PPP or Pustular Psoriasis - A Chronicle

[SF]

PaulBeck,

Your description of PPP sounds much like what I have on my hand, but upon reading other stuff related to dermatitis and eczema, they all seem to apply.

I've been to the dermatologist and also the allergy specialist, and I was told that it was definitely a severe case of contact dermatitis. I got a patch test done and after 3 agonizing days I was told my skin condition was a result of allergy's to nickel and formaldehyde....

But I am always a little skeptical of doctors. Un-related, but last december I had a knee surgery done back in Canada, and ended up getting my knee ruined. I had it looked at by another surgeon here in italy, would was amazed at how much damage was done. A year later, I'm finally able to walk normally again (just for your info, it was a simple arthroscopy). Therefore....

 

[PaulBeck]

CP!
Good words.
Yeah... it's virtually impossible to avoid all carbs and if you need the energy they provide then it seems to me the intake should be proportional to that activity.  e.g.  I used to virtually live on a bicycle and do a lot of 2 or 3 day biking fund raisers.  I 'carbed out' like a pig because it was all burned off by the end of the day.
Just now, my weight is stable at 185 lbs. +/-.  I'd be happy to be 170-175, but even on a handful of calories a day I seem to stay right there.  To me, this means I'm eating just right.  And I'm rarely actually tired.
Regarding macrobiotics...  some of the principles are interesting such as eating foods that are native to your area.  Take the cooking aspect and throw it in the trash though!  It's a well established fact that RAW foods are better for us and contain vitamins, enzymes, etc. that are COMPLETELY DESTROYED by cooking.  These would be some of the missing components that I'm trying to restore to my body, so the only thing I eat that's cooked, except for very lightly steamed or grilled veggies, is meat products.  I'm fortunate to even be able to get RAW goat & cow milk in area natural foods stores.  Also have a number of small, family farms in New England - a few within minutes of me - that use no BGH
(bovine growth hormone) and small shops that provide lots of free range meats - fowl, buffalo, deer, cattle, moose, bear, etc.  I think these are more desirable sources for buying red meats in particular, and I don't believe for a minute that the bowel retains, as some say, several pounds of undigested meat.
CP... this is the ultimate forum.  Talk of bowels and colonics and other bodily functions is most appropriate here and I'm not the least bit offended by your question(s).
I DO NOT believe in colonic irrigation.  I think it is too radical, and much like our ears or sinus cavities... it'll take care of itself.  It seems logical to me that unless the organs and systems in our bodies are overloaded, they'll function pretty much just fine.  Especially the ones with obvious orifices; sinus, bowels, skin, etc.  So... when we've ingested something that insults any of these systems they eject it in any way possible to rid the body of the problem.
This analogy may be invalid, or perhaps just awkward, but...  it's practically a guarantee that if you poking around in your ears - especially children and infants - with cotton swabs, you're GOING to invite and likely GET an ear infection.  If you leave 'em alone, almost without exception, they produce and eject protective wax and clean themselves.  So... why in heaven's name would anybody want to be poking around in the bowel with irrigating solutions???  Just doesn't ring true to me.  I think that sort of thing is for emergencies only and should be avoided at all costs.  It totally screws up the natural flora of the gut and this balance is of bacteria is the critical component to wellness and the life processes themselves.  An ear infection is one thing.  Fouling up the very plumbing that gives life...  no thanks.
Does that seem to make sense?
Good on you for sticking to SS pots and pans.  Teflon (read: PLASTIC) on aluminum just scares the crap out of me (not necessarily sorry about the pun ).  It's already a well known fact that heating anything in plastic in a microwave oven releases toxic compounds.  I think that holds true for some of these freezer-to-oven products too, that can be cooked in a conventional oven.
So... exactly what IS being released by Teflon?  I know for sure that eventually even the toughest non-stick surfaces wear off.  Where'd it go?  Into the meal, no doubt.  Is it TRULY stable and inert?  How many times has that been said about synthetics - especially plastic?  You may recall that in the 70's I think, approved plastic plumbing was installed in many homes.  Decades later, we discovered that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be and was banned.
TY for your stimulating and thought provoking ideas and questions CP.
Later!
K

[electric_ian]

Paul you are doing a good job with your chronicle,I am working away at the momement so only scanning the boards while home for the weekend..
So will add my comments later when I have had a chance to digest everything
Ian
Keep up the good work...

[Ami]

Paul want said above some of it makes sense, special the bits about non stick pans which the coat does come ends up your food.

[Celery Peach]

  Paul,

Cor bringing memories back from my hippy days   Me n Macrobiotics didnt really sit well. I hated the constrictiveness of it. I did do a weekend course with some Guru come over from USA, my bf at the time was really into it.  I liked some of the ideas tho, and could see the sense in some of it. OMG omaboshi plums & miso soup, have got to be the most disgustin things I ever tasted   I love my sugar too much tho   The Shiatsu massage was good! But I also had an 'oriental diagnosis' which turned out to be total rubbish. I was told that I was infertile & if I didnt do this n that , that I would never have kids, well, Paul, I have 3  

I never did figure on the no raw foods thing either. For me, food, especially fruits n some vegetables are much better for us raw. I suppose the Miso in the diet is in some way trying to compensate enzymes ?

The red meat, yes I was hesitant to quote the 'several pounds of rotting red meat' in our bowels. As I dont really believe to that extreme. But from personal experience of my Bowels (stop now if you are eating!) I find that white meat does seem to go through me better, and if I do eat a lot of red meat I feel heavy around my bowels for days, ie, something like a steak, pure slab of red meat.

Yes, the pans are a problem, but being an 'ol hippy' I have got my 'natural' ideals, even tho I dont always live by them these days being a mum of 3 fussy eaters. I know, not really an excuse, but as I have said my willpower is lacking  

Its great that you can eat so well, and that it does appear to be helping the P  

I think idealistically, my diet would be as natural as possible, only cooked if neccasary, very simplistic, as man would of had to be, before modern times. Also, I would cut red meat completely, because of how it makes me feel personally. BUT also, you have to now balance modern day lifestyles & polutions to the equation, thats where it starts getting complicated.

I agree with you on the colonic irragation, it was good to have your views, as I havnt really looked into it in depth. I will say tho, that my stomach got so out of balance by taking anti biotics for 3 years, that I needed a colonoscopy because I was passing blood. The very strong laxatives taken 24 hours before the procedure did give a good clear of the bowels   and It felt good to be clear, CI did cross my mind. But as you know I have had great relief from the probiotics.

Agreed with you on the puttin things in orifaces, yep this dope did the 'cotton bud in the ear thing' just a few weeks ago, and shoved the wax right in   I should of known better    

The synthetics ? Well, a big yes again ! Especially next to the skin ! Cotton Everything where poss !!  

[PaulBeck]

CP, Ian et al...

CP!  Wow!  I'm grateful to you for such a detailed response.  All this 'chatter' on the boards really gets me thinking and I hope it does the same for others.  Regarding the macrobiotics thing... a dear friend who has 3 kiddos - twin girls and a boy - has been a vegetarian all her life and last I knew she was totally committed to macrobiotics.  I find it rather sad that one of the girls has developed ECZEMA.  I think I'll look into this a bit further and see if both girls - geez... they must be 21 by now - are still doing the diet on which they were raised.  Macrobiotics is too contrived and extreme and I seriously doubt that early man thought much about whether his steak was medium or well done.  I'm sure he would have been more concerned with whether or not there was going to be any steak at all!
In many regards, I agree with peterb, you and others.  All I've really done is try to eliminate any foods on which the bad gut bacteria thrive.  Deprive them of their food source, and surely, the good gut bacteria will conquer.  We'll see.
K


Ian...  I hope to read your comments, rebuttals, etc. at your earliest leisure.

Spellingflame, ami... thanks for taking the time.

[PaulBeck]

*****   THE DARTMOUTH - HITCHCOCK APPOINTMENT   *****
All quotes are to the best of my recollection and I believe accurate.  I don't want to be unfair to the derm so I've tried to be as precise as possible.

Well... this should be brief - as was the appointment.
I indicated to the derm that I'd been trying to control and diminish the PPP with diet, supplements, natural products, etc. and achieved some small measure of success thus far.  I also told the derm that I was not happy with the treatment I received either from my regular doctor or from the previous derm, but that I also understand physicians make mistakes and are not gods.
I mentioned that I was very interested in Dr. Maebashi's paper on a causal relationship due to biotin deficiency.  The response was, "I'm not familiar with his work."  The reaction that accompanied that response was obviously one of total disinterest.  The derm had made it relatively clear at the outset, that there are a certain number of drugs and topicals which would treat the symptoms effectively and that's about all that can be done.  I could not seem to spark any interest in getting help pursuing the OTC probiotic Miya-BM.  The derm seemed to focus on the fact that, although I'm treating myself well with a good diet, that it was of no value as long as I continued to use tobacco.  (I smoke 5-7 ultra low tar/nicotine cigarettes a day and will try to quit again in January; hopefully for the last time.)  While I agree that this habit cannot help anybody's health, I don't think it is the determining factor in whether or not the disease can be beaten.  Though the predominance of cases occurs in smokers, there are plenty of statistically significant cases of non-smokers and children.
My overall impression of the visit was no revelation.  It was yet another physician from the mill that churns them out.  "We don't know what causes it." is a direct and exact quote.  What always seems to remain UNSAID is, "We really don't CARE to know what causes it.  We'd rather just treat your symptoms with this particular 'goo-of-the-day' and move right along, because this is what we've been trained to do, and I've got the credentials to prove it."  That's a bit harsh I suppose, but it IS the true impression I get.
I'm excited about the progress I've made.  Why can I NOT seem to instill that enthusiasm in a physician who could be such a valuable, professional, educated ally?  It's frustrating that even skin specialists just don't seem to have any interest.  I have to stay current in my own field CONSTANTLY.  When somebody brings to my attention some interesting tidbit of information that I might have missed, I LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT!  Moreover, if it is information that will help solve problem(s), then I'M ALL OVER IT!  I just can't figure out why the exclusive club of physicians contains so many totally disinterested people.  Surely in the years they went to school, served their internships, etc. they must have developed colleagues or even a passing acquaintance that MIGHT be remotely interested, to whom one could be referred.

AT TWO OR THREE MONTHS TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AT EACH PLACE, JUST HOW MANY YEARS WILL I HAVE TO WAIT AND SUFFER BEFORE ONE OF YOU SHOWS SOME SPARK OF INTEREST IN HELPING ME PURSUE THIS?  ARE YOU LISTENING?

Yeah... about as well you did in the office yesterday.  Argh... grumble, grumble, grumble...

Anyway, Dr. Derm did give me a 'scrip for a corticosteroid in case I need it, and offered Dapsone to get the pustules under control, and in the event the 'roid causes a secondary fungal infection, treatment for that as well.  DUH!  The reason I went there was to avoid all that!

The fight goes on.  Next stop:  A Homeopathy Clinic that likely is NOT covered under my insurance plan.  I don't really care at this point.  I need to find the missing puzzle pieces and often... they are in unlikely places.

K

[Celery Peach]

  Paul

Well... this should be brief - as was the appointment.
I indicated to the derm that I'd been trying to control and diminish the PPP with diet, supplements, natural products, etc. and achieved some small measure of success thus far.  I also told the derm that I was not happy with the treatment I received either from my regular doctor or from the previous derm, but that I also understand physicians make mistakes and are not gods.

A good attitude, but I bet that got Derms back up to begin with, you know how some think of  'natural Crackpots'  

I mentioned that I was very interested in Dr. Maebashi's paper on a causal relationship due to biotin deficiency.  The response was, "I'm not familiar with his work."  The reaction that accompanied that response was obviously one of total disinterest.  The derm had made it relatively clear at the outset, that there are a certain number of drugs and topicals which would treat the symptoms effectively and that's about all that can be done.  I could not seem to spark any interest in getting help pursuing the OTC probiotic Miya-BM.

Paul, I always take a print out for any articles I refer to, dont expect them to have read everything. Some Docs and Derms are so 'up there' that they tend to forget that we have the internet now, the source of a world of info, that we might have a little more time or inclination to search out that info relating to current theories and research into our Skin diseases.

The derm seemed to focus on the fact that, although I'm treating myself well with a good diet, that it was of no value as long as I continued to use tobacco.  (I smoke 5-7 ultra low tar/nicotine cigarettes a day and will try to quit again in January; hopefully for the last time.)  While I agree that this habit cannot help anybody's health, I don't think it is the determining factor in whether or not the disease can be beaten.  Though the predominance of cases occurs in smokers, there are plenty of statistically significant cases of non-smokers and children.

The way I see it : The Derm had his back up becuase you questioned his wisdom, so choose the one flaw in your lifestyle to focus on. I agree with you, giving up Smoking can only be a good thing, you are doing well and dont let him knock him. BUT I dont think smoking causes Skin Disease but I believe they could exasperate symptoms. I think the figures for smokers with skin diseases reflects just how stressful it is to have a skin disease, and how some people smoke because of stress.

My overall impression of the visit was no revelation.  It was yet another physician from the mill that churns them out.  "We don't know what causes it." is a direct and exact quote.  What always seems to remain UNSAID is, "We really don't CARE to know what causes it.  We'd rather just treat your symptoms with this particular 'goo-of-the-day' and move right along, because this is what we've been trained to do, and I've got the credentials to prove it."  That's a bit harsh I suppose, but it IS the true impression I get

I agree completely. Find the trigger dont just treat the symptoms. But it seems the way with Derms to just keep prescribing dangerous drugs. In my case with HS, dangerous drugs with little effect.

I'm excited about the progress I've made.  Why can I NOT seem to instill that enthusiasm in a physician who could be such a valuable, professional, educated ally?  It's frustrating that even skin specialists just don't seem to have any interest.  I have to stay current in my own field CONSTANTLY.  When somebody brings to my attention some interesting tidbit of information that I might have missed, I LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT!  Moreover, if it is information that will help solve problem(s), then I'M ALL OVER IT!  I just can't figure out why the exclusive club of physicians contains so many totally disinterested people.  Surely in the years they went to school, served their internships, etc. they must have developed colleagues or even a passing acquaintance that MIGHT be remotely interested, to whom one could be referred

Now I will get on my soapbox   I am desperate to try some Radiation Treatment. I have wrote quite a lot about how it relates to me here at Skincell. No one that I know of in UK is doing it as of yet. Tho some success has been achieved in USA I now need to find someone willing to experiment here. I am a willing Guinea Pig, why do no proffesionals take up the challenge? My next step is to get onto a list of health authorities & radiologists, (well anyone I can think of & be told of really) with my research. I can only suggest you take action too Paul, keep Diaries & keep notes, do your own private trials. You have a talent for writing in a well understood way, use it ! Get your info together and start plugging away at anyone you might think would take an interest.

AT TWO OR THREE MONTHS TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AT EACH PLACE, JUST HOW MANY YEARS WILL I HAVE TO WAIT AND SUFFER BEFORE ONE OF YOU SHOWS SOME SPARK OF INTEREST IN HELPING ME PURSUE THIS?  ARE YOU LISTENING?

Tell me about it !!! I walked out of the Derm office last month, with no prescription, a bit of sympathy and my hopes of Rad treatment dashed, to be told come back in 6 months time. My skin is a mess, I am managing it myself. Their drugs are just too dangerous with no proven success.

Homeopathy, I have to say I am a sceptic. But Paul, I can relate to your reasoning on other things, so I would be very interested in your thoughts behind Homeopathy

  oops I did get gassing there  

[PaulBeck]

Wow CP!  That was a truly great bit of GASSING    !  (I love those terms you use here - gassing, gasbag... it absolutely cracks me up!)
I sincerely appreciate your kind words regarding my writing being well understood.  Forgive me for saying that I'm sure my detractors would disagree with you, but I'm quite flattered.  ( VAL!  Turn away now... )  Thank you.  (OK Val, you can turn back around now! )
I should probably clarify a couple of things...

Regarding taking the defensive...
... because I've been doing independent work on my health.  Really good point CP.  It never occurred to me that mentioning these things could put the expert on the defensive right at the start.  I've just always commended people for taking initiative, not criticized them or been offended by their efforts.  I guess I just expected the same.  In retrospect, I guess I might naive.  I'll rethink my approach.  Excellent observation CP.

Regarding bringing your print outs...
Good of you to mention taking one's documentation along to the doc's office.  I always carry my entire portfolio with me when I go to make certain I've got it all together and in chronological order - cross-indexed by key words.  ( That's the database geek in me - a bit anal, I know. )  Does this offend the docs?  I could give a damn!  I have yet to receive a warm reception when I pull out my research and I'm usually cut off after asking one or two questions.  With all due respect to all you docs out there...  I'm NOT trying to upstage you!  I'm seeking answers!  You can admire or criticize my efforts - I DON'T REALLY CARE!  I use 'the portfolio' to elicit a response.  INVARIABLY the response is a look that says, "Oh brother!  Another amateur physician."  Surely, you ALL cannot be so arrogant to think that YOU have all the answers, can you?  Medical science, nutrition, research, etc.  has historically been turned on its head time and time again!  I humble myself to respond to a student's ignorant question or one from a peer of lesser experience.  Because it reminds me... I was that way once myself.  When you've lost your sense of wonder - well... you're done!  You might as well kick back with the fishin' pole and get out of the way of those who desire to actually continue learning for the rest of their lives, instead of just racking up the continuing education units to meet the demands of the administrators.  Shame on you if can't take a moment to hold my hand and explain when I am ignorant.  I've never been formally trained as an educator.  ( forgive the next bit of horn blowing... )  Nonetheless, I've been complimented for my teaching style by some of the best teachers in our area schools, and by Directors and Department Heads.  A large part of it is due to humility, enthusiasm, good humor and GENUINE INTEREST in what others have to say, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS and no matter how lame it sounds.  I would be guilt-ridden forever to flip people off the way doctors have done to me.  I say again... shame on you, if this indeed describes you.

Regarding homeopathy...
There is a nearby homeopathy clinic as mentioned.  I respect them.  They were very kind to me when my Mom had cancer.  They're also genuine and committed to what they're doing.  Though they are highly paid professionals, they make a 4-hour block of time available once a week.  During that time, anybody can call in and consult with them FOR FREE.  What doctor offers this service to his community?  Very few, and I cherish the ones that do.  ( Are you listening Dr. Aldrich, Dr. Vignati and Dr. Anderson?  I love you guys! )
I'm hoping they can offer some guidance and oversight.  Most importantly though, I'm hoping they can refer me to a physician who is sympathetic to both homeopathic principles, alternative therapies and interested in what I'm trying to achieve.  I'm looking for the physician I HAVE NOT YET MET, and hoping they might guide me in that direction.  Of course, if they ( the Homeopathic Clinic ) have achieved some measure of success themselves with skin disorders, I'd love to hear about it!  And of course...  SkinCell will be the first to know what I'm up to!
Best wishes with the radiation treatments should you find them.  If I get wind of anything here in the U.S. regarding HS, I'll be sure to IM you and post it.  I still might be willing to go to Japan, if I must, to get the probiotics I'm seeking.  Maybe you could take a quick hop across the pond CP, if it would offer you some relief.
Later!
K

[PaulBeck]

*****   DETOX HELL - OR WAS THAT HEAVEN?   *****
Should anybody choose a path similar to the one I've taken, be prepared!  Be brave!  BE WARNED!

THE FLU?
As I changed from the Herbalife protocol I'd been doing for nearly 3 years, to the new supplements I'm taking, I became QUITE SICK for a couple days gradually improving over the course of a week or so.  I thought I had come down with influenza!  CRAP!  Just when I was getting on well with the new protocol!  I even missed work because I just COULDN't drag myself out of bed.   Turns out that I missed the warning in the literature under the heading "FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS".  BOY!  Was I relieved to find out that what I was going through was a part of the cleansing process.  I had no idea so much mucous could come out of one person's nose and lungs!  Went through tissues by the boxload!

CHANGES IN BODILY FUNCTIONS...
Also... as with most any dietary change, my ordinarily perfect, predictable bowels ( I can set my watch by them ) began to change.  Historically, for as long as I can recall, it has been EXCEEDINGLY rare for me to be constipated.  When it does happen, I find it quite disconcerting.  The onset of this particular episode had a different quality to it though.  I was a bit uncomfortable, but not in the desperate way I was with 'real' constipation.  This was more like a moderate 'pressure'.  In addition, I was bloated as heck!  Not gas, just blowing up like a balloon!  Bowels actually swelling I think...
Fortunately, all of the symptoms - constipation, bloating, mucous in my stool, etc. - were very short lived.  I'm pleased to report that my bowels are now back to their very punctual, reliable schedule.

So... was that a hellacious experience?  Or... was I at heaven's gate and just having a hard time passing through?  Time will tell.

P.S.  Your mileage may vary!
Later!
K

[Fishs]

 

  Interesting reading again Paul ..

  I have had a lot to say re much of what has been discussed on this chronicle on many of the other threads ,.

 I will come back to some comments here .. I think there are some jkey issues emerging her judging from all the collected comments ..

 Diet and its relevance in treating different skin conditions

 Dermatologists  and their ability to understand and treat the individual person

 The actual key point raised here of treating the cause  and not just treating the symptoms and actually masking the cause

 Homeopathy .. Expose it for what it really is ..

In each of those you can get back to the old cause and effect policy ..and apply logic fact and reason ..

I have written a great many articles   and done a monty of research on each of those topics over many many years and to be honest most often I have found that the so called experts and professionals actually know diddly squat about diddly squat .they simply do not understand how to disect fact from fiction and how to listen and understand the person whom they are charged with treating ..

There is a need to get back to basics and  start again in a lot of these areas .. and one gets the feeling that a lot of which is in print and qualified somehow as knowledge is in fact basically the authors own opinion  based on any real qualified scientific research or fact at all.

Disturbing indeed .. The power of advertising and marketing has such a strong influence and hold over people  it almost overshadows and hides the real truth ..

Fish

[Val]

Wow CP!  That was a truly great bit of GASSING    !  (I love those terms you use here - gassing, gasbag... it absolutely cracks me up!)
I sincerely appreciate your kind words regarding my writing being well understood.  Forgive me for saying that I'm sure my detractors would disagree with you, but I'm quite flattered.  ( VAL!  Turn away now... )  Thank you.  (OK Val, you can turn back around now! )
I should probably clarify a couple of things...

K

Good to see you remembered the rule Paul, just once per post.

Still Here

This is great writing Paul, and I agree with much that you are saying.

Keep on getting up the noses of these so called expert's, hopefully you will get there in the end, as you have a lot of  :box: in you.

[PaulBeck]

fishs...
I think you have sifted it down to the real issues, indeed.  It seems that these are common concerns/complaints expressed here in SC, and, I'm confident elsewhere as well.
1.   Diet... undeniably relevant and singularly it is likely to be the most important factor.

2.  Derms and their ability (or INability Ed.) to understand and treat the individual person.  'nuf sed 'bout that.

3.  Seeking somebody interested enough to treat the cause  and not just the symptoms which are an outward manifestation or warning that something is wrong.  Since your body is going to use EVERY ORIFICE available to dispose of waste, toxins, etc., your PORES and that large, permeable organ known as SKIN are certainly as likely a target as any for the job; perhaps moreso!  After all, you prespire and give off moisture all the time.  You don't evacuate your bowels, blow your nose, urinate or vomit around the clock.  Though part of those processes are taking place all the time, the skin is working and exposed to harm ALL THE TIME!  Geez!  We should be as interested in this organ as we are with our heart and lungs!

4.  Homeopathy .. Expose it for what it really is ...  (Explain if you please.  The statement suggests that you've drawn some conclusions or have opinions about homeopathy already.)  I'll let you know my perceptions in a week or so, after I've met with the Naturopaths and Homeopaths.

5.  In each of those you can get back to the old cause and effect policy ..and apply logic fact and reason ...  That sums it up about right.  We and other like-minded sufferers seem to be able to deduce this.  Why is the flowchart so complicated for the 'pros' ?

Later!
K

[jamiedalton2]

Paul,
I just got done reading the first page, about to go onto page 2 and 3.  so far very interesting.  I also looked at the picture of your foot, yes it appears that you have mild/moderate PPP, never the less PPP is a severe type of P.  I had a concern..  I am aware that your body does rid of such vitamins..however you may want to have lab work done monthly on your kidneys and liver to see how they are functioning..and if their functions change..as your kidneys could be over working. Not sure..but something you may just want to keep a check on monthly because kidneys are important to have.  As far as things you've mentioned, you are definitley on the right page and doing what I would do if I weren't so bad.  You are right that doctors do give you the fixer upper and not the basic let's figure out why this happening..sorta thing.  As far as Americans being fat..well..I am a proud American, and I do believe that is a statement that came from someone just wanting to put a label on America..of course there are fat people here,  we may have the largest rating..I don't know..and how could it be calculated correctley if you aren't calculating from a country with the same poplulation, we are a large country, and we aren't the only country that fat people live in. No I'm not fat.  Anyway, the food pyramid..as long as you aren't consuming the food in large amounts..you are consuming those foods as a bird or a cat then I would assume those things are healthy, however I am not keen to breads..as they are probably like a rock in your belly when absorbed.  But as far as everything you've said I agree, I can't disagree with you about fat people in America...just saying I don't like it even if it's true cause it makes a label for America, American's aren't all fat so, that's like putting a label on muslims, not all muslims are bad or extremists..so just because there's lots of problems in muslim countries doesn't mean it's all muslim..ya know?  But I'm with you on what you are saying, everything you've written I have said yeap, yeap, hmm mmm..so .. good research, good documentation, and good vocabulary.  I'm sure many people will benefit from your knowledge and the time you've taken to post it.  jamie d

[jamiedalton2]

I don't think you will find a dermatologist willing to help you with your natural quest.  They aren't trained for that field and they can't by license help you I wouldn't think.  I would think you would have to see a pro in that field, that's all they do is natural remedies.  Sorry.  I am done reading your posts and I can see where you are going and I wish you luck on your journey. jamie d

[Fishs]

 

Hi There Paul.

Yes I tried to precie things a little into more segregated issues as I could form a clearer picture ..

I will come back on them and make comment..

I do not have the relevant inportance in the same order as you perhaps .

At this stage i shall refrain from further comment re the Naturopathy and Homeopathy .. These are two quite seperate issues and need to be delt with as different issues . They are quite seperate forms  of practice, treatment and understanding. One needs a full and complete understanding of each and also a precise understanding of just how these treatments are derived and administers, and also a full understanding of the conscept .. They are very misunderstood by a layman and also totally misrepresented by most so called pratitioners who proport to be any sort of authority on each..

The principals behind each are never fully explained, written about or understood by most .. which is why  there is considerable doubt and confusion surrounding each ..

I have written about each here on a number of occasions and attempted to clarify aand debate each, however each time i have had to bail as the debaters who were challenging my points of view and explanations quite frankly had no real idea of even the principal workings of each  and were debating me on info that they had been reading or given which to me was so far off the mark any logical reasoning was impossible ..

Julie and Jamie both point out here that  you will not encounter many derms who will co-operate re natural alternatives .. So true ..

And just finally .. Lets seperate natual alternatives and treatments  from anything to do with Homeopathy and Naturopathy .. again there is a vast difference .. lets not get fooled here .. do not  believe for one minuite that the later two are by any means   'Natural" .. far from it in most cases ..

Fish

 

[Ami]

This might sound silly but I was wondering can u get PPP on the Face .....

[PaulBeck]

fish & ami...
Fish... I do appreciate your guidance and knowledge and wouldn't even pretend to debate you.  I speak regarding matters of naturopathy & homeopathy from a COMPLETELY IGNORANT viewpoint.  I'm just beginning to explore these realms simply to leave no stone unturned.  I'll save you the grief of reiterating your previous posts and go search on them.  I'm new to this...  I'll learn.  Thank you and all the other 'teachers' here.
Ami... I know there are certain types of skin ailments that will cause pustules on your face - roseacia for sure.  But I think PPP is by definition limited to hands and feet, though it CAN coexist with other forms of psoriasis and skin disorders.
Hopefully somebody more knowledgeable will jump in and offer some help.
In my very limited experience with roseacia, my friend who has it gets many very tiny pustules during an outbreak, along with the red inflamed face.
My PPP pustules can be very tiny, like the ones of roseacia, but can also be as large in diameter as a pencil eraser.
Later!
K

[PaulBeck]

jamie...
I appreciate your kind words.  You're likely right about finding a General Practioner who is open-minded enough to consider alternative treatment solutions.  I've only met one in my life - my kids pedeatrician.  He's a saint!
The good news is... one can read endlessly and administer much of what makes sense to them by themselves.  I'll certainly need to get various tests along the way, if for no other reason than to measure progress.  In that regard, having a 'doctor' on board that order the tests - and being covered under my health insurance plan - would be very beneficial.
I think the Surgeon General's statement is what got me thinking the most, regarding diet or die so to speak.  That and the fact that I'm making significant progress essentially on my own, despite the cold reception from the docs.  I just think I could make greater & faster progress with a doctor in the wings.
I'm likely going to Rant 'n Rave about the lack of cooperation from the medical community at some point when it doesn't seem too counterproductive.
Good Luck to the lot of us!
K
Oh yeah... I'll do a little more research on the vitamins Jamie.  Thanks for the thought.
K

[Fishs]

 

Hi Paul..

 No worries .. I am no expert by any means ..

 I am most happy to answer any direct questions, and qualify my answers re Homeopathy and Naturopathy .. No problems . I am just not keen to get into debating the pros and cons and the merits or otherwise, as the principals and total background needs to be fully understood before, so that one can really grasp the whole reasoning and that is so difficult to relay on a forum ..

And it is so difficult to get people away from bringing emotion and personal bias into their arguements .. The facts  too often tend to become clouded and lost.

Fish