Nutrimed Labs: End the Heartbreak of Psoriasis

End the Heartbreak of Psoriasis

New Zinc Solution Provides Extraordinary Results
The skin is the body's largest organ. It acts as a shield between the body and the millions of foreign substances that exist in our environment. Like the kidneys and bowels it also excretes toxins and poisons that are present in the body. When the skin is overwhelmed with toxins or deficient in nutrients, it often reacts with acne, rashes, bumps, scales, redness and irritations characterized by scaling, flaking, thickening, color changes, itching, cracking and dryness. (3) Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin. Usually dermatitis results from chafing of the skin, allergies, long term medications or nervous irritability. Symptoms may include rash, itching, burning, dryness, blemishes or other disorders. Treatment or cure will depend on the cause of irritation.(2)

Topical Relief
Since treatment of skin disorders involves first determining the cause of irritation and then bringing the body back into balance, the process may involve detoxification and correction of nutritional imbalances through supplementation as well as diet and lifestyle changes. This generally cannot be accomplished over night and the patient may require some form of symptomatic relief (particularly from itching, scaling and burning skin)before the body's natural healing processes are able to take over.

Pyrithione Zinc:

A 0.2 zinc pyrithione solution using a proprietary method of manufacture is now being produced in the U.S.A. A 0.2% pyrithione zinc solution been used in Europe for approximately 10 years without any side effects. It was initially formulated for treatment of dandruff and seborrhea. When the spray was tested on psoriasis patients, 96% of the patients experienced immediate relief from the itching. Within six days, there was a significantly noticeable absence of scaling and reduction in the size of the patches. At the end of 30 days of treatment, the patches had completely disappeared.(6) Pyrithione zinc is also effective against pityrosporum yeasts which cause a skin disease often mistaken for acne. There are many anecdotal reports of excellent results in many other red, itchy, flaky, burning skin conditions, many of which had not responded through years of other treatments. The spray is odorless, colorless and non-greasy.

In cases of "rebellious psoriasis," new patches may develop on other areas of the body; however, when they are treated in the same manner, they too disappear. When treating areas around eyes and ears, it is best to spray the zinc onto a cotton swab and apply to the affected area with the swab. It is not to be sprayed around the eyes or ears. A shampoo is manufactured by the same company for the treatment of dandruff and other scalp conditions. For stubborn cases, the spray may also be used on the scalp.

Vitamin E:
Topical use of vitamin E oil or ointment has an anti-inflammatory effect and as an antioxidant, it quenches free radicals that play a role in inflammation. It also exerts a sebum-suppressing effect. Over activity of the sebaceous glands is often observed in persons who suffer from acne. Used prior to sun exposure, it has been shown to reduce severity and duration of sunburn. It has been shown to accelerate wound healing and reduce scar formation.

Hydrocortisone:
The standard treatment for itchy, flaky, burning skin conditions is steroidal creams such as hydrocortisone. These creams usually relieve the symptoms temporarily; but continued use will actually damage the skin by "thinning" it. At the same time they are absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially causing a wide range of side-effects which are common to all steroids (such as impaired adrenal function and a predisposition to infection). Steroidal ointments are not a cure and the condition will often return in an even worse form when they are discontinued.(4)

Nutritional Deficiencies
Poor dietary habits, combined with deficiencies of several nutrients are related to skin disorders and dermatitis. The skin is a primary site for nutrient deficiency symptoms. Skin cells are produced, die and are replaced by new cells every few days. Their short lifespan allow nutritional deficiencies to develop quickly.(2) In traditional systems of medicine, the skin is linked with the liver; therefore, any rashes, pimples or discharges from the skin are said to reflect a distressed and overworked liver. Acne, eczema and psoriasis are associated with deficiencies of vitamin A, zinc, GLA and EPA. Acne is also linked with an excess of saturated fat in the diet and with intolerances to foods such as chocolate or cocoa and cheese. Eczema is more likely to be linked with common food intolerances.(1)

Psoriasis may result in marginal nutrient deficiencies, particularly of protein, folic acid and iron, since these nutrients are depleted during increased skin cell growth. Increasing dietary intake of these nutrients will not treat the disease, but may prevent secondary disorders such as anemia. (2,5)

Promote Intestinal and Liver Health
Gastrointestinal disorders must be corrected. Nutritional deficiencies can not be addressed unless nutrients are being efficiently absorbed and assimilated. Fiber-rich foods and beneficial bacteria are both essential for healthy skin. A lack of fiber leads to constipation, which causes toxins to circulate throughout the body and be excreted through the skin. Pathogenic organisms in the intestines increase the amount of foreign substances the liver must detoxify. The liver and skin are both organs of detoxification. If the liver is overwhelmed by toxins or is not efficiently removing toxins, more toxins will come out through the skin which can cause a variety of negative reactions. (See Vol. II, Issue 6, July, 1996)

Nutritional Supplements
For optimal skin health and optimal health in general, all nutritional deficiencies should be addressed and a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement should be taken daily to insure adequate intake.

Vitamin A:
Vitamin A has been used both internally and topically in treating acne, impetigo, boils, carbuncles and open ulcers.(7) Changes in skin texture result from vitamin A deficiency. The skin becomes bumpy, scaly and rough resembling "goose flesh" or "alligator skin." The skin on the forearms and thighs is the first to be affected but, in advanced stages, the entire body is involved.(2)

Zinc:
Zinc supplements are often effective in the treatment of acne and has been used in combination with vitamin A. It is interesting to note that, while psoriasis patients reported exellent results to topical use of the spray product containing pyrithione zinc, studies have shown little or no benefit from zinc taken orally. It is possible that psoriasis patients have altered zinc metabolism.(8)

Essential Fatty Acids:
Decreasing saturated fats and increasing omega 3 fatty acids can be very beneficial to the skin. Flax seed oil and rice bran oil are excellent sources. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) found in cold water fish oils shows an anti-inflammatory effect that is often beneficial in cases of psoriasis and other skin disorders. GLA (gamma linolenic acid) from evening primrose oil or borage oil are also important. In many cases of atopic eczema, there may be no evidence of essential fatty acid deficiency; however, all metabolites of linoleic acid, including GLA, are reduced. This suggests a block in the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA(9). When oil supplements are taken, vitamin E should be taken along with them to prevent them from oxidizing in the body. Pronounced deficiency of essential fatty acids results in a type of dermatitis characterized by red, dry scaly skin resembling eczema. Blotchy areas first appear on the face, cluster near the oil secreting glands, and then in the folds of the nose and lips, the forehead, eyes and cheeks. Dry, rough areas also appear on the forearms, thighs and buttocks.(2)

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids:
Formation and maintenance of collagen is dependent upon vitamin C. Small pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin, poor wound healing, the breakdown of old scars, dry and scaly skin, swollen and bleeding gums are symptoms of inadequate vitamin C intake. (2) Bioflavonoids work with vitamin C and enhance its effects. Proanthocyanidins (from grape seeds or pine bark) are particularly beneficial for maintenance of collagen.

Dietary Recommendations
The first line of dietary defense against dermatitis is one that is low in animal fats, sugars, refined, fried and convenience foods. The diet should contain a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, cooked dried beans and peas, low-fat or nonfat milk products and extra-lean meat, chicken and fish. Rice bran oil is excellent for use as a salad dressing. Purified water, 8-10 eight ounce glasses daily, is also recommended to help flush toxins from the body. In addition, regular exercise, effective stress management and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco are recommended.

References

1. Lizarides, L., Thorsons Principles of Nutritional Therapy, Harper-Collins, 1996.
2. Somner, E., The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, Harper-Collins, 1995.
3. Balch, J. and Batch E., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, Garden City Park, NY, 1990.
4. Curtis, S. and Fraser, R., Natural Healing for Women, Harper-Collins, 1991.
5. Healing with Vitamins, Rodale Press, 1996.
6. Aliaga, A, "Psoriasis: Clinical trial of an aerosol for topical use formulated with Zinc Pyrithione at 0.2% and Sodium Methyl Ethyl Sulfate at 0.1%", Hospital General, Valencia, 1982.
7. Kirschmann, J. and Dunne, L., Nutrition Almanac, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1984.
8. Burrows, N.P., et al, "A Trial of Oral Zinc Supplementation in Psoriasis", Cutis, August, 1994;54:117-118.
9. Horrobin, D., "Medical Uses of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)", Veterinary Dermatology, 1993;4(4):161-166.