Help: Problems with a skin complaint

Subject: Problems with a skin complaint
From: GUEST,Kirsty
Date: 09 Aug 01 - 11:36 AM

I have an acquaintance that is obese, has a drink problem and also has a bad case of psoriasis, the problem is that when she visits town she always wants to stay at my house. She is a folkie but not a catter. It has become almost an unsaid thing that she stays with me. The drinking I can cope with and the overeating, but the psoriasis is driving me mad – it's like a snow shower wherever she walks and the bedroom she sleeps is in a disgusting state – no matter what I do to try and clear up.

Now I know that a skin problem like this is difficult, but she never uses any creams or seeks help from her doctor. I have talked to her about it and she shrugs her shoulders and says, "I can live with it" I have lost it I don't want her back, I cant live with it - HELP

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: MMario
Date: 09 Aug 01 - 11:49 AM

tell her.

you could imply an allergy to skin detritus if it would make it easier...

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Aug 01 - 03:09 PM

If she has psoriasis, is overweight (and I mean seriously, not just a bit plump) and drinks a lot, then her liver is probably wrecked. How yellow does she look??

The skin will continue to dry, flake and shed, she will be raw and bleeding in places and it will spread. She needs to get medical attention, and she needs to know that someone loves her regardless.

She may be living with it now, but I guarantee in a few years time if her lifestyle continues as is, she will not want to live with it.

If you truly are her friend, don't give up on getting her help.

If you really can't cope with her staying any more then maybe there is a way. Are you prone to asthma at all? Most asthmatic people are allergic to dust mites who feed off dead skin cells. The more dead skin cells in the house (about 80% of dust is skin cells....) the better their food supply, so the better they will breed... thus making more dust mites to irritate the nasal passages.

It is going to be very hard breaking this news to your friend, but if it really is stressing you out, then you have to tell her. But tell her that you'll still be there for her, don't damage her self esteem (which sounds fairly low already) any more than you have to.

LTS

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 09 Aug 01 - 05:35 PM

Here's a link to PsoriasisNet, an information resource sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology. It might give you some useful information, and you can at least tell your friend about the site; whether she uses it is up to her. You can certainly offer her information and support, but take care of yourself.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: Margo
Date: 09 Aug 01 - 05:51 PM

Hey, my doctor is prescribing a shampoo that REALLY WORKS WELL!!!!! It is called Nizoral (brand name, I'm sure) and it has cleared up my terrible problem. But I have to keep using it. But that's a small price to pay... Margo

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 04:34 AM

I too suffer from psoriasis am also a Fat Bastard and drink heavy however I am also aware that if I don't cover up properly I shed a snow storm. If your friend is like me she will hve tried 'the treatments' all of which are crap suggest the basics bathing in 'Oilatum' which is stuff you put in the bath and moisturising where she can. Finally a point you may not know is that psoriasis is all about cell division and is basically the good guy of cancer if you got psoriasis you havre less chance of getting the big C !!

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: GUEST,Kirsty
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 07:20 AM

I spoke to her this morning. She called me insensitive. Then she told me breaking down in tears that no one else would let her stay. I suggested that she goes to her doctor to get something to try and treat it, she agreed. The other problem which I did not mention before is a personal hygiene one she has. She explained that it hurt her to bathe so she didn't very often. So I hope there is some improvement for her. Has anyone here got any remedies for psoriasis?
Perhaps I am insensitive, because I am pig sick of clearing up skin
Kirsty

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 07:30 AM

Again Kirsty I can sympathise with regard to the bathing. Just an ordinary bath or shower can cause the skin to crack and it becomes painful and itchy. I can only re-iterate about putting the oilatum stuff in the bath it's used for kiddies who have ecxma etc as well it's very soothing.

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 07:43 AM

I recall reading that there is some connection with Psoriasis and the nastier forms of arthritis. The author of "The Singing Detective" spoke at length about it in the book and TV story. His knowledge of the subject was because he had a particularly agressive brand of both afflictions himself. He mentioned some major inroads in skin treatment that was a result of arthritis research.

Good luck MC I hope you get some help with the skin problem soon. By the way, have you had a thyroid function test done? There appears to be some connection there too.

Don

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: KitKat
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 09:31 AM

Dear Kirsty

Skin problems seem to be linked to mineral and vitamin deficiencies and some people seem to have very good results using dietary supplements. I can recommend a company called 'Neways', which is an organisation based in the USA, but supplying in Europe also, dedicated to finding effective solutions to the health problems resulting from mineral/vitamin deficient diets. I am NOT employed by them, but my whole family has benefitted from the products. It's worth checking out their website at least - you can email them on [e-mail]. Not sure of the USA contact. Good luck. Your friend sounds like she has a miserable life.

Pat

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: DancingMom
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 11:55 AM

Yes, Don's right. The condition is also sometimes called psoriatic arthritis, and it's like an outward manifestation of arthritis. It sounds like your friend "lives with it" the same as she lives with being obese and lives with anesthetizing her pain through drink. Sometimes when our self-esteem is in the gutter it's easier to do that than to haul ourselves up and make positive changes.(Been there.) The drinking and excess weight also places stress on her body that can exacerbate the psoriasis.

You are absolutely right to insist that she respect you and your space and that she seek medical attention . Yes, it's a vexing condition, but new treatments are being found. My best to both of you. Sharon

Subject: RE: Help: Problems with a skin complaint
From: Margo
Date: 10 Aug 01 - 12:12 PM

Gotta check out the Nizoral....