As a sufferer from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, I have tried numerous things over the years to ease my symptoms. Some things helped, others didn't. One thing I've noticed that helps significantly (if I remember to take it) is Vitamin D.
Since I'm interested in becoming healthier and happier, I'm really into vitamins. I take them whenever I remember (I'm really busy and many times I 'space out' my vitamin regimen). but when I am alert and on the ball (!!) Vitamin D has proven quite helpful.
I've noticed that when I take a high potency dose (5000 IU's) of Vitamin D, the buildup of plaques are greatly reduced. Also the itching. (Which, trust me, is a welcome relief! You know what I'm talking about if you're a fellow sufferer.)
I know that sounds like a lot of Vitamin D....and it is. 4,000 IU's a day is considered a safe upper limit. So my pills are just a touch over that. I have done some research and I think taking 5,000 IU's every other day is an acceptable amount. Maybe even twice a week. So I guess it's a good thing that I forget to take it rather frequently! That's probably why I'm doing well with it. I do remember to take it at least every 3 days. If you're a fellow sufferer you should give it a try.
An average sized adult is encouraged to take 1,000-3,000 IU's a day. Larger sized (extra fun sized) adults are encouraged to take a little more which leads to the 4,000 IU a day mark. It is possible to overdose on Vitamin D since it's fat soluble, which means your body has a hard time getting rid of it it you take too much. The symptoms of too much Vitamin D are: -high blood calcium (called hypercalcemia) which can be indicated by a blood test -feeling sick or thirsty -pain, confusion, tiredness (I have that. Too much calcium? I think not. Too much of life! Ha!) -constipation, diarrhea, frequent urination ( I could make a funny for this but you might not think it's very funny.....)
Vitamin D3 is more powerful than Vitamin D2 and raises blood levels almost twice as much so be sure to keep that in mind. Also, children require much less Vitamin D. (The more you weigh, the higher your dose to the 4,000 IU daily mark). Infants are encouraged to have about 400 IU a day while older children are encouraged to have about 600 IU a day. If your kids are out in the sun, they'll need less. (One of the beauties of sunlight? Natural increases in Vitamin D!)
Sooo.....you may want to visit the local pharmacy to invest in a bottle. See if it gives you some relief. You might be very glad you did!