Treating Psoriasis With Niacin - Does Niacin help cure Psoriasis and Dermatitis?
If you have Psoriasis, taking Niacin may help with your condition.
Niacin is a Vitamin B drug, and according to studies done on cultured cells, it creates the same effect as monomethylfumarate, which is a commonly used drug for Psoriasis. Monomethylfumarate binds to the aggravated skin cells and treat it, reducing inflammation and itchiness.
However, Niacin experiments have not been studied on humans as of now, so there is very little evidence that Niacin does help Psoriasis.
Conflicting Studies
Some studies suggest that taking Niacin for Psoriasis can actually aggravate the Psoriasis more.
Since Niacin is a common allergen, taking Niacin can make the Psoriasis condition worse.According to Jean Jenkins from Livestrong.com, a medical expert who has been writing professional articles since 1994, she suggests that Niacin is one of the Vitamins that Flare Psoriasis.
"Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin, and this vitamin may aggravate psoriasis by causing what is known as "niacin skin rash." This would be quite troublesome who already has psoriasis. If you have an allergy to B3, which is fairly common, hives or a red rash will show itself quickly. These are accompanied by itchy, swollen skin. With a mild case, itchy or not, you may experience flushing -- turning red and feeling warm -- especially in the face and neck."
Excerpt from "Vitamins that flare Psoriasis" by Jean Jenkins. Livestrong.com
In any case, ask your doctor before taking Niacin regularly. Don't take Niacin as a substitute for your medical prescriptions, and always follow dosing instructions carefully.