Palmoplantar Pustulosis & Psoriatic Arthritis

3/13/2016

Not long after I got my Palmoplantar Pustulosis diagnosis I started get a pain in the joint of my left index finger and TMJ (jaw stiffness and a clicking jaw). First, I thought it was from the overuse of typing on my computer or after been using my hands when cleaning at home. Back then I did not know about rheumatoid arthritis or RA which is the shorten version of its name. And I didn't understand there might be a connection to my current Palmoplantar Pustuloisis diagnosis.
I had so many various health conditions such as a contentious strep throat infection, Roscea in my face, blisters, cracks and soars on my feet and hands, so the pain in my finger was just something I put up with. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually start in the small joints of the hands and feet – particularly the main knuckle joints in the hand and usually affect at least two joints, which become painful, red and inflamed, and may start to swell.

When having an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake or by a way of surviving. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases documented and some have similar symptoms. The cause of Palmoplantar Pustulosis (PPP) is scientifically unknown, apart from the fact it's autoimmune in origin as there is an association with other autoimmune diseases, particularly coeliac disease, thyroid disease and type 2 diabetes. Even if there's not yet consensus amongst scientist, there are more and more studies pointing to triggers to onset autoimmune disease such as sugar, gluten, processed foods, antibiotics and stress.

These days I know if you heal one disease by changing your diet and lifestyle as I explain in my book, you will heal them all. The problem is if you have one disease you tend to have other issues as well. This makes sense to me as autoimmune diseases can affect many parts of the body.

What's the difference between rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritis?

According to webMD the main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the body's joints. There are other types of arthritis as well, one of them is Psoriatic Arthritis which are similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

What causes it?

Just like Palmoplantar Pustulosis, researchers and doctors are not fully sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is also an autoimmune disease in it's nature and as any autoimmune disease there are scientific evidence that genes, hormones and lifestyle factors are involved. Rheumatoid arthritis researchers continuously investigate other factors that may play a role. These factors include infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses, which might explain why it so commonly goes together with PPP.

How is it diagnosed?

Various blood tests can identify rheumatoid arthritis, including the rheumatoid factor test and the anti citrullinated protein antibody test. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can also reveal early signs of joint inflammation. In serious cases, global immune suppressing drugs are used to restrain the body’s immune response, preventing it from doing further harm. Unfortunately, immunosuppressants render people more susceptible to infections.

The good news is rheumatoid arthritis and palmoplantar pustulosis can all be reversed by changing the diet and lifestyle around. The key is to take care of your gut. Give the healthy cells all the nourishment they need and remove viruses and the bad bacteria from your body system and good health will follow! Oh.....and the most important thing, please remove or reduce all the factors in your life which causes you to feel stressed.

The pain in my finger joint gradually disappeared at the same time I was healing from Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis and thankfully never returned.

Let me know if you have ever suffered from both RA and Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis? It would be nice to hear from somebody else in the same situation.

Åsa Kärrman

44 Comments

Annica Marincowitz

5/28/2016 03:20:50 pm

Hello Asa
I am so glad to have found your blog. I have been reading it for the past few days and there is so much in here that is helpful. Especially since your approach to PPP fits in with my philosophy to health and healing too. I suffer from palmoplantar psoriasis / psoriaform eczema ... the diagnosis from my first dermatologist. So far it has not formed pustules, but I dread the day that it does because my condition is painful and unsightly enough as it is. I tried UV light therapy and Methotrexate (six months) because I was hoping for quick relief. (if you can call six months quick!) It helped, but not enough to cancel the damage done to my body. I went off it and am now desperately seeking a natural solution. I also watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" about a year ago and I considered trying a fast to see if that would help. I decided against it because I doubted that I would be able to hold down my job while on a long fast. A year later and I'm willing to do a fast and never mind the consequences for work! Before I get to that I am going to ease myself off all the foods I love but know are not good for me. Today is day 3 of no wheat, day 2 of no sugar. I have some questions I would love to ask you, but that's enough for today. I hope to hear from you. I will buy your book as well, for all the info, but I also would just love to talk to someone who knows what I am going through. As you say, it can feel very lonely. I don't know anybody else going through this particular version of ... I want to call it hell but I also don't want to sound self-pitying.

Best regards,
Annica
from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Åsa Kärrman link

6/2/2016 03:26:07 am

Hi Annica

Thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your story..... and apologies for the late reply.....im on my holidays with limited wifi access 😊

Fat sick and nearly dead is a brilliant documentary and very helpful in many ways. I think juicing is a fantastic start to reset the body as long as you supplement with probiotics. I did a three day juice fast and to my surprice I wasn't hungry at all. The cells in my body were getting all the vitamines and minerals they so badly needed which resulted in the hunger cravings were not there. I did eat avocados for lunch just to have something to "chew" on.

I read an interesting article today by two journalists who wanted to shed weight...one of them juiced for 90 days as per Sick Fat and Nearly Dead and the other one followed Atkins diet...the link below:

http://nypost.com/2016/05/31/two-posties-battle-the-bulge-but-who-came-out-on-top/

Your on the right path!! I would love to hear more from you and how you're getting on.

All the best

Åsa

Theresa

6/9/2016 05:38:50 am

Hi Asa,

I was just diagnosed with PPP today after having this terrible condition for over 3 weeks and after seeing 3 Doctors. I was first diagnosed with Staph infection and put on antibiotics, which only worsened my condition.

After hearing the Dr. tell me that I had PPP, I was devastated. I live in a small town in Canada, and I have to wait a few months to see a dermatologist. The Dr. prescribed an corticosteroid cream, but, I don't think it is helping. He won't prescribe any oral medication until I see the Dermatologist. I have blisters and red spots all over my palms and feet. I have red dots on my arms and legs. And, sores in my privates. I am so uncomfortable, so itchy, and in so much pain. I haven't slept in weeks.

This disease has really impacted my life. I am 55 years old and newly retired. My husband and I use to golf at least 5 times a week and I'm also an avid runner. Now, I can't do anything. I used exercise to relieve stress and anxiety. I am more stressed than ever, which I know makes things worse. Do you know if I can swim in a chlorinated pool?

Anyways, thanks for your blog, it's very helpful. And, I just ordered your book. I am also going to watch the documentaries that you mentioned.

I'm sorry if I sounded negative, I am usually a very positive outgoing person, but, just hearing today that I definitely have PPP has me feeling quite down. Although, I am looking forward to receiving your book, as it has given me some hope.

Thanks,
Theresa

Åsa Kärrman link

6/9/2016 06:03:39 pm

Hi Theresa,

Thank you so much for reaching out.

Reading your comment breaks my heart and brings me back to the time when I first got my PPP diagnosis. Your story and symptoms are the same as mine. The red dots everywhere and the painfull soars and redness in my private areas. I was first diagnosed with scabies before my dermatologist months later confirmed it was palmoplantar pustular psoriasis.....a very depressing time.....for me and my family.

What I want to say to you.....there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel but you have to work for it and make a good few lifestyle changes to get there. The first and most important focus must be to remove all the stress in your life. It doesnt matter if that means letting people around you down or giving up your job for another less stressful. It just needs to be done or you will get worse.

Do read my book where I 'm explaining it all. I'm sure it will help you to find your own way to heal and get better.

You are welcome to get back to me any time if you have any questions or need to bounce ideas.

All the best,

Åsa

Annica Marincowitz

6/12/2016 11:36:11 am

Hello Theresa!
As you may have seen from my comments above, I have also recently started on the process of trying to heal my PalmoPlantar Psoriasis. (I don't have the pustular version -- which sounds terrible.) I am, like you, 55 years old. Not recently diagnosed -- mine seems to have been a much more gradually developing condition than yours, if I understand your situation correctly. Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to correspond with me on personal e-mail? I would really like to be able to communicate with someone about this, to swop tips and information and to encourage each other. I don't know anybody else with this condition, and neither do I know anybody who is trying to heal this the natural way. It seems like a terribly daunting prospect. I'm about two weeks into my healing regimen, though I have phased it in --- not gone cold turkey on all the foods I've cut out. I have not yet seen much improvement, though I KNOW this is a slow process. It's hard for me to keep the faith and keep going, so yes, some mutual moral support could only be a good thing? What do you think?
Best
Annica

Theresa Boulton

6/9/2016 10:10:09 pm

Hi Asa,

Thank you for your quick response. As I mentioned before, I ordered your book, but I won't receive it for a week. So, until my book arrives, I do have a few questions for you:

1. You say to cut sugar out of your diet. Does that also mean sugar from fruit? If not, what are the best fruit to eat? I have low potassium, so are bananas okay?

2. I also read on another site that those with PPP should not eat potatoes, onions, tomatoes or peppers, is this true? (I love and eat alot of all of these vegetables.)

3. I am taking many supplements. I am wondering if I am taking too many and what I should cut out, if any. I am taking a B supplement, B12, folic acid, Omega 3 6 9, Vitamin C, D3, E, Magnesium, Calcium, Biotin and Tumeric. After reading your blog, I am going to cut out calcium and add in Probiotis, Zinc and K2. Are there any others that I should cut out or am I fine supplementing with that many vitamins?

4. I need to start exercising again to cut down on my stress and since I cannot golf or run, can I swim in a chlorinated pool?

Any insight on the above would be very much appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Theresa

Åsa link

6/11/2016 11:48:38 am

Hi Theresa,

I totally understand, thanks for getting back to me and thanks for getting my book 

Please see my replies to your questions below.

Theresa: You say to cut sugar out of your diet. Does that also mean sugar from fruit? If not, what are the best fruit to eat? I have low potassium, so are bananas okay?

Åsa: When it comes to sugar cut out all the refined sugars such as processed foods, candy, sugary drinks, sodas, cakes, biscuits, sugary bread, Alcohol (not forever but during the healing process) .... anything with added sugar!

Fruits are fine (unless you are a diabetic) Fruits are really good for you as they contain vitamins, fibre and minerals which your body so badly needs (your cells) to be able to boost the immune system. Bananas are great, the greener the better! They contain resistant starch which works like a probiotic and will feed the good bacteria in your gut and at the same time the green bananas will not turn in to sugar after entering your digestives. Same goes for cold potatoes.

Theresa: I also read on another site that those with PPP should not eat potatoes, onions, tomatoes or peppers, is this true? (I love and eat a lot of all of these vegetables.)

Åsa: It depends if you are sensitive to these vegetables. Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers all belong to the nightshade (tobacco) family. Some people are sensitive (allergic) to these vegetables. If you think you are, it might be a good idea to leave them out from your diet. Symptoms are sore joints, swollen limbs, shorten of breath and headaches etc... Personally I'm not sensitive to nightshades. I did leave them out from my diet for a while but it didn't make any difference to me personally. But I have read about loads of people who benefitted and got so much better by stop eating these. It a trial and error, the only thing to be sure is to eliminate the nightshades for a longer period and see if your health improves

Theresa: I am taking many supplements. I am wondering if I am taking too many and what I should cut out, if any. I am taking a B supplement, B12, folic acid, Omega 3 6 9, Vitamin C, D3, E, Magnesium, Calcium, Biotin and Turmeric. After reading your blog, I am going to cut out calcium and add in Probiotics, Zinc and K2. Are there any others that I should cut out or am I fine supplementing with that many vitamins?

Åsa: You don't have to worry you are taking too many vitamins unless you are taking huge amounts of D vitamin (10 000 IU for a longer period of time or 300 000 IU within 24 hours). The vitamins you listed above are great. Good you're adding K2, zinc and probiotics!! I also recommend Chlorella.

Theresa: I need to start exercising again to cut down on my stress and since I cannot golf or run, can I swim in a chlorinated pool?

Åsa: When I had my PPP outbreaks I was swimming in chlorinated water, it didn't make it worse. I also started yoga, probably one of the best decision I ever made. It made me fit and calm at the same time, a great stress reliever!! I read your comment above again and can see you are retired, that should work to your advantage and will hopefully give you some more control over your days. If I was you, I would try to do as little as possible for the next coming months, keep your diary empty. Just try to live in the here and now and focus on getting well again.

Hang in there <3,

Åsa

Theresa

6/14/2016 03:07:40 am

Hi Annica,

That would be great! It would be great to communicate with someone about this on personal email. I, also, don't know anyone else with this condition. And, no one I know has ever heard of it, including Doctors, Pharmacists, etc.

My Dr. had no idea and put me on antibiotics for a Staph infection, which only made it worse. A dermatologist finally confirmed it was pustular psoriasis.

So, it would be helpful to bounce ideas off each other and to have support from someone who understands how awful this is and what we are suffering with.

Let me know the best way to contact you.

Thanks for contacting me and reaching out. I look forward to hearing from you.

Theresa

Annica Marincowitz

6/14/2016 08:23:52 am

Hello Theresa!
Wonderful! My e-mail address is nichi@absamail.co.za

Please mail me on that address. Hopefully we will have some good news to report back to Asa ... some time. I have given myself three months to see if my regime makes a difference. Not that I think it can be healed that quickly .... because it developed over years.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Annica

Theresa

6/14/2016 09:11:44 pm

Hi Asa,

Thank you so much for getting back to me and for the answers to all my questions. It's much appreciated!

I have a few more questions that I forgot to ask you. Is it okay to eat dairy products? The only dairy products I eat are non-fat, sugar free greek yogurt and a some cheese. Is this okay? (I add stevia, and a mixture of ground flax seed, psyllium husk, dandelion root powder, burdock root powder and blueberries to it.)

And, I read somewhere that you should not eat cashews or cherries, as they have poisons in them. Is this also correct? I live in BC, Canada and we have fresh cherries everywhere here and I LOVE cherries, so I eat a lot of them in the summer time. Please let me know if I should also cut them and cashews out of my diet.

Is it okay to eat eggs?

Lastly, what are the best teas to drink, as I drink a lot of tea.

I ordered my book last week on Amazon.ca, so I am hoping to receive it any day now and then; hopefully, I won't have so many questions.

Thank you once again,
Theresa

Åsa link

6/16/2016 09:39:05 am

Hi Theresa,

When it comes to dairy (cow milk protein) .....I do believe it's a good idea to leave it out during the healing process. I eat very limited amounts of dairy and when I do is full fat organic cream or greek organic yogurt and occasionally hard cheese . The rule is to avoid the white stuff ( sugar, flour, and dairy)

I never heard cherries are poisonous....quite the opposite....they consist of loads of vitamins and I would recommend them?

When it comes to tea.....any red or green tea is good as long as they don't have added sugar to it (some brands do add sugar to the tea leaves). For more info about stevia please read the link below by Dr. Axe:

http://draxe.com/stevia-side-effects/#

I eat an egg every morning for breakfast.....but I know of a lot of people with autoimmune diseases who benefitted greatly by leaving them out. Please read Sarah Ballantyne’s blog post below when it comes to egg and autoimmune disease for more info.
http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/06/whys-behind-autoimmune-protocol-eggs.html

I also want to say I’m delighted that you and Annica can support each other during these tough times and during your healing process, I’m glad you found each other ☺
I actually have a forum connected to this blog which I haven’t enabled yet. My idea is that people with PPP from around the world could meet in the one place and support each other. But I’m not sure if there is enough interest.

I hope the book arrive soon ☺

Al the best,

Åsa

Theresa

6/17/2016 06:34:43 am

Hi Asa,

Thanks for getting back to me and answering my additional questions! I guess I'll have to cut out my Greek yogurt for breakfast. I'm just not sure what I'll eat for breakfast since I cannot have dairy, eggs, bread or cereal. What do you recommend? Is goat's milk yogurt okay? And, can I eat nuts?

Sorry for asking you more questions. I just want to do this right and clear up my awful skin and feel like myself again.

Amazon.ca emailed me yesterday, and let me know that there was a delay in shipping my book. It was suppose to arrive today and now they are not shipping it until tomorrow. So, I probably won't receive it for another week. I'm not too happy about that.

It IS great that Annika and I are communicating on personal email and we are now Facebook friends, too! It's nice to be able to communicate with someone who understands and is going through a similar thing. It's great that I have both of you to get answers from and to have for support. It would be great if you started a blog for all of us PPP sufferers to communicate through.

Thanks again,
Theresa

Åsa link

6/19/2016 06:18:07 pm

Hi Theresa

Sorry for the late reply.

I'm also sorry to hear there's a delay with the delivery of the book, my apologies for that on behalf of Amazon :(

The breakfast part is a tricky one when you are limited to what you can have.

Do you like smoothies, and if so do you have blender? Smoothies are great, nutritious and filling. They don't have to be very complicated.

Recipes:

1 banana
1 avocado
A handful of strawberries (frozen or fresh)
Coconut milk or water with no added sugar

OR perhaps ice-cream for breakfast :)

1 big frozen banana (sliced before frozen)
A handful of frozen strawberries
A can of organic coconut milk (but only use the cream, the first thick layer at the top of the can)
Mix it all together

Sometimes when I don't have time I just eat an avocado or two for breakfast with a bit of Himalaya salt on top. Avocados are great, they contain more potassium than bananas and are high fat which is good as it keeps you fuller longer.

One serving of avocado consist of the following vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin K: 26% of the RDA.
Folate: 20% of the RDA.
Vitamin C: 17% of the RDA.
Potassium: 14% of the RDA.
Vitamin B5: 14% of the RDA.
Vitamin B6: 13% of the RDA.
Vitamin E: 10% of the RDA.
It contains small amounts of Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin).

If you feel you need to eat dairy (can't avoid it), organic goat milk and cheese are a better choice than cow milk. It's hard to avoid dairy all together. Always try to opt for organic (grass fed cows) if you do eat/drink it.

I'm here for you trying to help as best I can and I'm glad Annica is too.

Loads of hugs,

Åsa

Tezz

7/17/2016 07:40:18 pm

Hejsan Åsa
Jag skulle vilja ha din bok på svenska finns den ?
Mvh Tezz

Åa link

7/18/2016 08:16:55 pm

Hej Tezz,

Dessvärre finns min bok endast på engelska i dagsläget.

Mvh,

Åsa

Linda De Niro link

8/20/2016 04:12:34 pm

I have had this condition for 3 years and 2 months. No one has been able (7 doctors) to come up with my condition. I am in constant pain. Are you on Facebook? Many thanks, Linda

linda

8/20/2016 07:16:39 pm

any specific vitamin companies you recommend for vitamins. With the internet obtaining anything is fairly easy. I want to do exactly what I should and not waste anymore time. I have your book, read it and I am beyond relieved as I am exhausted and literally depressed trying to find a cure, much less a diagnosis. Thank you. And I think your forum idea would be terrific. Dare I ask if you are still symptom free? Kindest wishes ~ Linda D

Well-Healed.com link

8/22/2016 08:42:02 pm

Hi Linda,

I'm so sorry to hear you now had PPP for over three years, it is so frustrating not to get a proper diagnosis. When I got my diagnosis I was actually relieved to finally have a name for it. Before that I've been told I had herpes, the foot and mouth disease, scab from my new shoes (even if the shoes weren’t new) and finally diagnosed with scabies.

When it comes to vitamin brands I have used loads of different ones. As I live in Sweden I have used a lot of Swedish brands, but I don't think they are better or worse than any UK or USA brand. I'm very happy with the brand NOW and can highly recommend it (it's also very affordable)

I've been free from PPP for nearly 4 years now. It never came back. There was one instant when I went through a stressful period at work and I could see a blister appearing under my skin on the palm of my hand. I phoned in sick and did nothing for 4 days and the blister faded and disappeared, the PPP never broke out again. Stress is the major PPP trigger.

I have a Facebook page, please see link below. Unfortunately I haven’t been very active on it but will try to be now when the summer is over here in the north 
https://www.facebook.com/PalmoplantarPustulosis/?fref=ts

I’m wishing you better health,

Åsa x

Anni

8/22/2016 09:22:10 am

Hello again, Asa! It's almost three months since I've embarked on a healing diet -- basically cutting out the white stuff, yes, and alcohol. I gave myself three months to see an improvement, and as long as it takes to heal. I started seeing improvements after about six weeks ... gradually my hands got better. Feet too. I didn't want to say anything in case I was jumping the gun and getting too optimistic too soon. However, last week I decided that I could finally declare a big improvement -- my hands had been crack-free for about two weeks and my right foot so much better than I hardly had pain walking. My foot is encased in plasters at all times though, so I didn't really look at it much. I figured that I was on the right track and that I was going to heal if I just stick to the healing diet long enough -- even if it takes a year. However, on Saturday I went for a long walk and later in the day my right foot started hurting badly. I took off the plasters and saw a long and very deep, wide crack. Ouch. I treated it with Bactroban and extra plasters. I must have put way too much pressure on it for too long ... I suppose the skin is still fragile, despite appearances to the contrary. My right palm has also been itchy again and after scratching it I have a cracked palm again. Which is somewhat discouraging. So what I want to know from you, Asa, since you've been through this: is this normal? To make fantastic progress and then relapse again? Did it happen to you? I'm not giving up, but I would feel better if I knew this is "normal". I have not changed my diet or supplement regime at all. The only thing that has changed is that it is hayfever season here in Johannesburg. Spring is around the corner and I have always suffered from itchy, red swollen weepy eyes and a blocked nose, sneezing and itchy palate at this time of the year. Also, exhaustion. Obviously because of the pollen in the air. It usually lasts until the first spring rains. Please let me know ... Looking forward to your response. Best, Annica

Well Healed link

8/22/2016 10:02:59 pm

Annica,

I'm thrilled to hear about your progress, bloody well done!! (pardon my French).

When I was healing I had smaller PPP outbreaks in cycles until they eventually disappeared altogether. For me this took about 3 months as I've written in my book.

But for you to getting cracks and getting itchy again after three months is worrying.

I do believe is connected to the hay fever season. I believe when you are completely healed your allergies will disappear as well. If you are sensitive to pollen and other allergens it means your immune system is still not top notch. We are all different and for some it takes longer to heal, so I would say keep up the great work. Stick to what you are doing and please do not stress about it.

Are you taking colloidal silver? If not you might find the below link an interesting read.

I’m sure colloidal silver played a huge role in my healing process (even if I’m not an allergic to anything) I’m still taking it more or less every day.

http://www.thesilveredge.com/colloidal-silver-allergies-asthma-and-inflammation.shtml#.V7tXxfl9600

Åsa x

Eloise P. Wexler, II

10/26/2016 11:26:05 pm

Hi, Asa!
I am very happy to have stumbled upon your blog and information about your book(s) - which I have just purchased from Amazon!

The skin on the palms of my hands blistered - more severely on the left palm - peeled off, cracked, blistered - you know the drill. This went on for over a year; then the same thing started on the in-step of my left foot. Now there are 3 separate places on my left foot; and, thankfully for now my palms are clear.

I also fall into that category of people who are now being called "Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance." My mother and sister are both Celiacs; as is my father's little brother and 2 of his 4 children. According to the DNA tests which finally yielded an answer after searching for over 37 years as to why I would projectile vomit after eating on some occasions, I have 2 genes which pre-dispose to Gluten Intolerance and the lab results said 'having 2 genes pre-disposing to Gluten Intolerance is often quite worse than having a Celiac Gene." So far everyone in my family concurs with that statement! I know that PPP is an autoimmune system response to gluten, however I have been 100% gluten free, right down to my cosmetics, shampoos and EVERYTHING.since the delivery of my DNA tests to me on May 25, 2011. I have NEVER had any skin problems and this particularly nasty and painful affliction has caught me completely off-guard!

Over the past 3 years since it occurred on my hands originally, I have gotten some extremely absurd diagnoses from doctors and dermatologists as to what it could possibly be....and of course NONE of them have a clue what Celiac Disease is, let alone Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance! I already had a doctor's appointment for today when I noticed just last night that I now have a THIRD place on the bottom of my left foot! I simply want to cry!

I believe the initial 'stimulant' or 'culprit' which could have been instrumental in the development of the first outbreak on the lower palm area of my left hand was due to gluten leaching out of my Otter Box cell phone case - because it was exactly where the phone rests in the palm of that hand. As to the breakouts now on my foot??? I am wondering if gluten could have been leaching out of my rubber sandals?? (I live in South Florida, so have a million pairs of 'dress flip flops' in every color featured in my Sundresses with decorations on the top straps...) Once I suspected that as a connection, I promptly stopped wearing ALL of my rubber sandals and have resorted to keeping the blistery, pus-filled, leaking lesions and the sheeting off skin areas covered with bandages to keep them clean. Its awful. Just awful. I have also been keeping a photo diary of what the areas look like on a weekly basis so I can see if there is any progress in either direction (toward healing or toward spreading).

I am looking very forward to diving into your book(s) and also learning HOW to indulge in SELF-HELP to keep this condition under control and at bay on my own because the medical community is so lame with any knowledge except prescribing those horrible and damaging drugs! I will not be part and parcel to putting any of those into my body! I am looking at the link on colloidal silver in one of the threads - as well as trying to research what else to do.

I am so sorry to sound so negative ~ I am frustrated, upset, feel helpless and am totally angry....but grateful to have found a forum in which to be able to vent my feelings where others have already walked in my shoes and totally understand these feelings that are terribly hard to put into words.

Eloise

Well Healed link

11/6/2016 08:23:16 pm

Hi Eloise,

Thank you so much for your beautifully written comment.

I'm glad you found my blog and shared your story, thank you again!

Gluten is one of the many triggers to onset PPP, there's a Swedish study that concluded that nearly 20% of PPP sufferers are sensitive to gluten (non-celiac).

The other triggers are stress, bad gut bacteria, antibiotics, unhealthy non nourishing food where sugar is one of the biggest culprits.

Me too had problems getting the correct diagnosis by various doctors....don't get me started.....I bring up my experience of doctors in my book (thank you for buying a copy).

I also want to mention colloidal silver played a huge part in my PPP recovery, in my family we use it every day. (When there’s a budding ear or throat infections, for dental care, removing of warts and much much more)

I'm delighted to hear you are trying the natural healing approach. If you are determined and patient there will be light by the end of the tunnel.......Healing takes time but if you don't give up you will see results! I haven’t had a PPP breakout in nearly 5 years :)

I don't think you sound negative at all, just a bit frustrated like all of us with this disease, and rightly so.

I'm here if you have any questions along the way.....I'm just glad if I can help/support in anyway.

All the best to you,and I'm wishing you good health,

Åsa...X

Diana Ross

1/4/2017 05:53:19 am

Hi Asa. I haven't been on your site since 2014 or so. I am healed of PPP on my hands and feet. You and your blog got me through it. I used the Moducare and Ultimate Flora for immune health, then other vitamins. I was cleared within four months. Thank you for reached out and helping many! Diana, NC, USA

Maddy

1/7/2017 07:54:59 pm

Hi Diana,

Nice to hear that you had cured your PPP.My husband has PPP and it has come by his birth.he has taken many medications but nothing is changed.please let me know how did you cured naturally.please let me know

Åsa Well-Healed link

1/21/2017 05:31:26 pm

Hi Maddy,

I'm so sorry to hear your husband has suffered with PPP from birth. That is very unusual to be born with this disease. If you haven't done it already please feel free to read my other blog post here on my website where I write about how to heal from PPP naturally. If you want more in-depth info about PPP you can always check out my book.(see the book link at the top of the page in the navigation bar)

I wish you husband gets some relief soon,

Åsa

Åsa Well-Healed link

1/21/2017 05:25:45 pm

Hi Diana,

Thank you so much for taking your time to post your comment.

You have no idea how happy I’m to read it. It’s wonderful to hear you healed and maintained your palmoplantar pustulosis outbreaks in remission, well done. I'm glad my blog helped you along the way.

All the best to you ,

Åsa x

Sherry

3/23/2017 05:03:08 pm

Asa: First, thank you for writing your wonderful book to give hope to us PPP sufferers. I am starting the regimen now and have a couple of quick questions regarding the supplements you mentioned in your book. First, how do I know which brand is a safe colloidal silver? My understanding is that it is important to be using a reliable product. Also, I have Biotin in a 5,000 mcg form, but noted that there are varying strengths. What mcg should I be taking daily? Standing at the supplement counters can be very intimidating if you haven't been there before! For those who started the blog, please share your experiences. This disease can be very isolating, and we all know that we aren't getting much reliable and dependable information from the medical world. Thank you.

She%y

3/24/2017 01:56:14 pm

Diana, can you elaborate on the precise regimen you used to heal your PPP? You mentioned Moducare and Ultimate Flora. Can you tell me what other vitamins? Did you include silver?

Åsa Well Healed link

3/27/2017 02:01:12 pm

Hi Sherry,

Thank you very much for your comment,
I agree with you, the headache of figuring out which supplements to get can be overwhelming. I don't know how many hours I've spent doing research online trying to get my head around which supplements are the best and which ones that doesn’t cost a fortune as well.....well it's been many hours 
I found a brand called NOW really good and affordable, they sell their products internationally and in all the bigger webstores, they work for me.

When it comes to Colloidal Silver, I always get a Swedish brand called Ionosil Kolloidalt Silver (10ppm), but as far as I know it's not available to purchase outside Scandinavia. The most important thing is to buy pure colloidal silver without any product that might be contaminated by salts, proteins, stabilizers, and oxidation. As I’m not familiar with the brands outside Sweden/Scandinavia, I recommend to do your own re-search (google reviews etc..) over what product is best in your country.
I also want to point out biotin solely didn't do anything for my healing process, but the tablets I took was 5000 mcg.

As you say…..PPP as a disease which make you feel very lonely as it’s so rare…… which means close family and friends find it hard to understand what you are really going through. My plan for this blog is to add a forum where people with palmoplantar pustulosis can share their stories and give advice, inspiration and hope to each other. That is on my to do list after the summer when things have quiet down in my personal life 

All the best,

Åsa

Sherry

3/28/2017 08:07:43 pm

Asa, thank you for you response. I will continue my research on the colloidal silver; there are literally hundreds of those to choose from as well! I am taking all of the supplements you suggest--just wanted clarification on the Bioton dosage. I have made the necessary diet changes--all after abandoning the lackluster results of taking Soriatane for nearly a year now. Not a fan of the biologics--I'm now as young as you, but am willing to take on experimenting with the much healthier option you have provided. How much silver did you take each day? My doctor is very paranoid about the silver, but I have read a lot of great reviews. Thank you, and wish me luck!

WEll Healed link

4/9/2017 01:14:03 pm

Hi Sherry,

I don't take that much CS. For me a capsule (the cap of the bottle 5ml) a day has been enough. The CS I take consist of 10ppm of silver

I hope that helps :)

All the best,

Åsa

janine

5/4/2017 09:06:51 am

Asa,
I think I found your blog one desperate night in the summer of 2014. I have PPP on my right foot. I am 50 years old but it started in 2013 when I was 46. I had no idea what it was. I have learned over the years that it is best to search for a holistic alternative to traditional western medicine. This is why I was trolling the internet, literally typing in "bottom of foot itchy", Some how my crazy random google words led me to your blog. I have been trying to figure out for years how to find you to thank you. The book you wrote is a GIFT to anyone and everyone that is seeking answers and help.

First of all and before I share my story and how I put PPP and arthritis into remission I want to say THANK YOU Asa. I was so desperate for an answer. Your story all of those years ago reinforced my inclination to go the holistic route. You literally saved me months, possibly years of uncertainty and pain. Not to mention thousands of dollars in Dr. Visits that were not going to help at all. I was so depressed, so exhausted from lack of sleep due to the pain and itching. I cried all of the time and I just wanted to curl up in a ball and stay like that forever.

So here it is for all of you ladies out there looking for hope. And again I would not be where I am today without Asa. Also, like Asa says your have to be patient, take the time to find the combination that works for you.

As I said above I discovered PPP on the bottom of my right foot when I was 46 years old. I also had a rash on my right elbow, with joint pain, and joint pain in my right thumb. I am a smoker. I do not drink alcohol, sugary drinks, or processed foods. I live in a area where we don't have fast food. Im average weight and I do like to run. I eat pretty healthy and clean, if its not certified organic its not in our house. I do LOVE hot peppers but have mostly given them up as I noticed when I cut them out it made difference in the severity of the PPP breakouts. I have a very high stress job. At the time this all started to manifest I was probably in one of the most stressful periods of my life.

I started with a supplement regiment immediately after reading the blog. I have not quit smoking (I would love to someday)

It took me a year to get the supplements right but that was because Asa had not written her book yet and Im sure she was still learning too!.

I began taking Moducare, Wobensym, a multi vitamin, CoQ10, Probiotic, Silver water. After 60 days nothing had changed but nothing had gotten worse and yes I was still dealing with the stress. I discovered I had to be patient and tweek the supplements. I wont bore you with everything I tried that did not work, I will tell you what did work, and still does work.

I know its not the healthiest thing in the world but I don't eat breakfast. I never have. I don't recommend not eating breakfast. I take the supplements in the morning and they fill me up because there are so many of them. I take some of the same supplements at night before bed.

The brand I have here in the US is Sports Research 100% organic non-GMO I buy them on Amazon. Once I got the combination right, it took less than 60 days for the PPP and arthritis to go into full remission.

-Probiotic, I switch them up each time I need a new bottle, I buy the type that need to be refrigerated and I try to get a dosage with not less than 20 billion. 1 a day before bed

-Biotin 5000 MG in the morning and before bed
-Vitamin D3 in the morning and before bed
-Vitamin K2 in the morning and before bed
-Vitamin A in the morning and before bed
-Vitamin C in the morning
-Moducare in the morning
-Silver Water in the morning
-Magnesium 2000 mg in the morning (too much can give you diarrhea so be careful when you first start with this.
-Turmeric Cur cumin The brand is from Sports Research they have the perfect blend, and its important to have the right blend or your body will not absorb it properly. (this is a god send and helps with ALL kinds of inflammatory issues related to Auto Immune. After less than 3 days of taking this the joint pain and rashes were completely gone.
-three times a week I drink a glass of psyllium husks (organic) mixed with Bentonite Clay (liquid) Its not the most pleasant thing in the world but it does really help pull toxins and flush them out of the colon.

Im happy to say its gone! All of it, the rashes, the PPP, the joint pain, the acne, gone. I know it all lurks there under the surface waiting for me to get stressed out, give up on the supplements or go eat a giant tub of the hottest salsa ever made. The fact that I now control it, and it no longer controls me is the greatest feeling ever.
I know this can seem overwhelming, but if you are all like me, you are willing to try anything to get some relief. Read Asa's book, it will explain so much more of the what, why, how. Her story is amazing, its incredible that she wanted to take the time to share it with all of us out here. Be kind to your

Well-Healed link

5/7/2017 06:37:49 pm

Hi Janine,

Thank you so much for posting and sharing your detailed success story and for all the kind words....amazing to read.

I have sent you a private message :)

I have one quick question.........are you still in that stressful work environment ? Or did you get a new job? If not.....how did you go about to reduce your stress levels? Stress is one of the biggest if not THE biggest trigger to onset PPP.

Many thanks and all the best,

Åsa

Nina

5/21/2017 03:04:53 am

Hello
I am exited to have stumbled across your blog, it has been interesting reading. I do not have PPP, but plaque psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis since 2001. I have not been treating my conditions with anything my doctor has recommended. All he can do is prescribe cream with cortison and steroids, to ease the symptoms. For me the worst part of having these conditions is not the itchy, flakey, red areas all over my body, but the way it makes me feel exhausted all the time, because of the chronic inflammation in my body. Now my rheumatologist want me to start taking methotrexate. This is not something I want to put into my body, so I wondered if you think your diet and supplement plan might also help for this kind of psoriasis? Have you heard from anyone else with these diagnosis'? I have read about and tried several natural ways to heal my psoriasis, but none have been working so far. Perhaps I have not sticked to the regimes long enough. I have bought your book and I am going to try you suggestions. I will let you know how it goes.
Please let me know if you have any thoughts about healing plaque psoriasis, and psoriasis arthritis.
Best regards Nina, Norway.

Åsa - Well-Healed link

5/21/2017 05:53:22 pm

Hej Nina,

Tack så mycket för din kommentar och för att du hittat hit :)

I'm sorry to hear you've got plaque psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis and I totally understand your anxious about taking methotrexate. I was also offered that when I was sick but declined when my doctor mentioned if I were to become pregnant the methotrexate might cause birth defects in a potential baby. What other harm would it cause to my body?

The body is a system, if you heal from one disease by improving and making your immune system stronger, the other illnesses will heal too, as it was in my case. If you follow my advice in the book I'm optimistic you will clear both your plaque psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis. But do be patient about it....it takes time......and in some cases it can get worse before it gets better before you see results (just bear that in mind).

Please keep in touch and let me and my readers know how you get on!

Best of luck and get well soon,

Hugs from Sweden

Nina

5/28/2017 08:54:08 pm

Hello Åsa
thank you for your answer. I have just started an elimination diet, and taking most of the supplements that you suggests. I am waiting for more supplements, since I ordered some of them online. Good to know that this will take some time, otherwise it is easy to just quit trying too early. I am optimistic, and have decided to see if I can experience any improvement during the course of the summer. If not I have decided to consult with a functional medicine practitioner. I will let you know how my diet goes. What are your experiences on foods from the nightshades family. Did you do an elimination diet?
Best wishes
Nina from Norway.

Åsa Well-Healed link

6/18/2017 07:23:50 pm

Hi Nina,

I didn't see your comment above until now so apologies for the late reply.

I never eliminated night shades from my diet. I was healing anyway without removing them from the foods I ate. But.....I read about a lot of people within the psoriasis family who had great success by doing so. The nightshades often cause other allergy symptoms as well such as rashes, heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea, gas, bloating, gurgling, IBS, leaky gut, headaches, joint pain or stiffness, muscle aches etc...

By now you must have received your supplements in the post :)
Get in touch after the summer and let us know how you are getting on. In the meantime I’m wishing you a lovely summer with a lot of rest where you can focus on yourself and your healing.

Best of luck and good health to you,

Åsa x

Kelly Smith

9/15/2017 03:24:45 pm

Hi Asa,

My PPP started 3 months after I had neck surgery in 2010. I had already been gluten-free for years due to celiac. In 2014, I went into remission with the pustules disappearing but thick skin continued. I was using a UV light everyday for 15 minutes on each foot, and I lost 20 lbs. I think the combination slowed the symptoms. The symptoms started up again last year, so I began UV again but it's not working this time. I found your book to be the most comprehensive research on this topic, so I am starting your regimen. My question is - have you ever heard of surgery being the stimulus for the onset of symptoms? I never found it documented anywhere, but the timing is curious to me. In your book, you talk about biofilms and I wonder if this is what started in me after the surgery. Could you share your thoughts?

Thanks so much,
Kelly

Åsa well-healed link

10/7/2017 09:02:42 pm

Hi Kelly,

First of all I'm so sorry to hear your Palmoplantar pustlosis remission ended. Often the major trigger to a new onset of PPP is stress related or a general weak immune system. If you once had PPP, you are always recipient to get it back again. Hence the importance to always look after yourself.

I also want to thank you so much for your kind words about my book....it means a lot! It's important to me to get my story and research out there to fellow PPP sufferers, in order to help others.

Your question if surgery has being the stimulus for the onset of your symptoms? My take on this.... if you do have any type of surgery it will affect the immune system and will more likely worsen (or trigger) your PPP.

When I was suffering with Palmoplantar Pustulosis, I did have a wisdom tooth extracted as well as having my tonsils taken out. After both those intervention my PPP outbreaks got so bad, a day after I had my tooth taken out, hundreds of new blisters occurred on the palm of my hand and the sole of my foot and same thing happened when I got my tonsils taken out. My conclusion is when you do have any type of surgery it will affect the already poor immune system and will more likely worsen your PPP while the body is focusing on healing the part where you had your surgical intervention.

If you at the same time were given antibiotics you are very likely to have bio films. This is very hard to determine and as far as I know this is not something doctors look for in a sick patient. All I know from the scientific research I've done is that Colloidal silver helps with removing bio films. The only way to find out is to do your own biohacking. That’s what I did, and it worked for me :)

(https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=biohacking+to+improve+health&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjR9dqxkN_WAhVFLVAKHdMHBgoQ_AUICSgA&biw=1366&bih=637&dpr=1 )

Let me know how you’re getting on!

Kind Regards,

Åsa

Tammie

4/26/2019 04:34:54 pm

Hi,

I'm glad to have found this sight. I am 47 and was diagnosed last year around this time. Was prescribed steroid cream that didn't work. My PPP didn't become out of control until about a month ago when I went back to work after being on leave because of Breast Cancer. Even with the stress of the surgery and the meds I didn't flare up as bad as I did when I went back to work. I have been dealing with a lot of pain from the PPP and the mastectomy.
I am curious if anyone has had their PPP start showing up on their legs? I was recently prescribed an oral steroid but have not started yet because I'm scared to take any meds until after my final surgery. I am about to start an all alkaline diet and hoping this will work. Thank you for having this space to talk about PPP and ask questions. I will be ordering your book!

Åsa link

4/29/2019 06:37:02 pm

Hi Tammie,

Gosh you poor thing, I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. Stress is the last thing you need and should be avoided as much as possible. Stress is one of the major triggers to onset PPP.

When I got my first PPP outbreak it was really really bad. I had it on my legs, inner thighs and in the groin area, it was horrible and I ended up in the hospital. But after that first big flare, the following outbreaks "just" kept breaking out on the palm of my hand and foot. (it never came back as bad as the first one, which was all over the place).

We have a Facebook support group if you want to get in touch with other PPP sufferers for help and advise, just copy the link below to join. (It's a closed group for members only)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PalmoplantarPustulosisSupport/

Kelly S

5/6/2019 06:08:42 pm

Hi Tammie,

I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. I've been a sufferer for about 10 years, so I know how painful a disease it is. Mine started after surgery and it was very painful to walk for years.

Asa's site has helped me tremendously. I never had it on my legs, but primarily hands and feet. The alkaline diet will help. I live a gluten free, low sugar, gut healthy anti-inflammatory lifestyle now, eating only organic and cage free meats, eggs and dairy (when possible), and it has put me into 99% remission.

It will get better, keep the hope.

Tammie

5/6/2019 06:20:53 pm

I do worry that my next surgery will give me a major flare up. As it is I can barely walk. Every flare up I have is worst than the last with no break in between flare ups. I'm really just hoping the new diet will help.

Jonathon Stewart

10/12/2021 07:11:48 pm

Hello ,
I’ve searched for info pertaining to ppp and it’s effects on my body for a long time . It’s refreshing to find your blog and so many people dealing with the same issues . I’ve been misdiagnosed for most my life as a fungal infection… My recent flare up has included pain in my chest as well as inflammation in the form of arthritis in my body and through my research I’ve found correlations between the two health issues . I’ve come to realize that this chronic inflammatory disease has taken over my life. I find it hard to stay active as well as positive because of daily pain and fatigue. Since the COVID pandemic I’ve had constant flare ups , lost my career as well as many other stresses . I’m currently unvaccinated as I’m worried about my body response . I need to regain control over my body for my family and functionality . I’m changing my lifestyle and diet . Dose anyone have suggests for me in this scary time ….

Palmoplantar Pustulosis & Psoriatic Arthritis

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What's the difference between rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritis?

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