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Gary is affected by a skin condition mostly around the back of his ears and in his beard and mustache. It is like the skin sheds in flakes and builds up. It is a lot like psorisas, but not quite. It flares up in the winter and when his MS seems more active. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this.

Hi Amelia,
You may be interested in reading a book by Dr. Nicholas Perricone called The Perricone Prescription. Dr. Perricone is a dermatologist and his book discusses how dietary factors, such as reduced saturated fat intake, elimination of trans fats, addition of omega-3 fatty acids, and certain supplements, can influence inflammation. Being a dermatologist, much of the discussion in the book focuses on the effects on the skin. However, he also discusses how these changes that reduce inflammation are beneficial for other organs such as the heart. It's my belief that many of the recommendations are likely to provide benefit for MS as well. You can probably find a copy of his book at your local library or book store and you can learn more about Dr. Perricone from his website.

NHE

You may be interested in the link between treatments (in pipeline) for MS & psoriasis. I remember when the item was added to the pipeline (by dignan), i did a search to learn more, and kept hitting psoriasis sites.

http://www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2623.html

http://www.psorsite.com/fumaric.html (found on google, as there are many)

It could also be seborrhea. People with brain problems have it more. For example, those with Parkinson.

Amelia,

amelia wrote:Gary is affected by a skin condition mostly around the back of his ears and in his beard and mustache. It is like the skin sheds in flakes and builds up. It is a lot like psorisas, but not quite. It flares up in the winter and when his MS seems more active. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this.

I have exactly the same problem (minor so far) and I don't have MS. I think it likely has to do with the weather and/or diet. It started only a couple of months ago and despite trying a variety of creams, it's still a problem. You may want to check with a dermatologist.

Harry

He went to a derm a few years ago. A good DR. Said it was Extreme dandruff. If he uses at least 2 types of shampoo, keeps his hair pretty short, and it is Summer, the problem is not as bad. The sad thing is, he was never bothered by this before the MS started making itself know. It started after 6 CAT scans w/ iodine, then they found out he was allergic to the iodine.

Wow...I was shocked to read your description of the flaking behind the ears and under the beard. I had these exact problems for several months until I went to a dermatologist. He prescribed me a lotion to use daily, one to use weekly, and a solution to use after showering. It has completely cleared my skin.

I wonder if this is related to MS. I tend to think not. I had a similar problem with psoriasis as a child, although it was located on my scalp.

If it is related to MS...well, chalk one more stupid problem off my list of problems

NHE wrote:Hi Amelia,
You may be interested in reading a book by Dr. Nicholas Perricone called The Perricone Prescription. Dr. Perricone is a dermatologist and his book discusses how dietary factors, such as reduced saturated fat intake, elimination of trans fats, addition of omega-3 fatty acids, and certain supplements, can influence inflammation. Being a dermatologist, much of the discussion in the book focuses on the effects on the skin. However, he also discusses how these changes that reduce inflammation are beneficial for other organs such as the heart. It's my belief that many of the recommendations are likely to provide benefit for MS as well. You can probably find a copy of his book at your local library or book store and you can learn more about Dr. Perricone from his website.

NHE

NHE,

You may also be interested to note that many of the same supplements and dietary habits are being further studied in relation to dry eye syndrome, and in fact a relatively new medicine targets the inflammatory process to treat dry eye. It is thought that inflammation of the lacrimal gland is causing insufficient tear production.....not an MS discussion, but interesting in that it backs up the inflammation of tissues discussion.