PPP or Pustular Psoriasis - A Chronicle

[bunnie]

I am wondering if that "control" you speak of is not happening to some extent.....or is it just the natural waxing and waning or even the possibility of the Big "R", remission, in its initial stages?

As you are not taking immunosuppressants symiere, then of course that doesn't come into the equasion. However, my point was (just my own thoughts) that if the drug you are taking is regulating the hormone production, then as these hormones T4 & T3 have a direct affect on the activity of cells and tissues, then maybe it is having a positive regulating affect on these cells involved in this abnormal response? At a push, one can imagine that if this is the case, then of course the condition will not be so severe, and "wane". (in comparison as to what it was before) Even in remission you still have this predisposition, that will always be there. You must remember though, that waxing and waning in severity is a *symptom* of autoimmunity, it is not a symptom of Psoriasis or any of its phenotypes. Usually remission occurs over a period of time, gradually the symptoms getting less and less, however when I was about 30? the liga I had manifesting for over a year, seemed to magically disappear in less than a few days! Although I had scabs on burst blisters, I innately knew it had gone! Little did I know what it had in store for me 18 years down the line! So there are always exceptions!
I know nothing really about the health systems abroad, but from what I read, we are in Britain so very lucky. Despite the many faults the NHS has (mostly due to private management) we should fight always to retain the NHS. It is simply dreadful the way people like yourself have to hunt themselves to get good, indeed the best treatment for their condition , whereas we don't. It is presented to us as of right, and free of fees of course. Everybody pays contributions automatically from their wages, but that is a very small amount in comparison, and everybody is equal, even those who may be homeless and not working.
The agenda of medical proffessionals becomes different too. Money does not come into the equasion for treatment, ( not directly to the patient I hasten to add!) the prime motive here for doctors is to give their patients the best treatment possible, and if they themselves cannot provide it, to send you to someone who can.
Bunnie

[Pariah]

I think you found EXACTLY where I get on the path of misunderstanding, Bunnie. Thanks.

As you are not taking immunosuppressants symiere, then of course that doesn't come into the equasion. However, my point was (just my own thoughts) that if the drug you are taking is regulating the hormone production, then as these hormones T4 & T3 have a direct affect on the activity of cells and tissues, then maybe it is having a positive regulating affect on these cells involved in this abnormal response? At a push, one can imagine that if this is the case, then of course the condition will not be so severe, and "wane". (in comparison as to what it was before) Even in remission you still have this predisposition, that will always be there. You must remember though, that waxing and waning in severity is a *symptom* of autoimmunity, it is not a symptom of Psoriasis or any of its phenotypes.

This is where the point of departure has been with me.  I guess my brain simply cannot wrap itself around the idea that the waxing/waning in severity is *autoimmune* and is NOT a symptom of P.

When the cycles of PPP are stepping on each other, that's the autoimmune in overdrive, right?
But the actual symptoms - deep, hot itch to pustules to crusty scales to bloody fissures - are P....yes?
SO! When the "actual symptoms" of P are stepping on top of each other, producing layers upon layers - that is the autoimmune?
Has she finally got it now??

(Thank you for your patience! I am concentrating much better, even reading books again, but sometimes I simply have to work hard to get what appears to be an obvious tidbit to others!)

But then there's this:
Psoriasis (et all) is considered an autoimmune disease.
Hypothyroidism is considered an autoimmune disease.
This is where I fall into the realms of confusion....and the endless circle begins again!
Is not all of it autoimmune?
.........................I need to start over I guess. The Nobel site you provided is a good place to restart....I just need to "rebuild" my understanding of all this. I feel that if I can get it CLEAR in my mind, I can deal with it better.
Thanks again for your help, Bunnie!
symiere

[CalamityJane]

Hi ladies:

When the cycles of PPP are stepping on each other, that's the autoimmune in overdrive, right?

That's what I assumed Symiere when my PPP was active.

Bunnie: Since the Doxy with it's anti-inflammatory properties, do you think that my immune system has been calmed down? Could that be why I have this dreadful sinus/cold infection currently, for the first time in years.......at least pre-2002. Diagnosed in March 2005, so in my third year.

Sym: My PPP did not itch, but heat would drive my foot mad. Even now, w/o any pustules, splitting, etc., heat still bother that foot. I don't know why. Also, my PPP didn't wax and wane as you describe.....it was always there in some degree or another. The tar & Dovenex helped to prevent extra skin cells, but made my foot feel so tight, like I needed more skin.

Jane

[bunnie]

Ok! I will attempt to answer your questions...
Symiere
What  autoimmunity is

The response is a hypersensitivity reaction similar to allergies, where the immune system reacts to a substance that it normally would ignore. In allergies, the immune system reacts to an external substance that would normally be harmless. With autoimmune disorders, the immune system reacts to normal body tissues.

Mutated genes

In a normally functioning immune system, white blood cells produce antibodies to foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. These white blood cells also produce chemicals that aid in healing and fighting infective agents. But with psoriasis, special white blood cells called T-cells become overactive. These T-cells "attack" the skin and set off a cascade of events that make the skin cells multiply so fast they start to stack up on the surface of the skin. Normal skin cells form, mature, then are sloughed off every 30 days. But in plaque psoriasis the skin goes through this whole process in 3-6 days.  Normally T-cells produce chemicals that help heal the skin. In psoriasis, T-cells produce an abnormally large amount of these chemicals and actually cause more inflammation in the skin and joints.

With regard to the genetic predisposition of autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is primarily unpredictable. If asked what the main "symptom" of autoimmunity is, the answer would be unpredictable. It waxes and wanes in severity, you may constantly have some manifestation of ppp, but there are times when it will be more severe than others. ( did this not happen with you Jane, or was it not noticeable? Has your ppp never flared, and then after a few months or even weeks subsided? ) If it has, then that is waxing and waning.
http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/autoimmune-disorders

The outcome depends on the specific disease. Most are chronic, but many can be controlled with treatment. Symptoms of autoimmune disorders can come and go. The sudden, severe development of symptoms is called a flare up.

This quote concerning ppp. note that an abnormal reaction ( an allergy= non-self) to nicotine, may incite the genetic predisposition into action. So basically it is thought that if you have an allergy to nicotene itself, this allergy (easily detected of course) could incite the autoimmune response, as indeed many other allergies could if you carry the genetic predisposition to autoimmunity. So if you want to know if your smoking (if you do) could set this off in you, then have a patch test done for nicotene!

Palmo-plantar pustulosis
Palmo-plantar pustulosis (PPP) is a type of pustular psoriasis that causes pustules on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. PPP is characterized by multiple pencil eraser-sized pustules in fleshy areas of the hands and feet, such as the base of the thumb and the sides of the heels. The pustules appear in a studded pattern throughout reddened plaques of skin, then turn brown, peel and become crusted. The course of PPP is usually cyclical, with new crops of pustules followed by periods of low activity. (That is waxing and waning a symptom of any autoimmune disease, BUT it appears that it is also a symptom of ppp itself.) Those who are at risk for PPP should seriously consider not smoking, as some studies suggest that these patients may have an abnormal response to nicotine which can trigger flares of PPP.

Note also!

People who start to smoke after developing psoriasis may delay the onset of psoriatic arthritis, according to research presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the Society for Investigational Dermatology. However, because smoking causes serious health problems, everyone should avoid tobacco use.

The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and control the autoimmune process while maintaining the body's ability to fight disease. Treatments vary widely and depend on the specific disease and your symptoms.There is no known prevention for most autoimmune disorders.

PPP is the manifestation of the autoimmune response, and as there is also an hereditary factor you will naturally get psoriasis or one of its phenotypes, such as ppp. I have a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity, and like both of you can have any autoimmune disease, but I can never have ppp, because I do not have the hereditary gene. Don't quote me, but I think researchers believe that there may be more than one gene involved with psoriasis.

Genetic Causes of Psoriasis
Researchers have found 9 gene mutations that may be involved in causing psoriasis. One of these mutations on chromosome 6, called PSORS-1, appears to be a major factor that can lead to psoriasis. Mutations on genes cause certain cells to function differently.

You can have more than one autoimmune condition manifesting entirely different in the same person,
http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/autoimmune-disorders

A person may have more than one autoimmune disorder at the same time. Examples of autoimmune (or autoimmune-related) disorders include:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Pernicious anemia
Addison's disease
Type I diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Dermatomyositis
Sjogren syndrome
Lupus erythematosus
Multiple sclerosis
Myasthenia gravis
Reactive arthritis
Grave's disease
Celiac disease - sprue

and that above answers your question here symiere...

But then there's this:
Psoriasis (et all) is considered an autoimmune disease.
Hypothyroidism is considered an autoimmune disease.

The reason why that is possible, is because the genetic fault is a predisposition, and not a specific autoimmune disease.

When the cycles of PPP are stepping on each other, that's the autoimmune in overdrive, right?
But the actual symptoms - deep, hot itch to pustules to crusty scales to bloody fissures - are P....yes?
SO! When the "actual symptoms" of P are stepping on top of each other, producing layers upon layers - that is the autoimmune?

I think we have confusion here..
Please note the bold bit in blue in the PPP quote above.
I presume you mean the multiplying of the cells as described under  Mutated Genes at the beginning of my post??

P are stepping on top of each other, producing layers upon layers

that is the result of the stimulated muted hereditary gene,-consequently resulting in- the malfunction of these cells - resulting in the manifestation of the disease psoriasis.

Waxing and waning applies to my own and everybody else with an autoimmune disease. The disease manifested is the result of the autoimmune response. The autoimmune response can manifest again differently as it has with you symiere, and alison too. It depends on which cells are involved within that response, and at what point the malfunction takes place, determining the disease manifested. However in you there is the hereditary factor to P.

Jane

When the cycles of PPP are stepping on each other, that's the autoimmune in overdrive, right?
That's what I assumed Symiere when my PPP was active.

As explained above , yes, the abnormal response (Which because it is abnormal, is now called an autoimmune response), causes this malfunction of these particular cells ( because you have the hereditary factor to Psoriasis) to go into overdrive. In my own case, an antigen to a normal protein found in (everybody's) skin, is produced, (therefore to *self*) and thus an abnormal antibody is produced to that abnormal antigen, ( autoantibody being of the iga type) and again produced in excessive amounts, or as you say in overdrive. That explains the resulting manifestation of the autoimmune response, which has occurred in me.
The blistering is, over  various periods of time, sometimes worse than others, although never completely gone. That is typical of all autoimmune diseases. It appears however that ppp itself runs in cycles in this way too, and is a symptom of this manifested disease. I hope that clarifies things?

Since the Doxy with it's anti-inflammatory properties, do you think that my immune system has been calmed down?

I don't really know Jane , but I would imagine your doctor prescribed the Doxy, because your ppp at that time showed signs of infection, resulting in more pronounced inflammation of course. That treatment was very successful for you, reducing all the inflammation, not just from the infection, but that resulting from the autoimmune response ppp. You see at such times the situation can become a circle of events. If your ppp has calmed down significantly over a period of about a year, and you have had no major flare ups, and the outbreaks you have had, have not been bad at all,  then you could be slowly going into remission!
Symiere

I feel that if I can get it CLEAR in my mind, I can deal with it better.

That is my sole reason for all my long posts. By doing the research I am learning too and understand far better than I did, and because of that I cope better. I hated it when doctors talked "over my head", or explained things in so simple a way that it was in fact misleading. Now I say "tell me as you would a colleague, I can understand and if not I will find out what those terminologies mean." Same as they had to do !
I'm worn out!!
Bunnie

[CalamityJane]

Thank you bunnie, no wonder you are worn out!

Jane

[bunnie]

Just as a matter of interest Jane, cellulitis (is that what you had?) often occurs because of bacterial or fungal infection, and in some cases where cellulitis is recurrent, people often take antifungals to prevent cellulitis,  if that was a known cause of it.
Bunnie

[Pariah]

    Thank you so much, Bunnie.  You certainly devoted a bunch of Time and Energy to all of it. I do hope you are more rested now.  I wish I could do something for you!  All I can tell you is that I appreciate it and state that sincerely. It is much clearer now - it clicked! Finally!

Your comments regarding smoking were interesting. I quit smoking in '99. Three trusses, lashed together, were dropped on me from a boom when I was building the barn in April of '03. By late June, the first symptoms of the PPP and the PA began. I have always thought that the impact of the trusses was the trigger for all this.  Now, I can see that maybe a combination of the accident plus the cessation of smoking gave me a "double whammy!"

Again - thanks a bunch, Bunnie!

[CalamityJane]

Just as a matter of interest Jane, cellulitis (is that what you had?) often occurs because of bacterial or fungal infection, and in some cases where cellulitis is recurrent, people often take antifungals to prevent cellulitis,  if that was a known cause of it.
Bunnie

Hi Bunnie, my cellulitis was bacterial so it was thought brought on through the splits in the skin on my foot. No fungus. Actually, I'm grateful that I had cellulitis, because I was put on the Doxy, and that gave me remission and the ability to walk!

Now for the first time in years I have sinusitis, so more Doxy. You know how reluctant I am to take it. However no choice really right now, and my foot, although fine, looks somewhat 'iffy', so perhaps it's a good thing.

Hugs, Jane

[CalamityJane]

Your comments regarding smoking were interesting. I quit smoking in '99. Three trusses, lashed together, were dropped on me from a boom when I was building the barn in April of '03. By late June, the first symptoms of the PPP and the PA began. I have always thought that the impact of the trusses was the trigger for all this. 

Aaaah, I can see you don't do things by halves symiere! Congrats on quitting smoking!! I'm not sure what the link to PPP and smoking is, but many derms like to use it anyway. I think some of them do it because they don't know, and it makes them feel they are doing their job.

My derm didn't even ask if I smoked. He just stood there and said it's nothing you are eating, nothing you are doing. At the time I didn't believe him, but I have come to believe it now.

Jane

[Pariah]

Anyone know if this is more PPP w/o pustules(?):

Little circles of dry skin have developed without the usual pustules in the area first. Even no orange under-the-skin pustules and not really any itching. They are very dry patches on the palms and a few fingers. Feel as if the skin is thickening in each spot.
Still have PPP on each little finger and from thumb nails down to base of thumb, on palm a bit, and on toward index fingers. The spots are out from all of these areas.

Has anyone had this? Something to be "expected?"
--------------
Jane - hope you are feeling better today. Will be interesting to see if the Doxy deals with your "iffyness" on your foot!

symiere

[CalamityJane]

Hi symiere: I had a time when I didn't have pustules. I using tar and Dovenex then. The sole was very red and sore, and I recall it feeling very tight, and felt it needed more skin, so I stopped the Dovenex.

Shortly after that I had the cellulitis and the rest is history. I'm hoping the Doxy will do the trick again. No pustules or anything, but very dry compared to skin on other foot.

Jane

[bunnie]

Hi Jane,
 

I'm not sure what the link to PPP and smoking is,

The link is that it is thought that some people who have an allergy to nicotene itself, that ThIS allergy can incite the already present (and always will be) genetic predisposition, but then again, ANY allergy can!
synusitis is awful jane, i hope the doxy works well, it should do,
bunnie

[bunnie]

Symiere, can I just hark back to this...

Three trusses, lashed together, were dropped on me from a boom when I was building the barn in April of '03. By late June, the first symptoms of the PPP and the PA began. I have always thought that the impact of the trusses was the trigger for all this.

It couldn't be Symiere, the only way that this autoimmune reaction could be stimulated from an initial blow, is... http://www.endo-resolved.com/autoimmune.html

if a substance in the body that is normally strictly contained in a specific area (and thus is hidden from the immune system) is released into the general circulation. For example, the fluid in the eyeball is normally contained within the eyeball's chambers. If a blow to the eye releases this fluid into the bloodstream, the immune system may react against it.

Just for interest and further confirmation that all these different autoimmune diseases come  under the same umbrella of autoimmunity. please note in bold.

Autoimmune disease
The term "autoimmune disease" refers to a varied group of more than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that involve almost every human organ system. It includes diseases of the nervous, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems as well as skin and other connective tissues, eyes, blood, and blood vessel. In all of these diseases, the underlying problem is similar--the body's immune system becomes misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect.
Many individual autoimmune diseases are rare, as there are many different types of autoimmune diseases. But as a group, however, they afflict millions of people. 

bunnie
 

[Pariah]

Got it, Bunnie! Thanks once again.

I also went back thru some links on the Autoimmune Disease Article thread.
As tired as I am tonight, things are starting to make sense. I know getting past the difference between the symptoms of PPP and autoimmune signs provided a bit of clarity for me.
I guess why I thought the accident caused all this was that I had a perception that the PPP began soon after and the trusses landed across my left bicep and sternum, wrenching my right side as I kept myself from falling into gravel. I saw stars, was very nauseated, and some nasty hematomas quickly formed. I guess I jumped to the conclusion that what caused a release of antigens was that it was a blow above my thymus. Duh. However, now looking back, I remember thinking that suddenly minor skin issues all my life were beginning to make sense. I did have a positive in all the trigger points for fibromyalgia for over a year after the accident tho. With the thyroid on top of all of that at the same time, I am beginning to realize what a mess I have been in! No wonder my mind has been so foggy and fuzzy at times! I could not read a book for 3 yrs! I could not focus. That was a major bummer for me! My old doctor patted me on the arm and told me that I just needed to get use to the fact that I was getting older! There I was building my own home and he was telling me I was to old to be active! The development of the PA was in there, too................speaking of which - I need to move.........take some anti-inflammatories and go to bed. It is late.

Again, Bunnie........... ..............thanks!   
symiere

[greshar]

Cheers everyone,I am new to this interesting board and have been reading and learning from you all, I have had PPP for the last 12yrs and for the last 2yrs have had a great deal of trouble with my feet. have just completed treatment of Acitretin 10mg along with Puva & lights which was a great result for me, I had 30 treatments in total & almost straight away back it came, so not sure of what my next step will be, however I will be changing my diet a little thanks to reading so much info from you Paul

[CalamityJane]

Hello greshar, and welcome to SC, and our PPP thread!

I'm sorry you had all those treatments and it just came right back. That's the dang thing about this PPP.

PPP is an autoimmune disease, and unless you are allergic, or have a sensitivity to things in your diet, diet, in my belief, dietry restrictions will not help. Please look at the autoimmune thread. Some wonderful info there. Obviously though, it is in all our best interests to eat a varied and healthy, low-fat diet.

I have come to believe that this PPP is just 'in' us,--like freckles, or straight hair. My first (and best) Derm told me unequivocally that it was NOT a result of anything I was doing/eating etc. Obviously notwithstanding allergies.  My first 'skin' revolt was when I became allergic to Penicillin and my skin erupted like a volcano! However, it subsided and never returned unless I'd been in some kind of contact w/the Penicillin family.

Again welcome, and we look forward to hearing lots more from you and about your particular experience with this nasty disease.

Jane

[bunnie]

Hello Greyshar, welcome to skincell! well you have read all the information here. If you move around these skin disease boards you cannot fail to notice the one ultimate thing we all have in common, and that is a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity. That means you have a mutated gene which makes you susceptible to having any autoimmune disease. However some on skincell, including yourself, carry hereditary genes to psoriasis disease itself, and any of its phenotypes,  (such as PPP).

An Autoimmune disease, also has  common factors:
1) They wax and wane in severity
2) They can have short or long periods of remission
3) They occur of *self* to *self* , in other words self cells attack other self cells. Auto=Greek for *self*
(The medical terminology always tells you what the condition is)
4) they can appear idiopathically , spontaneously and no apparant reason.
5) The predisposition can be stimulated into reaction by an allergy (non-self or out of body factor)to another substance. This allergy can in some people trigger the already present, and always will be genetic predisposition
6) some diseases like psoriasis and diabetes carry an inherited factor to the actual disease.Autoimmune diseases and hereditary diseases, only occur in people who carry the mutated genes.
7) There is no cure, unless a drug can be found to disable the mutated gene-period.
8)The aim of treatment is CONTROL. The only way these chemical signalling cells can be controlled is through suppression of the malfunctioning cells involved in the autoimmune response, which are in overdrive. (an abnormal response) or by suppressing the inflammation, (which is the bodies first line of defence, that is the price we pay for the body's defence barrier )
9) No food can alter a gene-period
10) food cannot have any affect on these conditions, but (although there is no significant acceptable, scientific medical evidence to prove otherwise ) certain supplements may improve the symptoms of the manifestation of any skin disease. (in your case ppp) In other words to eat healthily is good for you in general!
If food was thought to help in any way at all, then the whole of medical science would back it to the hilt and we would all be on food supplements.
People who assume that certain food restrictions are  helping them, are maintaining the placebo affect.
These diseases are physiological in origin. Treatments such as stress management (in severe cases of stress)can sometimes lessen severity and occurrence. This is because signalling cells involved during stress, can in severe cases alter the hormonal balance. These then alter the cells of the immune response which can stimulate the already present predisposition. Alternative Treatments from psychological pain management, abstaining from certain foods, or a diet, or adding supplements, can be used to shift focus away from the uncomfortability and itchiness during an attack.
Many people suffering from chronic conditions , use some form of alternative medicine. There are little to no data to support the effectiveness of most of these therapies. These diseases because they all are intermittent and idiopathic, is stressful and this  amplifies the placebo effect. As such, many alternative treatments may seem to work great when in reality it is only a combination of the placebo effect and a chance remission in the disease.
Diet changes are often tried by people with autoimmune disease in attempts to stop what is presumed to be a food allergy. Also, people often try changing their laundry detergents, shampoos, soaps etc. While food and other allergies can cause hive outbreaks, it is important to note that  outbreaks often occur on their own with no connection to food or other allergy. The fact that these diseases are intermittent and idiopathic can fool people into thinking that it is caused by an allergy to food or product.
The above is fact based reference, not my opinion, but that of medical science.
Bunnie.

[totalfolly]

People who assume that certain food restrictions are  helping them, are maintaining the placebo affect.
These diseases are physiological in origin. Treatments such as stress management (in severe cases of stress)can sometimes lessen severity and occurrence. This is because signalling cells involved during stress, can in severe cases alter the hormonal balance. These then alter the cells of the immune response which can stimulate the already present predisposition. Alternative Treatments from psychological pain management, abstaining from certain foods, or a diet, or adding supplements, can be used to shift focus away from the uncomfortability and itchiness during an attack.
Many people suffering from chronic conditions , use some form of alternative medicine. There are little to no data to support the effectiveness of most of these therapies. These diseases because they all are intermittent and idiopathic, is stressful and this  amplifies the placebo effect. As such, many alternative treatments may seem to work great when in reality it is only a combination of the placebo effect and a chance remission in the disease.
Diet changes are often tried by people with autoimmune disease in attempts to stop what is presumed to be a food allergy. Also, people often try changing their laundry detergents, shampoos, soaps etc. While food and other allergies can cause hive outbreaks, it is important to note that  outbreaks often occur on their own with no connection to food or other allergy. The fact that these diseases are intermittent and idiopathic can fool people into thinking that it is caused by an allergy to food or product.
The above is fact based reference, not my opinion, but that of medical science.
Bunnie.

You know, whether this is a fact of medical science or not doesn't really matter, Bunnie.  Some people do appear to have been helped by their own specific regimens even if those aren't supported by science.  For example (using my own experience), I suffer from GERD.  I know perfectly well that doctors believe this is related to foods we eat, however, mine does not follow the rules for GERD.  Instead, it seems to be triggered solely by allergies to airborne pollens.  I cannot get a doctor to believe me, but when my allergies are not active I can eat anything I want and not have any problem with acid reflux.  When they are active, I can avoid any foods usually associated with GERD and it doesn't matter--I am still miserable.

Sometimes something really does work even when modern medicine says it won't.  I'd be inclined to let people at least give other points of view such as diet changes a try.  How can that hurt?  If nothing else, perhaps they will be eating more healthfully--at least they will be more aware of their diet, and that's a good thing, isn't it?

totalfolly

[bunnie]

I'm not sure if you are misunderstanding my post and my intention here TF. I clearly state throughout that eating healthily is the best option.
I'm sorry I don't know what the abbreviated GERD stands for?
 

Instead, it seems to be triggered solely by allergies to airborne pollens.  I cannot get a doctor to believe me, but when my allergies are not active I can eat anything I want and not have any problem with acid reflux

As you state in the above quote you feel it is triggered by allergies to airborne pollens, in other words Allergens. I too state that an allergy to anything either a substance or an airborne allergen can stimulate this abnormal response (an autoimmune response) in some cases. Remove the source of the allergy and the symptoms may improve, namely results manifesting from the allergic reaction, but it will have no affect on the actual autoimmune response, and there is no significant proof that lesions from the autoimmune response improve, they certainly take time to go away, anything from weeks to years. In idiopathic cases that does not occur. The info I left above is just one quote I chose from many published articles in the British Assoc. of Dermatologists, and other research sites. Any allergy to anything will be detected by testing.

I'd be inclined to let people at least give other points of view such as diet changes a try.  How can that hurt?  If nothing else, perhaps they will be eating more healthfully--at least they will be more aware of their diet, and that's a good thing, isn't it?

I'm not disallowing anybody doing what ever they like, just as others post on different boards giving examples of alternatives , then I too am putting forward what medical science accepts. How could I possibly stop them? Somebody could be reading , and in fact they do, and have pm'd me saying quite venhemently that they disagree with what I post sometimes. Well so what? I have read some threads that I totally believe (and so does medical science) to be absolute rubbish, but If I give the other side of the story, then the choice remains theirs. I point out that what I post is backed up by medical science, not my ideas, only researched fact based reference. Anything that is my own thoughts, I clearly make that point.
I couldn't personally care less quite frankly, what route people take, that is entirely their choice, and what they feel is right for them; I am simply giving fact based reference for information, so that people can at least weigh up their options, and make  well-informed decisions about their condition and treatment.-period. I make no apologies for that. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink, as one derm often says to me.
bunnie

[totalfolly]

I'm sorry I don't know what the abbreviated GERD stands for?

Gastro Esophogeal Reflux Disease

I have read some threads that I totally believe (and so does medical science) to be absolute rubbish

Fine, Bunnie, you have every right to believe as you wish.  The thing is that medicine is not an exact science and new studies and discoveries are disproving long-held beliefs all the time.

totalfolly