Vitamin D For Psoriasis

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Oral doses of vitamin D have been considered as a treatment for psoriasis. This was sparked by experiments with cholecalciferol or 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25 (OH)2D3), the active form of vitamin D made in the kidney, which showed promise in treating widespread psoriasis.

Using a one microgram daily dose of cholecalciferol, Japanese researchers in 1986 managed to treat 13 out of 17 psoriatic patents within three months. But there are risks involved with this therapy.

High doses of vitamin D often leads to hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and coma. This was observed in the Japanese study and can occur in those taking 1,000 lUs (international units) or more of vitamin D.

The topical use of cholecalciferol by the same researchers proved to be more beneficial and less toxic. Sixteen out of 19 patients were treated within three weeks with a dose of 0.5 microgram per gram compared to three months with oral doses. Still, the possibility of hypercalcemia remained since vitamin D is absorbed by the skin.

That was until researchers at Leo Pharmaceutical Products in Denmark tried to develop a new form of vitamin D which could clear up psoriatic plaques minus the risks encountered in both oral and topical applications of cholecalciferol. That led to the discovery of calcipotriol.

Calcipotriol is a vitamin D3 derivative which is just as effective as cholecalciferol in controlling rapid cell growth in psoriatic skin yet 100 – 200 times less likely to produce hypercalcemia. Unlike other creams and ointments, it is colorless and odorless and generally well-tolerated by patients.

This vitamin D3 analogue is recommended for the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis and can be used alone or in combination with UVB radiation (which was tackled earlier in this series). The exact mechanism of calcipotriol is unknown but numerous studies have established the efficacy of this drug.

Controlled clinical trials have shown that calcipotriol is just as effective as some steroids and more effective than anthranol (both of which were discussed in this series) in treating plaque-type psoriasis. Patients using the recommended dose of 50 micrograms per gram twice daily for six months have not developed hypercalcemia, making calcipotriol safer than other conven¬tional psoriasis regimens.

The long-term effects of calcipotriol, however, are unknown and its safety in children and pregnant women has not been established. Using more of the drug can also be dangerous. If you go beyond the recommended dose and use more than 100 grams a week, you may suffer from high blood calcium levels.

So far, the only side effect reported is a mild skin irritation that occurs in 10 to 20 percent of patients who use calcipotriol. But this can be controlled by means of careful application. Calcipotriol should not be used on the face and patients are advised to wash away traces of the ointment that accidentally get in other unaffected areas of the skin. If you experience skin irritation, stop treatment and consult a doctor immediately.

[Via http://vitaminebenefit.wordpress.com]

Go Fish!

I am a fish, in more ways than one.

Like a fish, I swam.  While there were no hopes for Olympic gold, swimming was a major part of my life. The saying, “You don’t know what you got till you lost it” is true for me in this case.  I recall finding solace in the stillness of being alone in the water, to relax, I sat close-eyed at the bottom of a pool.  In a meditation pose, I try to tune out, for as long as I can hold my breath, the muted sounds coming from above.  

I competed in swimming. When time came that I passed the teen years of hyper metabolism, and I needed to start exercising, swimming was the one form of exercise I liked and could stick with.  Alas, I live to swim another day.

Dermatologists always advise to keep the skin moist with lotions and creams.  The chlorine in the water, dries my skin.  The docile germaphobe in me, thinks of who swam there and if there was something in the water that I could catch more readily because I might have an open lesion I wasn’t aware of.  Too much sun was another no-no.  Only fifteen to 20 minutes a day is recommended.  That is not even enough time to do a warm up, much less swim laps.  As I pass the condo complex’ pool on my way to get the mail, I look at it longingly, and yearn for the day I could get one of those exercise pools and fill it with regular water and Dead Sea salts. 

When I get back in the water, it will probably be like what they say about riding a bike. While my parents still keep trophies and medals won from swim meets of much younger years, I am left trying to remember the feel of water gliding on my skin as I swam laps.  All of that, is resigned to a very distant past, under the chapter of – “Another Version Of Me and All The Things I Used To Do”.

Like a fish, I am scaly.  Depending on the season, the current treatment, and, my stress levels, Psoriasis makes me shed skin faster than people without it.  Normally, skin cells mature and shed from the surface of the body. This process takes about four weeks vs. three to four days for people with Psoriasis. My body’s over-active immune system produces skin too fast, which leaves me with silvery, patches of skin, a.k.a. scales.  

At the first major onslaught of the symptoms, I had a helmet of scales covering my whole scalp.  It looked like dandruff – only the worst you’ve ever seen.  My whole scalp moved when I raised my eyebrows.  At that time, on a two-week tour of several European countries with my family, I could not help but leave my DNA in every hotel room, and in and around every chair I sat in.  Much like Hansel and Gretel leaving crumbs to find their way home, I imagine I left a trail of shed skin everywhere I went.  The “helmet” made my scalp itchy and I had to grit my teeth and bear it, otherwise I might remind you of a dog with a bad flea infestation.  Scratching also loosened the scales’ hold on my skin and would inevitably cause it to pop up, float and dangle from the strands of my hair.

During college, I would speak with the professors in private and request permission to wear a hat in their class.  I told them that I was not trying to be fashionable nor rude but that I had a condition which symptoms, I wanted to hide.  Hats hid the scales on my scalp and the red patches on my forehead.

Like a fish (out of water), I feel out-of-place.  At functions and get togethers, a constant thread of thought fills my head.  Inquiries: Is that red patch on my forehead visible to this person I’m speaking with? Did I put enough concealer on it?  Is the light catching that scaly part near my hairline?  Did I scratch on the way here?  Is there a dandruff on my hair? Is there snow on my shoulders? Did they see the red area when I shook their hand?  It’s unending.

Currently, only a few people know of my condition.  My confidence level is low.  A lady I met at a recent seminar held by the NPF (National Psoriasis Foundation), shared with me stories of how she reacts when someone acts negatively to her skin’s condition.  I realized I do not need to hide, but doubt that I can be confident enough in myself to put people in their place. 

You see, while psoriasis is not the same as having lost one’s eyesight, hearing, a limb, in some cases it is just as debilitating.  As we were taught not to stare and to treat disabled people with consideration and as our equals, so should we regard people with Psoriasis.  However, for as long as there are many like me who suffer in silence, hide the symptoms, and not speak for themselves, there will not be awareness for the disease.  With ignorance comes fear – Is it contagious? No.

While other people, diagnosed or not, with the same skin disorder as I, with symptoms even worse than mine, have accepted themselves, I find it hard.  I am trying.

[Via http://monette77.wordpress.com]

LevelStock.com: Cellceutix Completes Successful Pre-IND Meeting With FDA for Cancer Drug

Feb 16th 2010,  Braintree,Ma. LevelStock.com is pleased to announce to all of its members and investors information on  Cellceutix Corporation (OTCBB: CTIX).  The Company released news as follows:

Cellceutix Corporation (OTCBB: CTIX), a bio-pharmaceutical company that develops small molecules to treat cancer and inflammatory disease, today announced that is has completed a successful pre-Investigational New Drug exemption (pre-IND) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead compound, Kevetrin, which is being developed to treat drug resistant cancers. The Company has the remaining pre-IND animal studies for Kevetrin underway. These studies consist of intermediate-term toxicity studies in two species and safety pharmacology studies in the cardiovascular, central nervous system and respiratory areas.

In animal studies, Kevetrin was found to significantly delay tumor growth in two multi-drug resistant lung cancer cell lines. In two experiments with the NCI-H1975 cell line, Kevetrin showed an average tumor growth delay of 149% compared to controls, while paclitaxel delayed tumor growth an average of 72%. The delay in Kevetrin treated animals was significantly greater than in the animals treated with paclitaxel (p < 0.01). In two experiments with the A549 cell line, Kevetrin showed an average tumor growth delay of 72% compared to controls while paclitaxel showed an average tumor growth delay of 6%. Again, the delay in Kevetrin treated animals was significantly greater than in the animals treated with paclitaxel (p < 0.01). Kevetrin has also shown promising results in animal studies of resistant breast and colon cancer.

“FDA provided some very helpful comments on our study protocols,” said George Evans, CEO of Cellceutix. “We have incorporated their comments and now have the remaining studies underway, after which we will be able to go forward with our IND filing. This would be a very significant milestone for Cellceutix.”

An audio link discussing this event is at:

http://www.cellceutix.com/news/press-release-audio-2-16-2010.html

About Cellceutix

Cellceutix Corporation is a preclinical cancer and anti-inflammatory drug developer. Cellceutix owns the rights to seven drug compounds, including Kevetrin, which it is developing as a treatment for certain cancers, and KM-133, which it is developing for the treatment of psoriasis. More information is available on the Cellceutix web site at www.cellceutix.com.

This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, beliefs and assumptions about the industry and markets in which Cellceutix Corporation operates. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Cellceutix’s actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these statements. Actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in these statements, and no assurance can be given that Cellceutix can successfully implement its core business strategy and improve future earnings.

The factors that may cause Cellceutix’s actual results to differ from its forward-looking statements include: Cellceutix’s current critical need for additional cash to sustain existing operations and meet ongoing existing obligations and capital requirements; Cellceutix’s ability to implement its new product development and commercialization, enter into clinical trials, expand the intellectual property portfolio, and receive regulatory approvals in a timely and cost-effective manner. All forward-looking statements are also expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in Cellceutix’s SEC filings, including its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K.

Kevetrin has not been studied in humans at this time. The Company’s positive results in animal studies do not necessarily guarantee success in humans, though they may form the basis for beginning Phase 1 trials.

About LevelStock.com

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[Via http://hotpennystocknews.wordpress.com]

What Should You Avoid if You Have Psoriasis?

There are a number of different skin conditions that somebody can be enduring but one of the more challenging for them to handle is psoriasis. The excuse why psoriasis is such a hard skin condition is twofold. Initially, they aren’t able to really determine what it is that causes psoriasis to begin with, although they do understand the mechanisms that are behind the skin rashes and flaking that occurs. Another problem is because medical science is genuinely not able to remedy psoriasis, but there are a small number of things that can be achieved as a way to make it slightly bit better.

One of the interesting things about psoriasis is because although it doesn’t have an exact root problem, the’re a number of issues that can genuinely cause it to flare up. These range anywhere from emotional problems to environmental problems that could be at the source of your recent flare up. Here are a few things for you to avoid that are able to help you to avoid having an issue with this disease.

Strain – You would be surprised with a number of problems that tension can cause and psoriasis is certainly on that list. It can be hard to overcome strain, especially since the majority of us tend to lead lives that are rather vexing in the beginning. By studying to let the majority of the stress go, and handling what you can through a variety of different calming methods, you will be in an improved position to overcome psoriasis.

Outside Environmental Issues – The’re a number of problems that occur in the surroundings which can also cause our psoriasis to flare up. One of these problems is allergies, either in the kind of airborne allergies or through various chemical substances that are unnatural. Averting these to the best of our ability is surely going to go quite some distance in helping you to overcome and avoid having a psoriasis problem.

Itching and Scratching – One final thing that you are able to avoid is any kind of harm to your skin that might come through scratching it. At times, it might be hard for us to avoid scratching but if we are in a position to do so without damaging the skin, we may be able to avoid an issue with psoriasis. We should likewise avoid putting anything on the skin we have which can damage it and cause a corresponding problem.

Psoriasis Treatment Expert Michael Marenick offers more free information, help and advice just by visiting his website on Psoriasis Treatment or visit his blog for more detailed info.

[Via http://calppsoriasistreatmentz.wordpress.com]

A small victory

I used to love swimming. I learned fairly young (five or six, maybe younger–I can’t really remember) and it was pretty much the only PE activity I enjoyed at school. I did it out of school as well, once or twice a week. I’d go to the school pool after hours, or the public pool in the town centre. I wasn’t afraid to go on my own, either. I swam across rivers, I swam in tarns, I swam in lakes. I swam underwater, my hair swirling out around me. I’d pretend to be a mermaid (shut up). I could swim underwater for the length of the pool. I loved it.

Then, at some point during my late teens (between sixteen to eighteen), I had to stop. It wasn’t down to depression, because I was never constantly depressed. It was because of the scars and marks on my arms. I had to keep them hidden from my family, so I couldn’t go swimming with my mother any more. When we rented a holiday house in France with a private pool (yes, middle class, I KNOW), I couldn’t swim with the rest of my family. I had to wait until they went out for a walk before I could venture in–and even then I kept a light cotton long-sleeved top on, in case theneighbours could see.

I didn’t go swimming for another four years after that. Which takes us to 2006, and the onset of Graves’ Disease. I’ve already mentioned that it was rather debilitating at the time, and that I put it down to my simply being out of shape rather than physically unwell. So I decided to try and get back into shape by going swimming. The scars on my arms had faded, as I hadn’t been cutting for two years. My hands and feet were covered in horrible psoriasis (one day I might talk about how that completely destroyed any body confidence I had and how desperate I am to avoid another flare like that one) but I hoped that wouldn’t be too visible in the water. And I’d been a good swimmer, right? Obviously it wouldn’t take me too long to get back into shape!

It was a complete disaster.

The minute I kicked off from the wall I realised something was wrong. I was doing breaststroke, one of the easiest swimming styles known to humanity, but I wasn’t getting anywhere. My arms were doing the right movements. My legs were doing the right movements, but there was no strength behind them. I was unusually out of breath, and my limbs were absolutely useless. Weak. I was trying to propel myself forwards, but I was barely treading water. I could hardly keep myself afloat.

And like a genius, I’d climbed in at the deep end.

I actually thought I was going to drown before I’d made it three metres from the side. I made it to the other end of the pool eventually, clinging to the rail at the side until I reached the point where I could touch the bottom. You’d think my common sense would have kicked in then, and I’d have tried something less strenuous — like treading water in the shallow end or simply walking in the water — but no. There were a few other people in the pool, and I was utterly mortified at the thought that they might have seen how out of shape I was.

So, like a muppet, I forced myself to do another three laps. I’m surprised I managed to pull myself up the ladder to get out of the pool when I finally gave up. I was shaking. Breathless. My legs felt like lead weights as I dragged myself out.

And I didn’t think about swimming again for quite some time. I missed water, I missed the feeling of weightlessness and grace as I dove–but there was no way in hell I was getting back in a pool. The psoriasis got worse, too, so I started hiding my hands and feet at all times. I’d always hidden my arms, so it was really just one step further. It took a long time before things started to get better.

When I got the fibro diagnosis, last July, my rheumatologist recommended hydrotherapy. And the thought of sitting in a heated pool, doing gentle exercise, sounded absolutely wonderful. However, I’d become incredibly self-conscious about my body–mostly because hiding it had become so completely ingrained–and Australian doctors were always so sodding nosy about my scars I simply couldn’t face it.

But I hurt so damn much I needed it. I needed water. I needed to float. To be weightless. To take the pressure off my joints. So after a while, I made tentative plans to Go Swimming. I found a gym close to where I lived–in a quiet suburb filled with families and retired people. No teenagers. No threats. You could get a swim and a session in the steam room for $8. The pool was heated, too, so it would ease my muscles.

And yet every time I made plans to go, I talked myself out of it. My partner didn’t want to go with me, and I couldn’t possibly go alone. People would give me funny looks because of my arms. My swimming costume didn’t fit properly. There’d be too many people there. There’d be an aqua class going on at the same time, so there’d be no room. I’d turn up, and the place would be closed to non-members. All complete nonsense, because the open hours and class timetables were posted online, but I’m good at making excuses.

Well, the flare I’ve been for the past two weeks or so has put an end to all that. It’s the worst I’ve had since I was diagnosed (although thankfully it has been manageable today). So today I finally did it. I went swimming. For the first time in three and a half years. And yes, I had to take a Valium before I could leave the house. And yes, I had to talk my partner into coming with me because I couldn’t have gone alone. And yes, I did need her to hold a towel out to me as I climbed out of the pool so the other people using it didn’t see my scars (not that they were looking, but whatever). And yes, I did overdo things slightly and will probably pay for this at some point.

But I still went swimming. And you have no idea how good it felt to be able to do it. To have the muscle strength to do it. To be able to make it from one end to the other without the fear of drowning. To float. To feel my hair fan out around me in the water. To feel weightless, like a mermaid.

This is a pretty small victory, I know. It’s not like I scaled the Empire State Building or sailed around the world in a teacup or anything. Right now, though, I don’t care. I feel like I reclaimed something of mine today. A small victory, but it’s mine.

[Via http://jeneli.wordpress.com]

Of psoriasis and skin care products natural scar treatment success

Many of us can choose a variety of skin diseases, in our lives at any point. Some of these conditions can be serious for some people, but for people, they can become chronic. Each one of these conditions include a natural skin care products, essential oils, can be an effective part of the solution. In some conditions, essential oils have been used to treat these diseases, boils, warts, scars, eczema, dermatitis and dry skin. Our health"Skin is, including genetic, diet, smoking, alcohol factors into account our skin color and type. If a man have a fair skin, they burn more easily exposed to the sun. These people who have dark skin, and be better able to resist the sun, because their skin contains more melanin, a pigment.

Some people may suffer from dry skin, including me. This situation may occur in certain seasons, such as theIn winter, whereas others may have chronic daily conditions. In natural skin care products containing this disease for the treatment of dry and conducive to the use of essential oils. These people who the management of chronic disease than those who suffer from this problem, the seasonally longer treatment. Is usually in the fitness room, sauna and massage or good exercise, many people go to. The therapeutic device issued by the heat high,And to those who should avoid dry skin. Instead, you can take neither cold nor hot or cold bath after exercise. In addition to essential oils mixed with a variety of massage your body. Ah, I was using formula is 3 drops of geranium, jasmine 5 drops, 4 drops of chamomile 3 drops of ylang ylang. In addition, you have this combination, coupled with a mixture of lamp oil, as it is soothing dry skin. 2 1 tablespoonCarrier, such as almond or grape seed oil, but also should include this as grapefruit seed extract as natural preservatives formula, together. When you add all the ingredients, shake the formula, so that they can completely mixed.

Many of us will create a scar in an open wound or surgery. If the scars of the arm or leg, we can hide the facts, it is easy with our clothing area. If you have a facial scar may be hidden make-up, you can alsoCollagen or to consider treatment and grinding. A natural way to treat scars is to use essential oils. The oil is an effective scar treatment, because they treat infection and inflammation, and can prevent the development of scars. Amount of scar tissue that can lead to wound depends on how quickly we can address the extent of their injuries. A number of important is that in order for the treatment of wound infections and oil, is chamomile, tea tree oil, lemon oil, lavender. Once the woundHas been closed, and now it is necessary to prevent the scar it. An anti-scar formula, I use include the following essential oils: 15 drops lavender 6 drops of juniper, 5 drops of eucalyptus and frankincense oil droplets 6. In addition, each additional 1 tablespoon of calendula and olive oil, half teaspoon of wheat germ, of which a quarter of a teaspoon of carrot seed oil. I also have 1 million international units of vitamin 600 international units of vitamin E, A mycelized this formula, as theThese nutrients help to fight infection. This formula should only be used for closing the wound, at least two three times daily. In addition, it may need to repeat the treatment a few weeks to achieve positive results. As in any medical conditions, looking at the first consultation or any other treatments your doctor.

Many people may develop into boiling is called the skin. This situation may result in bacteria and ingrown hairs and acne. PeopleThis weakens the immune system more prone to this situation, and should consider certain vitamins, minerals and herbs to your daily diet. Such as Echinacea, goldenseal, lomatia and OSHA some herbs are antibiotics that can help fight infection. Astragalus and other herbs, pharmaceuticals and shiitake mushrooms maiitake aimed at effectively improving the functioning of the immune system. These natural compounds, oral, when it has been found to contribute toOur B-number, T and NK cells. Many doctors also have antibiotic treatment, ulcers, because they are the treatment of bacterial infections.

Natural skin care products containing essential oils have been used to treat ulcers with good results. One possibility is that it can also be used, it is the hot compression, so that infection. Some in dealing with this situation, chamomile, tea tree oil useful essential oils,Lemon, eucalyptus and geranium. That is, an open wound only suggests that lavender and tea tree oil. Once the closure of the wound scar formation, and can be applied, such as frankincense, juniper oil, and bergamot. Since health is a factor in prevention of ulcers, and maintained hands and body clean is a natural plant essential. In addition, you should consider whether to cook with a bandage open so that infection does not spread to another part of the身体.

Important thing is to buy essential oils, for those who choose organic varieties. Bio-oil is not in conformity with pesticides, spraying herbicides and fungicides. These chemical sprays every reason to some people allergic skin reaction. In addition, these toxic chemicals would seep into the skin, you accept our blood and our bodies accumulate. Some, such as DDT, alar pesticides, and received U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned because of the health effects ofWith their use. Other chemical products, can now be sprayed plants, plants also can cause skin and health problems, should not be used. On the use of essential oils from organic plant plants get we use a more secure place, and is better than cure properties are not organic production. If you are any kind of skin condition, consult your dermatologist first to determine which combination of essential oils for your benefit案例.

[Via http://naturalskincareproduct.wordpress.com]

Relief from Psoriasis and a vacation &ndash; part one

If you suffer from psoriasis, then you are no stranger to the endless round of lotions and creams you use to try and alleviate the effects of psoriasis. If, like me, you feel that none of them really seem to work, it may well be many years since you last had a really good vacation where you felt free enough and confident enough to wear a swim suit for fear of the looks and unkind comments you might get because of the psoriasis.

Well, a friend of mine told me about an article about the Dead Sea and the great effect it has on psoriasis. She was so enthusiastic that I looked into it and soon found loads of info in the library, at my doctors and on the net about psoriasis and how a couple of weeks at the Dead Sea can make years of psoriasis signs disappear and stay away for many, many months.

I must admit, that I was doubtful that anything could make a big a difference to my psoriasis as everything I read and heard about the Dead Sea indicated. I had almost decided to carry on with the creams and other "cures" when my husband had a great idea – lets go on vacation to the Dead Sea, I’ll have a course of treatments for psoriasis in a five star hotel and we’d spend the rest of the time exploring and relaxing with the children.

He even showed how we would end up saving money because, if the effect on my psoriasis was as good as every source suggested, I would save a small fortune in creams, lotions and treatments for almost a year.

In the end, he was so persuasive and I was so intrigued to see if everything I had heard was true, that I gave in and we went for a "psoriasis" vacation to the Dead Sea . I’ll tell you all about that in my next article.

[Via http://deadseahealth.wordpress.com]