In a recent post on the National Psoriasis Foundation discussion board, a patient stated that the dermatologist recommended “that I use a tanning bed as this is far more convenient and less costly than using light box therapy.”

This lead to divergent views on the role of tanning beds in psoriasis treatment.

Here’s what we know. (more…)

Various topical emollients can affect the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation during phototherapy of psoriasis.

Researchers at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, reviewed the evidence. (more…)

Applying the prescription drug tazarotene (Tazorac) to chronic plaque psoriasis is more effective than using a placebo. But how does it compare to the age-old remedy, coal tar?

Researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi reported their findings during the International Congress of Dermatology. (more…)

Topical indigo naturalis is a traditional Chinese herbal therapy.

In this study by researchers from Taiwan studied its use in treatment-resistant psoriasis. (more…)

 Researchers from Charité University Medical Center, in Berlin, Germany report on patients taking homeopathic treatment over 2 years. (more…)

 There’s evidence that obesity (among other factors) increases the risk for developing psoriasis.

But do obese psoriasis patients who lose weight respond better to pharmacologic treatment? (more…)

Despite the fact that it’s widely believed that lycopene protects against prostate cancer, Dr. Ulrike Peters at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle says “studies of the potentially protective role of lycopene have been contradictory or inconclusive.”

Here are two studies that support her skepticism. (more…)

Curcuma longa (aka turmeric) shows a favorable effect on inflammatory processes such as psoriasis in experiments in mice.

Here’s a study about curcumin taken by mouth. And a reader expands the discussion to include topical therapy. (more…)

Fortifying food, such as wheat and corn flour, with folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida in babies.

This public health practice was introduced 10 years ago in North America. Now, that practice is being debated in the UK and worldwide. “Are the benefits to the few outweighed by possible harm to some of the many exposed? (more…)

“Patients with psoriasis who drink coffee frequently respond better to treatment with methotrexate and sulfasalazine.” This is the conclusion reported by Dr. Yolanda Helfrich during her presentation at the annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology in Philadelphia. (more…)

Let’s see, since June last year this blog has summarized 8 reports on the effects of coffee and caffeine and health.

What should we make of all this?

(more…)