Of course psoriasis is more than a skin condition - it is an immune condition that involves system wide inflammation which is most visible in the skin, but which can also commonly affect the joints (psoriatic arthritis), and which can affect other tissues, including the heart. Yes, there is a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, but that is no different than the genetic predisposition to heart disease - lifestyle factors can still make a difference. Psoriasis has been treated through the gut - using ox bile, slippery elm, or similar compounds, which reduce the absorption of large proteins, which can send the immune system into overdrive. Bacterial infections are a common trigger for psoriasis/psoriasis flares - particulary Strep type infections. Sunlight or UV therapy is commonly prescribed for psoriasis, as are synthetic forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone; it turns down many components of the immune system. Most OTC forms of vitamin D supplements are not effective for psoriasis, as they are relatively weak and need to be activated by the kidneys, which limits their effect. Sunshine, on the other hand, is recognized as helpful (and psoriasis is more common in areas with less sunshine - the further away from the tropics one goes, the more psoriasis in general, the cloudier a place is, the more psoriasis in general).

Someone posted a picture of San Jose Rose Garden ... the roses are tall and planted really close together like a forest. In contrast, the rose park in zone 5a plant their roses widely spaced apart, for ventilation due to blackspot pressure, and for maximum sun-exposure during low-sun fall and winter season. What Kim said about the difference between hot and cold climate is right. We have 4 seasons here: sunny and wet spring, sunny and hot summer, gloomy and wet fall, and cold winter. My husband set the blade to cut grass higher, so that the grass is taller in spring and summer to shield the roots from drying out. My neighbor butchered his grass really short, and it looks really bad scorched at above 90's. In our less sun fall, he lowers the blade, so the grass is cut shorter to allow more sun to penetrate, so we would have less mushroom growing on the lawn in our damp fall.

Even though THIS SITE is selling something, it seems like a pretty good source of info on what may cause dandruff: scalp yeast imbalance. Click on "All about dandruff". (Note, I do not own Johnson & Johnson stock.) :) I have used tea tree shampoos in the past. They feel nice for sure, but my problem just got worse. Some shampooing alone can remove flakes and give the appearance of helping, plus that "tingly" feeling will override the itching for a while. I would definitely recommend seeing a good dermatologist. My problem was intermittent, the occurrence and severity often related to stress. It was worse in winter as the site says. In addition, the dermatitis irritated my eyes. My doctor proscribed Nizoral. This worked! There are also OTC versions of Nizoral available. I have also used prescription and OTC T-Gel shampoos as well. Luckily drandruff shampoos do lather up better than they used to. This makes it easier to use a minimum amount for savings. Do yourself a favor and go to a dermatologist. Whatever he/she recommends, you will save a lot of money and frustration from ineffective OTCs (like Head and Shoulders) and herbal solutions. Good luck!

Hi, I have never posted here at KT but have in other area's on GW. I have scalp psoriasis. I have in it small spots on a few parts of my scalp. I use coconut oil on the dry patches. Before I wash my hair I rub the oil on the dry spots and let it sit awhile. It really softens the patch and sometimes I take a small comb and gently lift the patch off after it has softened. I then wash my hair. Actually, the coconut oil is a great conditioner for your hair so I do pull the oil through my hair at the same time. My dermatologist said that she recommends the coconut oil for scalp psoriasis. If you have large area's of the scalp covered in P I would not use the comb on it. I just wanted you to know what I do for the small spots that I have. Hope this helps. I can't use the shampoos that are prescription as they are too harsh for me.