I was diagnosed with Psoriasis probably in 1993 when it became apparent that something was wrong. I probably had had it in milder forms such as bad dandruff (or at least that's what I thought). I also had what seemed like pimples on my back which seemed to have like a crystal of salt or something like it in some of the pores on my back which weren't red or imflammed just itchy. Finally it al came to a head when it all broke out all over my body mainly back, legs, knees, elbows and even places where one wouldn't figure this would happen.

I went to my doctor who then referred me to a dermatologist who prescribed some creams/ointments to use. I have used these as sparingly as I can due to the expense of the prescriptions (not to mention the oily residue left on skin). I have noticed, however, recently (within the last 5 years or so) since having slightly elevated cholesterol levels and being put on Lipitor then switching to Crestor my psoriasis hasn't been terribly bad other than a few outbreaks.

I haven't used the creams as regular as probably I should have, but I have also noticed recently avoiding certain foods , such as, certain coffees and oily potato chips that my condition has improved. I also have been obtaining more sleep (as I'm a over the road truck driver).

Overall I think the cholesterol medication in part combined with avoidance of certain foods, more sleep and finally a little secret I've tried recently, using a tar shampoo as a body wash after showering with regular body wash has a definite positive impact on the overall condition of my psoriasis.

I've heard of people entering the hospital to have tar treatments and I thought it wouldn't hurt to try the shampoo as a body wash. I use it after showering and lather up mainly the affected areas with the tar shampoo as I'm washing hair and let it remain on my body for several minutes after I'm nearly completely free of the red patchy blotches and unsightly areas of previous affliction. I only use a tar based facial cream now for a small area on my face, forehead and elbows as this is the only area affected. One would only have to see pictures of the areas afflicted before I began this method to view how bad my condition was.

In addition I have also noticed that swimming in pools with chlorine is also good for psoriasis as I couldn't go into a public pool before without wearing a T-shirt at least but legs would still show some of the disease. A few years back I invested in my own backyard pool so I wouldn't be embarrassed let alone denied entrance to a public pool. I hope this information may be of assistance to others afflicted with this often humiliating, embarrassing and unbearable affliction.