Ask Your Doctor About Vitamin D Supplements
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Some studies show that people with other , such as , tend to have low levels of vitamin D. People with autoimmune disease may see improvement with vitamin D supplements.
We also know that exposure to ultraviolet light slows down the abnormal immune response in psoriasis and increases vitamin D production. Treatment with ultraviolet light, called phototherapy, is a common and effective psoriasis therapy.
Although it sounds like vitamin D supplements might help your condition, right now doctors dont have enough scientific evidence to recommend them as part of a psoriasis treatment plan. However, although there may not be enough evidence to suggest that taking a vitamin D supplement is good for psoriasis, there is enough evidence to suggest that its good for a lot of other health problems. Vitamin D may help prevent some other autoimmune diseases, , infections, and some cancers. Because studies show that many Americans have low levels of vitamin D, many doctors are now recommending a vitamin D supplement along with calcium and a multivitamin every day. A simple blood test can tell whether you have a deficiency.
Ask your doctor whether taking vitamin D supplements could be good for your health in general. This is especially important if you are already getting vitamin D through a psoriasis ointment because you can overdose on vitamin D. Taking more than 2,000 IU per day could result in unwanted side effects.
What Is Synthetic Vitamin D
People with psoriasis can use lotions and creams containing synthetic vitamin D to slow the growth of new skin cells.
These can help:
- reduce the accumulation of skin cells
- flatten thick patches
- remove scales
Some lotions containing vitamin D may irritate a persons skin, but it is safe for most people to use, including children.
When people use them in excess on large areas of the body, it can increase calcium levels in the blood, increasing the risk of kidney stones and other problems. However, a person who follows the doctors instructions is unlikely to experience adverse effects.
How To Take Bag Balm
Use Bag Balm exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Clean the skin where you will apply the topical emollient. It may help to apply this product when your skin is wet or damp. Follow directions on the product label.
Shake the product container if recommended on the label.
Apply a small amount of topical emollient to the affected area and rub in gently.
If you are using a stick, pad, or soap form of topical emollient, follow directions for use on the product label.
Do not use this product over large area of skin. Do not apply a topical emollient to a deep puncture wound or severe burn without medical advice.
If your skin appears white or gray and feels soggy, you may be applying too much topical emollient or using it too often.
Some forms of topical emollient may be flammable and should not be used near high heat or open flame, or applied while you are smoking.
Store as directed away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle, tube, or other container tightly closed when not in use.
Since this product is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Seek medical advice if your condition does not improve after using a topical emollient.
Read Also: Scalp Psoriasis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
Original Bag Balm Skin Moisturizer
Weve already shared the story behind how the original Bag Balm came into existence, but what can you expect when using this moisturizer?
Youll find just four ingredients in Bag Balm: petrolatum, lanolin, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, and paraffin wax.
Together, these ingredients create a very thick ointment .
And fair warning: Bag Balm has a pretty strong, medicinal scent. Many people dont seem to mind the scent, but after reading through Bag Balm reviews, we noticed that some people find the scent too unpleasant to continue using this product.
Risks And Shortcomings Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D can help many people with psoriasis. Still, its often not an effective long-term treatment on its own. Some people will need topical medications with other active ingredients, including corticosteroids. Vitamin D also wont work for everyone, regardless of what form its taken in.
The biggest risk of taking vitamin D is taking too much. Vitamin D in moderation is good for you, but taking too much can hurt you. It causes a condition called hypervitaminosis D, or vitamin D toxicity. This condition can cause a buildup of too much calcium in the blood, which can cause frequent urination, weakness, and eventually kidney problems. Its typically only caused by excessive doses of vitamin D supplements. It almost never occurs from diet or sunlight exposure.
As long as you take vitamin D in moderation, you should be able to avoid vitamin D toxicity. Your risk increases, though, if you have liver or kidney conditions already.
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Dr Rogers Restore Healing Balm
Developed by board-certified dermatologist, Heather Rogers, this multi-use balm contains just three hard-working ingredients: castor-seed oil, glycerin, and hydrogenated castor oil, the latter of which is a thicker form of the oil that gives the formula its rich, balmy consistency. Apply it to parched, flaky patches of skin and youll feel instant relief.
Available at doctorrogers.com, $30.
Farmacy Honey Savior All
Noticing a trend here? Honey is a common ingredient used in skin balms and ointments due to its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Its also chock-full of antioxidants needed for optimal skin health and is a fabulous thickener when it comes to formulating. Aside from Farmacys patented Echinacea GreenEnvy honey, it also contains propolis, royal jelly, and jojoba, castor, and sunflower oils. Slather it on a scaly spot and watch as the skin soaks it up and becomes instantly smoother.
Available at , $34.
Also Check: Root Cause Of Scalp Psoriasis
What The Experts Say
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotions formula has hyaluronic acid, an ingredient recommended for building up the skins moisture barrier it can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it will keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Angie Seelal, registered physicians assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC
Reasons Why I Store Bag Balm And You Should Too
20 Reasons Why I Store Bag Balm® and why you should store it in your emergency preparedness supplies. The product was first introduced in 1899 in Vermont. The formula was purchased by John L. Norris.
I have used it for years. I bet I have 10 containers of it. Yes, I am a little OCD when I purchase products I LOVE. My daughters always tease meMom, why do you always buy ten?
Heres the deal with me, I always worry I will run out. LOL! I just want to be prepared for the unexpected. If I see a fantastic deal on something I will pick up extra to save money in the long run.
The Bag Balm® product was originally used in the cold Vermont winters to protect the cows udders from getting chapped. It seems the farmers that applied this to their cows soon realized their hands became remarkably soft after using this lanolin-based ointment.
This is when the product soon became popular for human use. Over the years this wonder antibiotic ointment has become useful for so many things.
Also Check: Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream
Start Your Day With Fortified Cereal
Fortified cereal is another easy way to get your daily fill of vitamin D. Look for a low-calorie fortified hot or cold cereal, and read the package label to determine how much vitamin D you will get and whats considered a serving size.
Bonus points if you top your bowl of cereal with fortified milk and pair it with a glass of fortified OJ.
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Best Budget: Gold Bond Ultimate Multi
Itchiness is one symptom of psoriasis, which is why this earns top points for helping to tamp down the itch. Plus, it also contains salicylic acidat a maximum, over-the-counter, 3% concentrationto help break down plaques and scale. And since it costs less than lunch, you can go ahead and slather it on with reckless abandon.
Specially formulated for extremely dry or even atopic skin, this a top pick for those who have to deal with both dryness and psoriasis. It offers a heavy hit of hydration immediately, but also has an exclusive complex that works to repair a damaged skin barrier. And psoriasis-sufferers will appreciate that it is formulated to ease itchiness.
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Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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Forms protective barrier to lock moisture in
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Prevents dryness
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Doesnt soak into skin, feels sticky
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Hard to get off hands after applying
If there is one multitasking skincare product that dermatologists are obsessed with, it is Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Made with 41 percent petroleum, it forms the protective barrier Dr. Saedi was talking about, helping lock moisture in. The addition of glycerin helps prevent dryness from occurring in the first place by attracting water to the skin. Not only is it a great treatment for eczema, you can use it as a body moisturizer, a dry hand treatment, on cracked heels, chapped lips, or even to help heal minor scrapes and cuts.
Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Uses: Lip moisturizer, hand cream, foot cream, wound care, and eczema lotion.
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Try A Vitamin D Ointment
Vitamin D topical ointments are often used to counteract the abnormally fast regeneration of skin cells that can lead to psoriasis plaques. Prescription ointments or creams that contains active or synthetic vitamin D3 include Dovonex and Vectical , says the NPF.
If you put something on the skin that slows growth, it may cause the plaques to become thinner and less scaly, says Richard Gallo, MD, PhD, the founding chairman of the dermatology department at the University of California in San Diego.
Apply a thin layer to psoriasis plaques once or twice a day, or as recommended by your doctor. These medications can be used alone or with topical corticosteroids. Most people notice an improvement after using them for two weeks, according to the American Academy of Dematology.
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Make The Most Of Vitamin D For Psoriasis
Vitamin D has been in the headlines lately because of its health benefitseverything from bone strength to heart health. Vitamin D ointment has been used to treat psoriasis for many years.
So you might wonder whether adding vitamin D to your diet, through foods or vitamin supplements, might also help manage your psoriasis. Heres what you need to know before you load up on vitamin D.
The Dermatologists Point Of View
Patients suffering from psoriasis present a broad range of clinical phenotypes. Psoriatic lesions are classified into plaque, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic types according to clinical features, especially regarding lesions size and distribution . Disease onset may occur at any age, including childhood, with two peak age ranges, 16 to 22 and 57 to 60 years . Psoriasis lesions are characterized by hyper-proliferation with incomplete differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and decreased keratinocyte apoptosis, associated with inflammatory cellular infiltrate in both dermis and epidermis . Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score is currently the preferred method for the assessment of the disease severity and extent .
Also Check: How To Stop Psoriasis Hair Loss
How Should I Use Bag Balm
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Clean the skin where you will apply the topical emollient. It may help to apply this product when your skin is wet or damp. Follow directions on the product label.
Apply a small amount of topical emollient to the affected area and rub in gently.
Do not use this product over large area of skin. Do not apply a topical emollient to a deep puncture wound or severe burn without medical advice.
If your skin appears white or gray and feels soggy, you may be applying too much topical emollient or using it too often.
Some forms of topical emollient may be flammable and should not be used near high heat or open flame, or applied while you are smoking.
Store as directed away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle, tube, or other container tightly closed when not in use.
Before Using This Medicine
You should not use a topical emollient if you are allergic to it. Bag Balm will not treat or prevent a skin infection.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Bag Balm if you have:
- deep wounds or open sores
- swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding
- large areas of skin irritation
- any type of allergy or
- if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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Even More Uses For Bag Balm
Bag Balm was developed for use on cows, and it works great on other animals with clipper burn, small injuries or rashes. Also, many people use it for diaper rash on babies. If you ask around, youll probably find people using it for all kinds of other things too.
In short, any mammal with any skin complaint might benefit from Bag Balm. Since it doesnt have anything harmful in it, you might as well give it a try.
I have heard of some people being allergic to this stuff, so test on a small uninjured area of your skin or the skin of whoever or whatever youll be using it on before using it on broken or scaly skin just to be safe.
I recommend this stuff, but I dont know a lot about it. All I know is that someone recommended it to me, and I know that I have a lot of skin issues at times and Bag Balm clears most of them up quickly and inexpensively. It might do the same for you.
What Is Diprosalic Ointment
Diprosalic® ointment is treatment used to reduce the symptoms of some types of skin conditions. It can be topically applied directly to the skin. Betamethasone diproprionate and salicylic acid are the main ingredients found in this ointment. These substances can help to reduce inflammation and eliminate redness and itching associated with skin conditions. They also help to break down the keratin seen in hardened and scaly skin, and help to produce smoother skin.
Eczema and psoriasis are two skin conditions that can be improved by using Diprosalic® cream. Both of these conditions have similar symptoms. Redness of the skin, lumps or blisters, and weeping or crusty sections of skin can often be seen. The cells of the skin become enlarged and irritated and this is why these symptoms can occur. Diprosalic® ointment can also help to shrink inflamed cells from the inside and this can reduce any further skin outbreaks.
There are no reported pharmaceutical drug interactions associated with Diprosalic® cream. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician before using this medication. It should also be used sparingly on the skin, and it is not intended for use over a long period of time.
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Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief Cica Ointment
Aveeno combined calming ingredients like centella asiatica and colloidal oatmeal into a base of petrolatum to create this skin-soothing ointment, which comes recommended by Sejal Shah, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice in New York City. It forms a protective seal over cracked skin and soothes inflammation fast, she says. Plus, its applicator tip makes it easy to use on elbows and knees where psoriasis commonly develops, she adds. Keep a tube in your desk so you can lube up in the bathroom at work.
Additionally Is Vitamin A And D Ointment Good For Your Face
Vitamins A, D, and E topical is a skin protectant. It works by moisturizing and sealing the skin, and aids in skin healing. This medication is used to treat diaper rash, dry or chafed skin, and minor cuts or burns. Vitamins A, D, and E may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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Overview
Plenty of people with psoriasis use different combinations of medications to treat the condition. For some, the psoriasis symptoms may improve significantly just by increasing their vitamin D.
Vitamin D, which your body can make when exposed to sunlight, has many health benefits that may help treat psoriasis. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to psoriasis. While a deficiency doesnt seem to cause psoriasis outright, it may impair the bodys ability to keep the skin healthy. This may increase flares. When taken in healthy doses, vitamin D can help treat psoriasis. Heres how.
Vitamin D possesses different health benefits that can help treat several types of psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis.
A study from 2011 found that vitamin D can strengthen the immune system. Because psoriasis is an autoimmune response, this effect could help treat the condition internally.
Topical oils and ointments for psoriasis containing vitamin D can also help treat flares. Vitamin D can slow the growth of new cells, so vitamin D oil applied directly to the flare can help thin the plaque.
Also Check: What Are The Signs Of Scalp Psoriasis
Then Can U Put A& D Ointment On A Yeast Infection
Over-the-counter home remedies are available, to treat yeast infections, for example, Desitin, A+D ointment, Triple Paste, and Vaseline for both prevention and treatment. Check with the childs doctor before using any product on infants, babies, toddlers, and children for yeast infections and diaper rash.