Could Vitamin D really help with psoriasis flareups?
I have a few friends who have struggled with psoriasis. A few years ago I took a course that talked about using vitamin D topically to treat psoriasis. After telling one of my friends (who suffered with severe psoriasis) about it, he decided to try to make a remedy to treat his condition. One of his major hotspots was his hands, which were often bloody from the flareups.
He said he’d tried just about everything, and was willing to give anything a try by this point. After a little research and experimentation, he proudly came back to me and reported he had made a product that was helping his condition – something like a balm, and he would apply it to his hands (and the other hotspots) then he would wear special gloves to both protect his hands from exposure and keep the formula applied. He noted that, within a couple of weeks, he saw a noticeable difference in his condition, and with time – he had his hands back!
If I suffered from psoriasis and I knew about this simple solution, I would definitely try it out!
I asked him about his process and he, being very science-driven, gave me a very detailed review of the whole shebang. Apparently you can make an ointment by melting petroleum jelly and then at a specific temperature you blend in the liquid from vitamin D gel caps and allow it to cool to solid state. After his most successful test run, I’ve referred several other friends who have had moderate to severe psoriasis who swear by this combination.
Okay, enough story time – How do you make this miracle balm?!
So, petroleum jelly melts between a cool 100-135°F (at which point the vapors become flammable so caution must be taken) and, if handled carefully, can tolerate up to 400°F. Meanwhile vitamin D3 melts at around 181-187°F.
Given that information, I would add 100-200 grams (roughly 1/2-1 cup) petroleum jelly and bring it up to temperature slowly on a double boiler in a well-ventilated kitchen. Around 185°F degrees, I’d add the contents of one 5000ui capsule of vitamin D per gram of petroleum, and stir (scraping the edges and bottom consistently) to combine well. Next, I’d remove from the heat, allow it to cool slightly, and then pour into tins to cool completely. Once it’s solidified and cooled completely, the lids and labels can be applied. This formula can be used topically for eczema and psoriasis.
This formula uses petroleum jelly strictly because of its temperature range.
It should be noted that petroleum jelly can exacerbate issues with acne-prone, oily, or combination skin. Excessive use of petroleum jelly can also cause allergic reactions, and clogged pores.
An Adendum:
I recognize that there are many other holistic factors that are beneficial for discouraging a psoriasis flare up. Some of these options include dietary changes, lifestyle changes to reduce stress, practicing good sleep hygiene, using sensitive skin/fragrance-free alternatives to common, everyday household products like detergents and cleansers, and much more. Most often, patients suffering with psoriasis, which is a chronic condition, show most benefit from a combined approach to prevent flareups. This balm is intended to aid in healing flareups.