said it was safe for Jennifer my daughter to use as much as needed and she could use it also around the eye area where she had it. Well she is now 19 and beautiful and has very little to no out breaks. When she gets a little spot she uses the cream and it goes away. You can find it on the internet, I would check it out. The phone # I have I'm not sure if it is any good I haven't needed any cream in a long time thats how good she is doing, but the # is 866-874-2372. I hope that is still the #. Good Luck!

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If Omega 3 fatty acids really help then try a product called "Expecta" you can get it at any drugstore/supermarket. It's for expecting/nursing mothers - I took it the entire time I was pregnant and nursing. Also - there is some great lotion from melaleuca called ReNew that is supposed to help with the dryness. I can get a sample bottle for you for free if you ever want to try it.

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Hello Olga,
Do you have a SAMs card or COSTCO. Both stores have a cream in their pharmacy area(ie vitamins, bar soap). It has 100,000 IU (International Units)of Vitamin E. It also has Cologen, Vitamin K, D. It's in a jar, yellow in color. Its a cream, body lotion. It cost about $7.00.
A dermatologist in Fairbanks, Alaska perscribed this cream to his patients in the most extream weather. It repairs the skin cells. So put it on your streach marks. They will stay Minimal to see. Every day use will cause them to evaporate to the lighest look. My 4 year old son has ezema but if you looked at him you would nerver know that. I lather is body at night after a warm bath. I put more in the morning befor school. He is in shorts and tank tops with out a worry. Try it!

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OMEGA 3 Fatty acids- oils, oils, oils!!! This is true for the mother and the children!!! NUTRIWEST is an excellent producer of no metals, no additives, pure fish oils. The oils are even released to the baby during breastfeeding to the child to prevent psorasis in children

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Wow! You have received a lot of responses.

I would recommend seeing a Dermatologist for a formal consultation. I am not familiar with which medical treatments are safe or advised during pregnancy - especially steroid creams.

However, something that you CAN do is go to a tanning bed, starting now and throughout your pregnancy. Most tanning beds have UVA rays and some also have UVB. UVA is a treatment offered at many Dermatologist clinics, and will help to quiesce (calm down) the psoriasis.

Good luck!

K. M. H., MD

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I lived with a man for 7 years, then broke up with him and later (2 years later) married my present husband. I have been married to my new husband 4 years. Prior to all of that I was a stay at home Mom for 21 years. I have 4 sons. The man that I lived with was covered with psoriasis for the 7 years we were together. He ALWAYS insisted on non cortisone treatment because of all of the nasty side effects he had had all of his life from "medicine". He suffered so. ONE thing I noticed was that IF he took a bath every night his disease was better. I am sure that you know this but it was significant. Another thing he did was he used aquapor, witch hazel and various non steriod products that he found helpful during different times in his life and made up his own "brew". He also was less afraid to whip off his shirt as the years went by and that actually was a good, healthy thing for him. He went from covering it up to just being open about his disease and it was that particular thing that I beleive cut his stress down which had prior to that caused him so much stress. He even began to wear shorts and not fear what people thought. He told me that light sunlight was so good for him and I noticed such an improvement when he went outside to just rest for a short time in the sun. I admired that because he had it on his entire body for most of his life. My prayer for you would be to stop covering up all of the time. I know that it is hard but it may help you to hear my observations.

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phototherapy!!! works great and safe for you and baby... good luck!!

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Hi,
I started developing psoriasis a few years ago, it started with a tiny spot on my scalp then continued onto my forehead & temples. Sooooo embarrasing, I started using this spray my uncle gets from Spain (he orders it) called "Skincap" all I can say is, it's a Miracle!!!! The red scaly flaky gross embarrasing skin is Gone! It is topical so it should be fine but you should check with the company. Good Luck!

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I know this may sound crazy, but it works for many different things. Try massaging Vicks Vapo-Rub on a small area and see what happens. It's also been known to be effective on toe-nail fungus, so it's worth a try. If you are allergic to camphor or eucalyptus oils....you probably shouldn't try it. But, it can't hurt testing on a small spot. As long as you don't let your babies eat it or get it into their eyes, they should be fine with it.

When my kids get sick, they look forward to the soothing aroma of their chests getting rubbed. It just may work for you too. Let us know.

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Hi, Olga. I actually have psoriasis as well. I have had it since I was in college (my mom has it too, so I inherited it from her). Before pregnancy, I had it kind of bad on my elbows upper arms and knees, also preventing me from wearing short sleeves. During my first pregnancy, however, it went away almost completely. I'm now 13 weeks with my second and it's taken a bit longer but definitely improving. Pregnancy lowers your immune system and psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder as I'm sure you know!

There is a creme that I used called psoriflora that I got at Alameda Natural Grocery, but you could probably find at Elephant Pharmacy or Whole Foods, too. It worked well, but the tube is small. You might try that. I recall from past history that most of the psoriasis medication would likely be unsafe during pregnancy since much of it (even dandruff shampoo) can contain coal tar, which isn't safe for the fetus (or the mom!).

Good luck!

M.

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Hi Olga,

After 4 months my body started itching all over. I went to a dermatologist and couldn't figure out what it was and why I even got it. Like you I only have psoriasis on the back of my neck, just one spot no where else. The doctor prescribed an ointment that I applied to all the areas. I took bath in Aveeno and all sorts of stuff to make the itchiness go away. Unfortunately, nothing worked! I stuck it out for the rest of my pregnancy. But if I had to look back and try to figure out how it could have eased the condition, I would have gone to an alternative medicine and nutritionist. Often times, the doctor try to fix the external condition instead of looking to see if it's something that you're allergic to or something that you eat or stress that exacerbate the condition. Hope this helps. Be strong and patient, it'll all go away in the end.

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Hi Olga To start off I make and sell handmade toiletries so please don't think the following is a scam to get you to buy my products. The following information can be taken and purchases made where you want. So,here we go.
First of all I wonder what soaps you use and if you shower or take baths. If you are using a detergent such as "grocery store" brand soap or shower gel to switch to a handmade soap with all natural oils in it. If you bathe rather than shower limit water time to 20-30 minutes because over exposure to water dries the skin (weird I know)As soon as you dry off from the shower/bath put on an all natural lotion you want oils from nature not silicones or mineral oils. Limit fragrance oils since these can be irritating as well. There are safe essential oils you can use while pregant and nursing such as Lavender, Spearmint, Tea tree,Orange,Ginger,Eucalyptus,Lime.I'm sure you have been told already to limit caffien and sugars and drink lots of water. I find that adding fresh lemon or lime juice to the water makes it easier to drink. Also, Really dilluted fruit juice is great. With it being cold out hot lemon water with a touch of honey it very sootheing.
Hope this helps, K.

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I had it all ove my hands! It was awful! I still get it now when I have a lower immunity. There are some creams from the Vitamin store that I tried and they did help. I tried to keep my hands fry, by using gloves, it helped. Hope it gets better soon.

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Hi,
I am not familiar with psoriasis personally, but had a firend that had it. She struggled with it for years, and was told to change her diet, and her cleanising soap. She was adviced to eat mostly turkey and veggies drink lots of water, and wash the area affeted with a tar soap. From what I remember, her skin cleared pretty good, and at least it was kept under control. I am kind of a health food nut myself, so I think that a lot of what we eat causes certain effects on the body. Wheat is another problem fo rsome people. Althought I am just a mother and a grandmother, and am not an expert, I think just eating healthy and trying to find out what it is that is contibuting to feeding your skin to react like that, is important. I for one cannot eat anything with nutrasweet in it, or coffee. It makes me feel ill. I don't drink sodas and hardly ever eat beef, but you must find what food make your body heathy and what makes it tired and suseptible. read all your lables on on everything your buy, and don't eat a lot of sugar. Althought eating just turkey and chicken, may not be your answer, it is good, and when added with veggis and fruit. The thing most people have reaction to is wheat, so that is another thing. It is like being an investigator of your own body. After having many rashes on my head from time to time, I thougth I was allergic to certain shampoos. It turned out I was not. I finally figured out it was shell fish. I went to the doctor to be tested for allergies, and they told me I was not allergic to anything. yet everytime I ate shell fish it was the same, itchy break out on my head and neck. Take care, and I hope you find out what is best for you and your baby, just take notice of what foods make you feel better than others.
God Bless,

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Dear Olga

I am the partner of a woman, G., who receives your Mamasource newsletter. I am also an Ayurvedic practitioner, receiving my degree in India. We live in Bolinas. I came across this website on our e-mail and read your 'request'. I wanted to suggest that you may find in Ayurveda an understanding of the 'cause' of your psoriasis and remove or stop that cause.

According to the law of cause and effect, removing the cause will take away the 'symptoms'. Because you are having a baby, removing the cause, adjusting your diet, will allow for you to have a much better 'environment' for your baby, breastmilk, etc- In Ayurveda, the skin shows a deeper level of balance or imbalance in the body. If you have psoriasis, that shows an imbalance in the blood and thus the diet.

In 97% of the clients I see, it seems the cause of their symptoms is in what they have been and are eating. It is for this reason that I sometimes call the movie "Supersize Me" the 'greatest Ayurvedic movie ever made'. I have seen many cases in which changing the diet will take away the symptoms of psoriasis.

Genetic inheritance shows the diathesis or tendency of that person to manifest a type of disease, not that it must happen. In my experience, the disease need not happen if the diet and lifestyle is appropriate

So, here is a short article I came across on Ayurveda and the skin:

http://www.mamasource.com/respond/7596524793281642497

You will notice in the article that psoriasis may be of three types-Vata, Pitta, Kapha. It would be good to see an ayurvedic practitioner to understand what type of imbalance you are manifesting. They can also help you with herbs to further the process.

best regards

Peter

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Try Marigold cream is gentle on th skin (coritsone very harsh), also I believe there is one strictly for psoriasis. You can find this at a health-food store, or if you are near a Vitamin Store. Good luck.

J.

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Hi Olga,
I have had psoriasis for nearly 40 years. As you may know, it is a reaction from your autoimmune system. When your skin is traumatized your body creates more than the surface can handle. I have read most of what others have written and agree with most. Incapsulated: Read up on the subject, this will provide you with the most common sense relief. For me, and those I have known with 'it', these things will work: Sunlight or rays at the doc's office (works very well and is tailored to your needs), vitamins D and C orally, E on the skin. (When -not- pregnant or nursing use hydrocortizone.) Take extra time to relax, (-if- stress seems to make it worse). I would strongly recommend that time include moderate exercise, like walking. Mild soaps that moisturize w/ no added fragrance, ie., Dove.
The bottom-line: Your body needs the vitamins (mostly D), received by the sunlight. Your skin needs to be tempered so it does not want to grow 'extra'.
So, put the shorts and short sleeves back on (in moderation). :)
K.

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Hi There,
I know a lot about Psoriasis. I have been dealing with it for over 25 years. The process of excess skin growth is miserable but the natural sun or at your docs office you can use a uv light booth would be very helpful. It is a treatment so it should be covered under most insurance.The sun is very good for psoriasis....always in moderation. I have always dealt with it without meds....relaxation is key. Try to always get in the mode of taking 20 to 30 mins a day just for you. Stress causes alot of this disease....so see what you can do to relieve some of your every day stress If you can afford to get a massage each week and hire a housekeeper. I think you are worth it. Take care of you too. Don't forget that! Also there is a national psoriasis foundation you can get ideas from also. Good Luck! S.

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Hi Olga,
I used to work as a certified cosmetologist (out of US) and I worked with a dermatologist. We used to treat psoriasis with a mud from Dead Sea. You can buy it here in US. The product is called AHAVA (made in Israel). You can get this actually in Bath and Body in Valley Fair only, or you can purchase the mud on-line. Trust me, it works wonders. You just apply a pure mud on the affected skin area, it's very easy. I still work in healthcare and I already recommended AHAVA, or mud from Dead Sea to many of my patients and it really works. Try it and let me know it works! Good-luck!

- K.

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