Yellow spice eases skin problem

Q. Six months ago, my doctor diagnosed me with psoriasis and prescribed creams and lotions. I searched the Internet and found that some people use the spice turmeric to treat this skin problem.

After one day taking turmeric, I quit the topicals, because my itching had stopped. Soon my psoriasis disappeared from my scalp, and my body has started to clear. This stuff is the bomb!

It is natural and safe and so much better than the creams. Why don’t doctors tell us about this remedy, instead of just prescribing topical drugs?

A. Doctors like evidence. While there are many testimonials on the benefits of the yellow spice turmeric or its active ingredient curcumin, placebo-controlled trials are inconclusive (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, April 2008).

Taking turmeric is not always safe. Some people develop an allergic reaction, and patients on Coumadin should avoid turmeric because of a possible interaction.

Another reader is pleased, though: “My daughter had psoriasis on the soles of her feet with open sores that steroid creams and Dovonex did not heal. After two frustrating years, I made an ointment by mixing pure curcumin powder in Vaseline. I applied it thickly every night and covered it with bandages. Her feet were stained yellow from this mixture, but we didn’t mind because her psoriasis was healing.

“Within three months, her feet were clear and have remained so for six years. Curcumin pills now keep her condition under control.”

Q. I exercise regularly and am in excellent health. I had a hysterectomy at age 49, and my gynecologist prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) plus testosterone. I felt great, but I developed acne, and it made my skin and hair oily.

My doctor is enthusiastic about HRT, but I am confused. My friends e-mail me articles about its dangers (breast cancer, blood clots). How bad is HRT? What about bioidentical hormones?

A. HRT is the gold standard for alleviating severe hot flashes, but the current recommendations are to take it for as short a time as feasible. It can increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

Bioidentical hormones remain controversial. There is no evidence they are substantially safer than standard HRT. Testosterone can cause acne and oily skin.

We are sending you our Guide to Menopause for a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of HRT and recommendations for nondrug approaches to ease symptoms such as hot flashes. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. W-50, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.