Hello Psoriasis, my new friend

Beginning in September of last year, I developed a rash on my hands. I thought it was just some odd type of rash that would eventually go away. I tried eczema cream, coconut oil, anti-fungal cream, and lots of lotion.The new year came, and the rash was still with me. In fact, it had spread to my shoulder. I decided it was time to see the dermatologist since nothing I tried over the counter had worked.

I was diagnosed with psoriasis. I felt like I was going to cry right then and there. During the time that I had been trying to get the rash to go away by myself I had done some research. While I didn't know all the specifics of psoriasis, I did know that it was a chronic condition and one of the things I did not want to be diagnosed by a doctor.

For those who don't know, psoriasis, while a skin condition, is actually an autoimmune disease. The dysfunction in my autoimmune system causes the skin cells to produce more rapidly then they should causing the rash. It most often shows up when individuals are in their twenties (although come to find out my dad was diagnosed as a child) and about 30% of those with psoriasis have arthritis as well.

Looking back on my life, I realize now that I have had psoriasis outbreaks before. They were just never this bad. In the past I've had little spots under my arms or in the crook of my arm. Last December I had a spot on my right hand. This year I have it on my shoulder, both hands, crooks of my arms, and under my right arm.

There are some triggers for psoriasis, such as cold weather, stress, beer, and smoking. Fortunately for me, two of those main triggers are not a problem to avoid.  In September at my brother's birthday party there was the perfect storm for a psoriasis flare up- had some Oktoberfest, had stress (car broke down on the highway in NJ), and was around cigarette smoke.

Below are pictures of my hands. Prior to the regime that the doctor put me on the spots were redder, drier, and a lot flakier. My right hand, especially, is looking really good.

Right hand, after 2 weeks and a few days of treatment.

Left hand, after 2 weeks and a few days of treatment.

There is also another trigger which most conventional doctors have not really recognized yet- gluten. There's a growing number of research linking either Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance to individuals suffering from psoriasis.  I cut gluten out of my diet after Christmas, and did see an improvement in the rash. So, I am now staying gluten free. I can honestly say, other then for convenience, I don't miss traditional flour all that much.

The crazy part is that since I've been gluten free for almost a month now, some things don't taste like they used to. I find Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Pieces to be rather bland. That is nothing less then a good thing.

Now that the gluten free journey is just beginning I hope to post good GF recipes when I find them or develop them.

Hugs!