Q. I read with great interest a comment on salsa improving psoriasis. My husband has suffered from this skin condition for 19 years and has tried dozens of prescription creams for it.
The person who wrote you was eating salsa every day. Was it on food, or by itself? Any information will be appreciated.
A. The person who first wrote to us about this remedy was not thinking about psoriasis when he first started indulging in salsa on his food. As he graduated from mild to very spicy, he noticed that the powerful steroid cream he used for his skin lesions worked much better than usual, and some spots cleared up without treatment.
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, and capsaicin creams are sometimes helpful for psoriasis. We theorized that this is why the salsa worked. After reading this story, other readers contacted us:
“For over 30 years I have been plagued with psoriasis. Then I added salsa, Cajun style foods and cayenne pepper capsules to my diet. This appears to have wiped out my skin disease within a few weeks. My legs, arms, body and face have been smooth and clear for six months now. The only remnants are red knuckles and elbows. I hope you will tell other psoriasis sufferers.”
For those people who cannot tolerate such spicy fare there’s this:
Q. You recently wrote that topical capsaicin might be useful in treating psoriasis. The person who wrote to you found that eating hot peppers helped control his condition, but my heartburn prevents me from eating spicy foods. Are there creams or ointments that contain capsaicin?
A. Capsaicin is the ingredient that makes chile peppers taste hot. It is used in topical creams such as Capsin, Capzasin-P, and Zostrix to treat arthritis and the pain that may follow an attack of shingles.
Dermatologists have reported that applying capsaicin to the skin may reduce the redness and itch of psoriasis. Check with your doctor before using this approach, to make sure it is safe for you.
Then there are other foods that may work including curry containing the spice turmeric:
Q. A friend of mine has had persistent psoriasis for about 25 years. After reading your column, I bought her a bottle of turmeric and her skin cleared up completely!
When the bottle ran out, the scales started coming back in just a couple of days, but cleared once more when she started taking turmeric again.
She can’t stand the taste, so she mixes it with strong foods that she likes. If nothing like that is handy she skips the turmeric and the psoriasis returns. I’m going to pick up some empty gelatin capsules for her so she can take it without tasting it.
A. Turmeric is the yellow spice that gives curry powder its distinctive flavor and color. We have heard from several readers that regular use of this spice seems to help control the itchy, scaly skin associated with psoriasis.
Many scientists are studying the effects of curcumin, a component of turmeric, on cancer cells in tissue culture. Scientists have published research that may help explain how curcumin acts against psoriasis (British J Dermatol. Nov. 2000; In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. Jan. 2003).
The gelatin capsules to hide the flavor of turmeric may solve the taste problem. People taking blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) should probably skip turmeric or cur cumin. We have heard form a number of people that the combination increases the risk for bleeding. Some people also develop an allergic rash, so your friend should be vigilant for such a side effect.
To learn about other uses for turmeric, salsa and other natural approaches to healing you may find our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies helpful. In addition to psoriasis, you will find suggestions for coping with allergies, hot flashes, nerve pain, leg cramps and dozens of other common conditions.
If you would like to combine simple home remedies with healing foods, you may find our book Recipes & Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy of extra value. You will find delicious ways to get turmeric in food including our “Anti-Inflammatory Curcumin Scramble,” “Curry Soup” and “Pork & Pineapple Curry with Coconut Chutney.” People in India have been using turmeric in food for thousands of years. They also value this spice for its medicinal properties.
Share your own experience with spicy salsa or turmeric in the comment section below.
