Psoriasis:The Struggle and the Triumph
A Healthy Transformation for Everyone Living with Psoriasis
by
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Excerpt - Chapter 20
I begin this section of the book by explaining an important understanding that my own 25+ years of experience with psoriasis has provided.
First, emotions are, and always will be, a major factor in our health. Second, our personal observations (perhaps assessed by others with insight in our lives) are necessary to turn the tide of any disease or challenge we encounter in life. And third, very important in such observation is the identification of the personal “triggers” that transform ordinary difficulties into emotional crises that stress our organs and our bodies to the point that a loss of health results.
Thus, I found that my personal trigger - the situation that produces overpowering stress in my mind - is “financial distress.” When I encounter financial distress at a level that makes me feel overwhelmed, I will have a psoriasis outbreak, irrespective of the measures I may be taking to maintain good health or be psoriasis free. This sequence - stress as a result of financial difficulties, followed by a psoriasis outbreak - is as predictable as the ticking of a Swiss watch. With this knowledge in hand, I am confident I will be able to find the tools to resolve a lifetime of reactions to this “trigger.” Other psoriasis sufferers must be able to find their “trigger” and be aptly prepared to deal with it to reduce the severity of the disease.
A wise old friend named Thane told me something many years ago, “There are two things an individual needs before he can expect to be of value to him/herself or anyone or anything else in this world. They must first and foremost be sane. And then they must be healthy. If a person cannot help themselves and have the qualities of a sane individual then he can’t possibly be of help to others.”
Excerpt - Chapter 3
I had just returned from my honeymoon and recalled an interesting occurrence. During the two weeks I spent on the island of Kauai, I was in the saltwater and sun every day; and my psoriasis stopped itching and flaring up. But when I got to Oahu and ceased both my daily swim in the ocean and my relaxation in the sun, my psoriasis began to itch and flare up again.
The sun heats our skin, increasing blood flow and circulation, which helps our body fight infection, in turn, increasing our white blood cell count. Natural sunlight has a clearing effect in 80% of patients with moderate exposure. As with most aids to psoriasis, you must be patient, consistent and persistent. A gradual tan is suggested, acquired from periods of short duration exposure to the sun. If you burn, instead of tanning, your psoriasis will worsen temporarily (the degree depends on the individual).
The application of sun screen is recommended to control burning and allow tanning, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the sun is very nearly overhead and therefore at its strongest. If you are not using a sun screen at least use a moisturizer. Many people state that exposure to sunshine on a regular basis keeps their psoriasis away. Be sure to use sunglasses to protect your eyes from (UVA and UVB) ultraviolet radiation.
Excerpt - Chapter 5
Massage allows a psoriasis sufferer to be touched (a need that can increase, during outbreaks). Use of oils can reduce skin irritation and be quite soothing to your dry skin. Your muscles can be relaxed allowing relief from tensions, a primary and essential benefit to psoriasis sufferers.
The skin contains more than five million receptors that transmit messages to the brain. Massage promotes the flow of lymphatic fluid, lowers levels of stress hormones, and boosts productive endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
The Chinese have used massages to treat bodily imbalances by enhancing the flow of “chi,” the body’s vital energy.
Excerpt - Chapter 8
Clothing is one area most of us don’t consider when making choices that might benefit our health. Natural fibers feel more comfortable because natural material breathes more than synthetics. Also, it is quite important to avoid the residues of certain chemicals that are used in manufacturing or cleaning clothing. The skin of some people can become quite irritated when chemicals in clothing touch their bodies. I had to give up starching my shirts because the starch irritated my skin. I found a good pressing to be sufficient for all my dress shirts.
People with psoriasis have specific needs that may be different from those of non-sufferers. Over 40 percent in a recent survey said that their psoriasis affect their clothing choices. They need clothes that are comfortable, clothes that don’t itch, clothes that effectively keep the harsh elements away from their sensitive skin. There is nothing more annoying than causing additional discomfort to skin that is “naturally” itchy, by wearing clothing that irritates the skin.
Excerpt - Chapter 9
The key to good health will always include a balanced diet, physical activity and an emotional and intellectual participation and appreciation for what life offers.
In order to maintain good physical health you must be active. If the activity is enjoyable it will not only help you maintain a healthy body, but it will be emotionally satisfying and the likelihood that you will drop the activity because of boredom is reduced. We all know that if your emotions support you, you will make the necessary effort. Always keep a keen eye open for reasons to be active.
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Here is what the experts say about this book.
“A wonderful book... a wealth of information. My medical experience recommends this book as an essential tool that will encourage doctor and patient to work together as a healing team.”
---Velma Scott, M.D., D.C., Ph.D.
‘[Elliott Derzaph’s] book is encyclopedic in nature, but still entirely readable for the average person. It covers up-to-the-minute medical research... while still focusing on practical approaches to achieve relief now.”
---Melissa Derfler, M.D., Ph.D., Amer. Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
“This book helps the psoriatic patient understand the many options available... in helping to control the condition - a clear, concise reference manual.”
---Dr. John O.A. Pagano, Chiropractic Physician Award-winning author of HEALING PSORIASIS: The Natural Alternative
“The book seems a great labor of love from Mr. Derzaph. It will prove to be an interesting read for those who have psoriasis.”
---Lynne Vear, R.N., Psoriasis Education & Research Centre Woman’s College Hospital, Ontario, Canada
“After 17 years of research, Mr. Derzaph has assembled, in one place, most, if not all the methods and techniques for ameliorating or healing this most stubborn condition.”
---Fred Siciliano, O.M.D., L. Ac., M. H.
“[The book] is a wonderful journal and exploration of psoriasis... it clearly describes and offers valuable suggestions that psoriasis sufferers everywhere would appreciate.”
---Dr. Anna Hamilton
“I have recommended some of these treatments to psoriasis patients and am happy to say that many of them have been better able to cope. Many people with psoriasis... will benefit greatly from this book.”
---Nullis Mohammed, R.N.
“[This book] encompasses a very diverse study of the many alternative treatments for this chronic condition.”
---Linda A. Henley National Secretary, The Psoriasis Association, Northampton, England
About the Author
Elliott Douglas Derzaph was born and raised in Canada. He traveled and lived in various cities in Central and Western Canada. In the mid 1970's, he immigrated to the United States where he became an American citizen. He lived in Hawaii for 5 years while attending school studying Philosophy in which he later obtained a degree. During the same period, he was the personal aide to distinguished author, psychoanalyst, philosopher and lecturer, Dr. Kenneth (Thane) Walker.
Upon leaving Hawaii and settling in Los Angeles, he entered the world of computers, later specializing in Project Management. In 1990, the author started his own business as a Project Manager including Research & Development and Consulting.
Elliott has discovered the necessity of lifelong learning and has engage in perpetual pursuit of knowledge. He specializes in the field of “Emotional Intelligence,” for which he received a U.S. registered trademark in 1994. Elliott, an entrepreneur and researcher, has written books, scripts and poems as well as doing volunteer work since his youth... including marketing, text compilation (a book on Philosophy), video and digitizing. He regularly contributes to a variety of non-profit organizations and has won “Man of the Year” twice for his volunteer work. He has traveled throughout North and Central America as well as Europe.He has a loving wife who is an attorney and spirited young son.
The author was prompted to write this book by the questions of his many friends, acquaintances and family who were curious about the psoriasis data he had started to compile since 1978. Further impetus was given by his conversations with many psoriasis sufferers who indicated there was an extreme lack of information on the subject.
The author felt that if just one idea was helpful to each reader in relieving some of the discomfort of psoriasis, it was well worth his efforts in writing this book.