pruritic psoriasis (itchiness): allergies & histamines!!!

[Itchineer]

Anyone have pruritic psoriasis? You know.. psoriasis that makes you itch. I read an article on medscape that uncovers why some people itch with psoriasis and some people don't itch with psoriasis. It basically said that people who have pruritic (pruritus = itch disease) psoriasis have twice (2x) as many "Mast cells" as people that do not have pruritus (no itch).
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/464261

Mast cells are basically allergen response cells that create a reaction to allergens. Mast cells are covered with molecules of Immunoglobulin E antibody (IgE). How these things work is that antigens like dust mite droppings get into the skin and stick to the Mast cells and cause the mast cell to fire off inflammatory materials - leukotrienes, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-4 and other cytokines that turn on other inflammatory cells. These materials cause fluid to leak from the capillaries and white cells including neutrophils, T cells and eosinophils to leave the circulation. The end result is a "local inflammatory response", a red, itchy welting psoriasis legion.
http://www.cellsalive.com/mite1.htm

So the question is: What type of hypersensitivity is it?
Type I (IgE-mediated or anaphylactic-type)
Type II (Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity)
Type III (Immune complex-mediated) or
Delayed Hypersensitivity (Type IV)
http://www.cat.cc.md.us/courses/bio141/lecguide/unit1/bacpath/hypersen/hypersen.html

The drug companies want us to believe it is type 4, but some people who post (on psoriasis.org) alternative medicine believe it is type 1. I have noticed on my personal experience that caffiene and coffee really makes me itch bad in my psoriasis plaque legions. So why is that for me? Is it a type 1 response? The itching starts within minutes of consuming the coffee.

I have cut out caffiene completely because of the itch, and I am now trying to take some antihistamines to help reduce the itching.

Has anybody that suffers from P-itch tried Clariten or allergy medicine or vitamins/supplements for allergens or cut out allergy foods with success for P-itch?

[misales]

I have the itchy kind and I will tell you more about it when I have time.

[beachgirl]

Itchineer,
I too have the same reaction to coffee. I have cut it out completely and now drink green tea instead. I thought all p came with the itch, didn't know there was any other kind. I can tell you that recently I had to take antihistamines to suppress my cough from bronchitis, and it helped the itch and redness in my spots. I have tried zyrtech in the past to control hives , and it too supressed the itch, but also gave me severe headaches. I found that local honey took care of the hives but didn't help my p, as I am still putting in in my tea every morning.

The different types of allergic hypersesitivity you are referring to is well above my head...but I'm glad you are looking into it. Keep searching for an answer and please let us know what you find. I too have wondered about the allergen/T-cell connection but honestly was left dumb founded and could not find any answers. I believe the people doing the research who would know about this sort of stuff are leaving it at: There is a flaw with our T-cells therefore we will forever need biologics. I don't think they have gotten far enough to try to explain the possible links. Finding the cause would remove the need for any kind of long term medications, and since their paychecks come from drug companies, there is no motivation to find the cure. Call me sinister, but I believe this goes for many other ailments that plague us today.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[soloist]

I am one of the few who knows the exact cause for my psoriasis. I had never had any rashes in my life until psoriasis emerged two weeks after starting a beta blocker drug. I had not taken any drugs until then, none, so it was clear that the beta blocker started my misery. In those days, there was not a known link between drugs and psoriasis, now, some drugs are recognized as triggers in some people, (one of the most common side effects of ALL drugs is "skin rash"), but at that time, my doctor lectured me to continue taking the beta blocker and the rash would go away. That was 20 years ago, and the rash only went away when I started to follow my better instincts, stopped using drugs, and made healthy changes in my life. It took some amount of courage to stand up to my doctors. The derm insisted that I take steroids for the rest of my life, my GP insisted that the beta blocker had not started the psoriasis. I can say that in my case, both gave me the wrong advice.

The health practitioner who helped me overcome severe plaque psoriasis was a Naturopathic doctor. She gave me very thorough consultations which helped me change many things such as diet, supplements and exercise. She offered hope instead of a prescription. Also, I tried out many things suggested by Sally and Dulane and other good people. Turmeric and flax oil or fish oil work well for me, plus the usual healthy foods and lifestyle.

As for itching, boy, when I was in the worst stages, I nearly went crazy with it! There is no worse feeling than tearing at your skin to relieve the itching, to the point of open wounds. The worst was when I gave up the drugs--psoriasis was at it's worst for at least a month until the "alternative" things started to take effect. This is known as the rebound effect, when the condition returns with a vengeance when the drug is discontinued. Clearly, the drugs only suppress the condition, don't cure it.

I got instant relief from soaking in the bath with oatmeal wrapped in cheesecloth, and sea salt, but that was relatively short-lived. It just took time and patience and confidance that the herbs and supplements would work. Now, my skin is virtually clear of psoriatic plaques, and the itching is gone, but if I slip into my old ways, I soon know about it. Itching is my barometer, a reminder that I must try harder to be honest with diet, etc. I know that healing doesn't start with topicals, instead, the body must be healed from within, and that takes time. Quick fixes won't change the longterm outcome.

Sugar, coffee, nightshade plants, alcohol and wheat are my biggest triggers. In combination with stress, I can count on the little itches returning to remind me how bad my psoriasis used to be. But I must say that I feel a great amount of pride that I have an active role in my good health.

[Itchineer]

Diet tips for the itch taken from pruritus information:
- Patients should eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet and avoid foods known to aggravate their Pruritus.
- Certain beverages can cause Pruritus in some people. These include alcoholic beverages (especially beer), milk, citrus fruit juices and drinks containing caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea and cola).
- Foods that can cause Pruritus in some people include chocolate, fruits, tomatoes, nuts, popcorn and very spicy foods.
- Patients should include high-fibre foods in their diet to keep their bowels regular. Good sources of dietary fibre include wholemeal and wholegrain foods, such as oats, brown rice and bran, as well as fresh, raw fruit and vegetables.
- If there is an overgrowth of candida, specific foods need to be avoided.
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water each day. Dehydration can cause constipation and bowel sluggishness, which may aggravate this condition.

Vits/mins/herbs
- Vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial. Vitamin A is needed for smooth skin and is an anti-inflammatory agent. It aids in preventing dry skin.
- B group vitamins are thought to be beneficial for healthy skin, circulation and cell reproduction. A high-stress, yeast-free formula is advised.
- Fish oil (MaxEPA) has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Zinc is thought to aid healing and enhance immune function.
- Chickweed herb is thought to help inflammatory skin conditions.

[psoriaspouse]

Itchineer, I will look up the inflammatory response stuff for you. It is somewhere in my notes from medical microbiology over the summer. I wish I could recall right off the top of my head, but it has been buried somehow. Good questions!