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Q: I have suffered with psoriasis on the soles of my feet for three years. I have tried multiple creams and ointments that anyone suggests. I use a paraffin-based emulsifying ointment to help ease the dryness (covered with cotton socks at night); have taken flax seed oil; and also ease the pain with papaw ointment. I know there is no available cure for this complaint. I was given a course of Neotigason^R [a drug which works by inhibiting cell growth/thickening] by a skin specialist, but had adverse effects (could not go out in the sun, nausea, dizziness). Also became tired of paying NZ$150 a time to this specialist, so have stopped seeing him. Sometimes the pain in my feet is unbearable. They dry and crack and bleed and itch. Any suggestions? – Jill

A: Psoriasis is an immune modulated chronic skin condition that can present in a variety of ways. The rash usually occurs on the knee, elbow, feet, face or scalp. Generally, the rash in psoriasis is a raised skin patch that is flaky or scaly with burning and itching.

There are five different types of psoriasis, and each can present unlike the other. As is the case with most skin conditions, psoriasis can be quite difficult to treat effectively. Often, it takes a considerable amount of time, patience and effort to be able to get this condition under control, although it can be managed.

In naturopathic medicine, the treatment for psoriasis is undertaken in a variety of ways. Most treatments start with an overall analysis of the digestive system and, specifically, the liver. The skin is the largest elimination organ, and can often show symptoms if the other elimination systems are not working optimally. The liver is a vital part of detoxification in the body and must be supported in any skin condition. There are several wonderful formulas that have been shown to assist the liver in detoxification as well as increase the liver function. There is a particularly helpful formula called Livit-2 made by the Ayurvedic company, Ayush. As well, milk thistle can be beneficial in aiding the liver to perform adequately.

Food allergies are often a component of the psoriasis picture, and either a food allergy test or elimination diet should be done if there are any consistent digestive complaints, such as gas, bloating, reflux, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain. Any known food allergens should be avoided to reduce the amount of inflammation in the body. Digestive support is useful in the form of enzymes and these should be taken daily. Again, there is an ayurvedic formula, Triphala, that assists the overall digestive system and can be beneficial in psoriasis.

Here are some general tips for diet and nutrition:

Here is a general list of other supplements that may be recommended to psoriasis patients:

As always, it is essential to consult with your doctor and other members of your professional healthcare team for assistance in making any decisions or changes regarding the management of this condition.

Yeast Infection Causing Sore Gums?

Q: I am having a problem with sore gums and sore mouth. I wear dentures but this doesn't seem to be caused by them. I have a full upper plate and lower partial. I feel that my problem is a yeast infection, as I am having a series of rashes on my buttocks and on my chin. I have always had this problem but have managed to keep it in control by diet and L-Lysine [an essential amino acid] or oil of oregano. But now I am stumped. - Harriett

A: Sore gums and mouth can definitely be a result of poorly fitting dentures. The first step in finding out the cause of this problem is to consult your dentist to ensure proper fit. Dental hygiene is also essential in people with dentures because of the ease with which bacteria can be introduced to the mouth. Anyone with dentures should make sure that they are continuing to take good care of their remaining teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily, as well as cleaning the dentures. A great wash for the mouth - Tooth and Gums tonic by Dental Herb Company - can be purchased through your dentist and is an essential tool in keeping the mouth and gums healthy.

If the sore gums are caused by Candida (yeast), then there are several treatment options. First, confirm that it is indeed Candida that is causing the symptoms. Your doctor can do a simple stool test to see if you have an overgrowth of Candida in your system. If this is the case, there are several options to eradicate the fungus. There are several anti-fungal medications, such as Nystatin, that can be taken for several weeks to help destroy the candida. Along with diet, Nystatin seems to work well in most cases. However, if you are averse to medication or cannot take the prescription, there are several options that can help.

Candida is not easily eliminated from the body and patience is a virtue in dealing with these micro-organisms. Diet is a main concern because yeast thrives on sugar and cannot live without it. Therefore, the following diet is recommended:

Along with the diet, it is a good idea to supplement with something that will kill the Candida and keep a balance of good bacterial flora in the digestive system (if there are good bacteria, they will tend to keep the Candida growth to a minimum). As well, some basic anti-inflammatory and digestive aid is useful. Here is list of generally recommended supplements:

These suggestions must end with “consult your doctor.” It is often hard to discern what is causing a symptom, and how to treat it without the help of someone to aid you in this matter. If you do not have a physician who is trained in treating chronic conditions through diet and supplements, and if you live in the U.S., these websites can help you find one in your area:

RA Diagnosis Ignored?

Q: I've seen a rheumatologist twice now and he did tons of lab tests.... the doctor’s assistant called and said "you have rheumatoid arthritis, keep your appointment in three months." My question is, shouldn’t I be treated if I have this? Are there varying degrees that would dictate whether are not you're actively treated? I saw my PCP the other day, and she said, "Oh well, sometimes the meds they give you will make you feel worse than the RA." Whaaat? These doctor’s drive me up the wall… I wonder if I'm not treated for the RA, will it be worse for me later? – Tommy

A: An article in a 2002 issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases states, “the initiation of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) very early in the course of RA will improve patient outcome and increase long term quality of life.” Perhaps they don’t consider three months to be a significant enough length of time to make a difference, but they should explain that to you. If you are worried about the delay, call your rheumatologist’s office, tell them of your concerns, and ask if they can move your appointment up.

While you’re waiting for your appointment, study everything you can about RA and the different treatments available so you will be prepared to discuss the best options for you with your doctor. Since it sounds like it can be difficult to get a timely appointment, it’s particularly important that you be able to make the most of each one. There is an excellent collection of links to information about RA on MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html), including both traditional and alternative treatment options.

Alzheimer’s – Mom Doesn’t Talk?

Q: I'm trying to find out how/why people with Alzheimer's talk very little… I'm just wondering if it's "normal" for my Mom to not talk much? She can talk, just doesn't. She usually asks "How's the weather?", "Are we going to the 'potty room'?", stuff like that, but not often. She doesn't really take part in any conversations and will answer questions with "Yes" or "No."

I try to have conversations with her, but they tend to sputter and die if I don't keep asking questions. My Mom used to jibber-jabber all day long. I kind of miss it, if you know what I mean. – Donna

A: Yes, it is a normal part of Alzheimer’s disease to begin having problems communicating. According to Carrie Hill, PhD, About.com’s guide to Alzheimer’s Disease, different communication skills are affected at various stages of the disease. Her article, “How Does Alzheimer's Disease Affect Communication?” lists the communication skills affected in the early, middle and late stages of AD.

WebMD also has a good article on “Improving Communication With Alzheimer's Patients.” We wish you the best in your efforts to maintain conversation with your Mom for as long as possible.

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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.