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Ask Dr. Gott 12/08
Treat psoriasis with home cures
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    DEAR DR. GOTT: Several years ago, my husband had psoriasis in his hair, eyebrows and across his forehead. I heard somewhere that T-Gel Shampoo by Neutrogena would get rid of it, so I got him some. Well, it worked! He has been completely free of the problem for years.
    We had a friend with the same problem, so I suggested he try it. It worked for him, too. It can't hurt trying and is a lot cheaper than seeing a dermatologist.
    DEAR READER: This extremely irritating condition is caused by an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in scaly, unsightly patches of skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the knees, scalp, elbows, legs and palms of the hands. It is often difficult to treat, so I am delighted to pass on your experience.
Many of my readers indicate success in treating their psoriasis by rubbing the inside fleshy part of a banana over affected areas two to three times a day. More difficult areas can be managed by taping a banana peel patch directly to the site(s).
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Eczema and Psoriasis." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

    DEAR DR. GOTT: This is for your reader that had psoriasis behind her ears and in her hair. I had the same problem for several yeas and spent hundreds of dollars seeing a dermatologist. He said it can be treated but not cured; he was wrong. I called a health food store and asked them about the condition. They told me to take flaxseed oil and vitamin B stress complex pills together once a day. I have not had the psoriasis in my hair since, and the alternative treatment is much cheaper than the expensive medicine, shots and radiation treatments that did not work.
    I hope this letter helps your reader. It sure worked for me.
    DEAR READER: Psoriasis can be triggered by anything from stress to weather changes. Siding with your dermatologist, I was also taught it cannot be cured but can be managed. Over-the-counter antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams, ointments and numerous alternative treatments have been used successfully. I will now add your flaxseed oil and vitamin B to that list. Thank you for sharing the information.
    DEAR DR. GOTT: It sounds to me as if the 81-year-old lady with the shaky hand has essential tremor, which is a very common yet treatable condition. She should contact the International Essential Tremor Foundation, PO Box 14005, Lenexa, KS 66285-4005 for a doctor in her area.
    DEAR READER: Readers can also find more information online at www.essentialtremor.org, or by calling 888-387-3667. Thank you for writing.
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