DEAR READER: I don’t know without seeing it, but my first thought is eczema or psoriasis. My recommendation is that you see your primary-care physician or a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Once the lesion is examined, appropriate medication can be prescribed.

While you are waiting for your appointment, be sure to keep your skin moistened. Treat the area with a petroleum-based product. If you bathe in a tub instead of shower, add Epsom salts or bath oil to the water.

I hope you can pass this along and that it helps others. I’ve never written to an advice columnist, but I understand the pain and frustration of having your own skin go into complete rebellion, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to help.

DEAR READER: Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition. There are several forms (plaque, guttate, inverse, scalp, nail, pustular and erythrodermic), but each affects the life cycle of skin cells.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form. It causes dry, raised, red skin lesions with silver/white scales (plaque). They can be painful and/or itchy and may occur anywhere on the body, including in the mouth.

Guttate psoriasis is most common in those under 30 years of age. It is typically triggered by a bacterial infection and characterized by water-drop-shaped sores covered by a fine scale on the scalp, arms, legs and trunk. It may resolve after a single outbreak or may recur, especially in the presence of ongoing respiratory infection.

Inverse psoriasis causes areas of smooth, red, inflamed skin, primarily in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals and buttocks. It is worsened by sweating and friction and is more commonly seen in overweight individuals.

Scalp psoriasis is similar in appearance to plaque psoriasis and may cause dandruff-like flakes. As the name states, it occurs on the scalp, especially the hairline. It can also extend beyond the hairline. It may be sore or itchy and bleed when picked.

Nail psoriasis can affect both the finger and toenails. It results in abnormal nail growth, discoloration and pitting. Some people may experience onycholysis (nail lifting from the bed); severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.

Pustular psoriasis is uncommon. It may appear on widespread patches over the body or on the hands, feet or fingertips. It typically develops quickly. Within hours of the skin becoming red and tender, pus-filled blisters appear. Fatigue, fever, chills and severe itching may also present. The blisters often dry within a day or two, but the cycle may recur every few days or weeks.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common form of psoriasis and can cover the entire body. It causes a red, peeling rash that may itch or burn severely. Certain medications such as corticosteroids, sunburn or other forms of poorly controlled psoriasis can trigger it.

There is also a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. Between 6 percent and 30 percent of all psoriasis sufferers will develop one of the several forms that can range from mild to severe and may result in permanent damage and deformity.

Psoriasis can typically be diagnosed by visually examining the lesions. Rarely, if there is some doubt, a skin biopsy may be performed.

There are many treatment options available to include topical creams, lotions and steroids, oral and injectable steroids or other immunosuppressant drugs, and various forms of light therapy.

Home treatments include daily bathing with oil, colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts in lukewarm water with mild soap. When drying, blot the skin rather than rubbing. Then apply a moisturizer. For people with dry skin, oils may be best.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no approved diet for psoriasis sufferers; however, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting sugars and fats, is recommended. This diet is recommended for most health conditions because it may boost immunity and is the most ideal manner in which to get all the vital nutrients the body needs.

Can you offer any suggestions? Can diet, clothing, detergents, stress and/or animals affect this problem?

DEAR READER: Guttate psoriasis is a noncontagious, uncommon form of psoriasis that presents with small, red spots that resemble teardrops appearing on the arms, legs, trunk and other skin surfaces. The lesions may be covered with silver-colored, flaky scales. The disorder presents most frequently in people younger than 30 and usually follows strep throat, bacterial infections, sunburn, burns, insect bites, stress and the ingestion of some medications.

Diagnosis is made through visual examination of the lesions. Treatment is directed toward controlling the symptoms and preventing secondary infection. A physician might suggest exposure to the sun or prescribe antibiotics, cortisone creams, oral steroids, moisturizers, dandruff shampoos, prescription medications with vitamins A or D, or phototherapy.

The Concerta that your grandson has been prescribed carries many side effects, including allergic reaction (rash, hives, etc.), sore throat, convulsions and unwanted behavioral changes. Whether it is related to his psoriasis or not, I don’t know. Is there any correlation between the time he was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis and was placed on the medication?

His parents may choose to speak with his pediatrician to determine whether another drug might be substituted or if he can be switched to an herbal for control of his ADHD. I am not making light of his diagnosis, nor am I endorsing any specific product, but I can report that ginkgo biloba, lemon balm, hawthorn and lobelia have been used successfully by some but should be used only under the direction of a qualified physician.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

The next day while reading your column I saw something about using Vicks to treat psoriasis. I figured I had nothing to lose so I tried it on a small section of my scalp. I massaged it in and wore a shower cap for a few hours. The buildup disappeared so I then applied it to my entire scalp, massaged it in and put the shower cap back on. About five hours later the psoriasis seemed to have dissolved!

My only complaint was the Vicks was very hard to wash out but I found that if I rubbed baby powder into my hair before shampooing it was easier to remove. Recently I found a new product called Vicks cream which is Vicks without the petroleum.

I showed the results to my doctor who agreed to let me cancel the dermatologist appointment.

Because the psoriasis is persistent, I continue to use the Vicks cream. Whenever I feel a spot I just rub a little onto it and it disappears. Thankfully I have only had to do this twice since my initial “treatment”.

DEAR READER:
I am amazed at how quickly the Vicks worked for you. Congratulations on your success. I am passing on your letter in the hopes others can benefit from your experience.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “Eczema and Psoriasis”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

We have been using a prescription medication on his psoriasis, every day, for more than two years. It has had very little effect. I rubbed the inside of the banana peels on the affected patches (his head, neck, face and back) once a day. After three days the psoriasis had nearly cleared up (about 90% was gone). My husband now uses the peels once a week to keep his skin clear.

Thank you, from both of us, for passing along all these helpful hints.

DEAR READER:
Other readers have had marvelous success treating their psoriasis with the banana peel therapy. It is cheap, easy, safe and — apparently — effective. For those unfamiliar with this therapy, all you do is rub the inside of the banana peel on the affected patches of skin once a day. Remember not to waste the banana. It is nutritious and delicious.

The other therapies you mentioned have also had positive results for many of my readers. Aside from the drunken raisin (raisins soaked in gin), cherries have proven useful in preventing or treating gout. Purple grape juice and liquid pectin have been equally successful in the treatment of arthritis. I have even had some readers write to me about its positive implications in relieving IBS symptoms.

To give you more information on these conditions and other home remedies, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “About Gout”, “Eczema and Psoriasis”, “Understanding Osteoarthritis” and “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

DEAR READER:
I apologize. However, the quantity of mail that I receive makes personal answers to readers’ questions too difficult.

If you read my column regularly you should have seen several about alternative therapies for the treatment of psoriasis. I will repeat the most successful ones for you.

Many of my readers have had success with Vicks VapoRub (or the equivalent store brand). Simply rub into the patches once or twice a day. Within a few days, most readers had no more flaking/scaling, the patches were thinner, softer and itched less, if at all. Mild to moderate patches may even disappear completely.

Other readers have had success with banana peels. Simply rub the inside of the banana peel against your psoriasis two to three times a day. You may want to treat severe patches by taping a peel or portion of one against the affected areas.

If you choose the banana method, don’t discard the fruit. It is full of potassium and other nutrients that provide a quick pick me up. I suggest you try it blended with some plain yogurt and orange juice for a delicious, low fat, no sugar breakfast smoothie.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Eczema and Psoriasis” and “Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 FOR EACH report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).