Q. For a year and a half, my dermatologist has treated me for psoriasis. First I took cyclosporine and then CellCept.
Like another reader stated, I too developed every side effect listed in the warnings I got with the medication: hair loss, blisters, dry skin and scalp, and blurred vision. Worst of all, I got no permanent relief from psoriasis!
I then tried a turmeric capsule twice a day (one in the a.m. and one at bed time), following your reader’s example. Within two weeks, all my psoriasis patches disappeared and my hair loss has all but stopped! I don’t even have the 24-hour heartburn I had on both cyclosporine and CellCept.
I cannot believe that with all the possible side effects of the two pricey prescriptions I was taking, such as lymphoma, liver failure and even death, my dermatologist did not suggest turmeric. Maybe it is because this spice found in curry powder can be purchased without a prescription at any health food store. I have not experienced any adverse side effects with the turmeric capsules.
A. Many people with psoriasis find that turmeric or its active component curcumin can be helpful. Not everyone gets benefit, however, and some people develop a severe rash. No one taking the anticoagulant Coumadin (warfarin) should take turmeric medicinally. We have received several reports of excessive bleeding or high INR values from people combining these therapies. INR is a measure of bleeding susceptibility.
