Re: psoriasis

   Infrared rays come from the sun, too, which accounts for how infrared saunas help psoriasis.   Below, I quote Dr David Williams.

"Psoriasis isn't a skin disease and the real cause is curable.  Thirty-five years of research in Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands has finally resulted in a breakthrough cure for psoriasis.  I know, because I spent several years traveling to these countries, conferring with researchers, examining case histories with patients, double-checking the data.

Nevertheless, it will be at least another 10 years before your dermatologist starts using it.  Because the new research turns all previous theories upside down.  To their amazement, scientists have found this "incurable skin disease" is neither a skin disease nor incurable.

It's actually a metabolic defect that shows up in every cell of your body.  Basically, the cells of psoriasis sufferers can't produce enough of a key compound called fumaric acid.  Without fumaric acid, your cell factories go a bit haywire.  They start manufacturing chemicals that irritate your skin.  Result, psoriasis.

This explains why summer sunlight often helps people with psoriasis.  Sunlight helps your cells produce a little more fumaric acid.  But the effect is too slight to give lasting relief.

What does work: Fumaric acid supplements, combined with a few dietary changes, have given astonishing results in numerous clinical studies to date.  In one such study, 4 out of 5 patients saw dramatic relief, with quite a few experiencing "complete and long-lasting disappearance of lesions."  Fumaric acid is very safe and the side effects are mild.  You may experience a tingling or flushing sensation in your skin for a bit after you take it." 

-David Williams, M.D.

(Br J Dermatol 05;152(4):597-615) (Br J Dermatol 98;138(3):456-460) (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 85;129(11):485-486)