Manage psoriasis without medication

It’s time to take control of your own health. Only you have your best interests at heart.

At just 28 I was diagnosed with a type of psoriasis – Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) to be precise. It started out as a few clear-looking, hard blisters forming in the centre of my left palm and as the next few days passed it continued to spread across my palm. Concerned, I went to the doctors and was told that I probably had eczema, so off I went with my steroid cream prescription in hand that would magically make this go away.

‘Only rub this in every day for 5 days’ I was told – so unquestioningly I did and sure enough the blisters vanished. Well, for a week that is. Then they came back with a vengeance. Back to the doctors I went and I was given the most potent steroid cream available and was warned to ‘apply it lightly’.

Fast-forward 1.5 years of potent steroid cream use, three trips to the dermatologist, one of which involved being patch tested for 50 allergens (none I’m allergic to), and with psoriasis now spread to both palms and soles, I was devastated.

When you’re told that there’s no cure and you’ll need medication for life – this disease manifests itself internally too – and you are totally and utterly consumed by it.

I’d had enough.

No more wearing gloves and socks to bed to cover my steroid creamed hands. No more tears of frustration and pain. No more doctors or dermatologist appointments. No more psoriasis.

Research. Read. Test. Repeat.

I scoured the internet for information. I wanted to understand this disease and to immerse myself in success stories. Discovering The National Psoriasis Foundation and joining their support community has given me the knowledge and determination to manage psoriasis without medication. The journey has been fraught with trial and error, but being in control, rather than being controlled has been liberating.

In October 2015 I stopped the steroid cream and in November 2015 I started a gluten free diet. ‘Only for a month’ I thought, ‘and then it won’t be too hard’. I’m empowered, I’m in charge and I believe that I have the ability to self-heal.

And self-heal I have.

After the initial 6 plus months being completely gluten free, I have sporadically eaten some cheeky cheesecake on a number of occasions to no serious detriment. And for the most part, I eat an organic diet rich in vegetables, fruit, rice, pulses, eggs, meat and fish and I love it! Going gluten free has probably helped me, but I think it’s my sheer willpower to succeed and belief that I can, which has ultimately freed me from the trappings of my skin.

I’d love to hear how you manage psoriasis without medication and I hope to inspire those that are on medication to try an alternative method.