I have had psoriasis on my scalp, legs and left arm for nearly 10 years. I have tried various treatments from various dermatologist-recommended medications, to getting more sunlight and, though I saw short term improvement, nothing has really helped my psoriasis long-term. Toward the end of 2008, however, I read an article by Dr. David Williams that offered new hope.
According to Dr. Williams, the latest research indicates that psoriasis is a metabolic error that interferes with the body’s use of fumaric acid–a natural substance produced by every cell of the body. Fumaric acid deficiency leads to incomplete compounds that result in the skin lesions found with psoriasis. Fumaric acid is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight (why getting more sun helps) but people with psoriasis seem to have a defect preventing them from producing enough fumaric acid.
Thirty-five years of research from Switzerland, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands has shown supplemental fumaric acid to be very promising in treating psoriasis. In fact, one study of 70 psoriasis patients showed an 80% decrease in severity over a four month period. Another study of 285 patients showed 80% of those using fumaric acid along with dietary changes saw a reduction in severity–with 52 patients experiencing complete disappearance of lesions.
Unlike many therapies, the long-term effects of fumaric acid have been studied. Researchers in the Netherlands investigated its safety and effectiveness with follow up studies of up to 14 years. They evaluated 66 patients who were using fumaric acid for an extended period of time and though 73% reported very mild side effects (flushing, diarrhea, nausea) they were not problematic enough to stop the therapy. The researchers concluded, “The present study indicates that fumaric acid can be considered as a safe, long-term treatment in patients with severe psoriasis.”–Br J Dermatol 03;149 (2):363-369
Having tried everything else, I decided to give fumaric acid a try. Following Dr. Williams’ recommendation, I ordered a month’s supply of fumaric acid from Vitamin Research Products ($26.95 for 90 capsules) and followed the dosage schedule outlined by Dr. Williams. He suggests starting with one 500-mg capsule a day taken in the evening with a full glass of water, milk or tea. Remain at this dosage for 1 week. If you notice improvement in your skin remain at that dose. If not, increase the daily dosage by 500-mg (1 capsule) each day for another week. At the end of that week, if you see improvement, remain at that dose. Continue this process until you see improvement. The maximum daily dosage is 3,500-mg (7 capsules).
Once your skin clears completely, you can slowly reduce the number of capsules but if your skin begins to erupt again, return to the dose you were once at. Since psoriasis is a metabolic disorder, long-term treatment may be necessary to keep it under control.
Dr. Williams does say that fumaric acid can lead to mild, temporary gastrointestinal discomfort, a flushing (warm, tingling) sensation in the neck and shoulder area but I have personally not experienced any side effects from the fumaric acid. Also, fumaric acid lowers the PH level of the digestive tract, which can lead to better digestion. However, if you find the extra acidity a problem, you can take the capsules with milk or tea (no coffee since this increases acidity).
I began taking 1 capsule each day for a week and I noticed that the dryness and scaliness of my psoriasis lesions had disappeared. The redness had also subsided tremendously so that they look more like slight discolorations rather than angry red spots. I did move up to 2 capsules a day simply because I felt it would help. I’ve been on fumaric acid now for 3 weeks and I only have 2 small areas that are slightly rough feeling. The lesion areas are now smooth like the rest of my skin and the discoloration is improving each week. I am truly amazed at the results I’ve had in such a short amount of time.
The Fumaric acid treatment can also be supplemented by some minor dietary changes. Eliminating pork, alcohol, strong aromatic spices (pepper, cinnamon, mustard, nutmeg, ginger and cloves), walnuts and peanuts (including peanut butter). Once the lesions have cleared completely, you may systematically re-introduce these foods to your diet to see which ones, if any, lead to a flare up. Also, adding Omega-3 oils (flaxseed, fish oil) can improve psoriasis symptoms.
If you suffer from psoriasis, I highly recommend you try fumaric acid capsules. They are the only thing that has really helped my psoriasis and they might make the difference for you, too.
