1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Tumeric Supplement - Treating Inflamation PMR

Posted , 9 users are following.

tpaggs
tpaggs

Well, I was taking the powder version of Tumeric daily, for 2 weeks.  After 1 1/2 weeks of taking Tumeric, I felt I was getting some benefit from it as my ankle and wrists seemed to be doing better in terms of pain.  Then I began noticing unusual drying of my skin on my face; to the point it was itching and flaking (even though I was heavily applying moisturizers).  An itching rash began to appear on the corners and partially on the lid of my left eye, forehead and all around my lip/chin are area.  The only change to my diet was the Tumeric.  I stopped taking it and after 2 days began to see an improvement in my skin.  After one week, the rash is almost all gone.  I'm debating as to whether I should start taking the Tumeric again to actually confirm that that was the cause of the rash.  (Not looking forward to the rash again, but that would make my suspicion conclusive).  Has anyone had this reaction to Tumeric?

?Also, I am holding my own at 1 1/2 mg of Medrol and will taper to 1 1/4 mg in a couple of days.  I had a stressful evening last night and thought I was getting sympotoms; however, I calmed myself down and felt better.  (I cannot discuss politics with Liberals - it's a losing battle and I cannot let it affect my health!)

?Lastly, I had a follow up appointment with my Ophthalmologist.  I expressed that I would ocassionally get a sharp pain in my right eye.  He said the right eye was very dry (also can be due to my age) and suggested I use over-the-counter drops for dry eye; which I do use, but not dilligently.  Eye pressure was very good and I did great on the visual test he gave me.  However, he did caution me to pay attention to any sudden loss of vision, temple pain, lasting headaches; which I already know from my Rheumatologist.  He will see me again in 1 year unless I notice any changes.

?Routine Bloodwork next week and follow-up with my Rheumy the week after. 

0 likes, 28 replies

28 Replies

Next
  • Anhaga
    Anhaga tpaggs

    Posted

    Turmeric can cause allergies, manifested by a skin rash.

    I drink ginger tea, made by steeping about one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.  I think people can also be allergic to ginger, which is related to turmeric, so you might also want to be cautious with that if you decide to try it.

    How much dried turmeric were you using?

    • tpaggs
      tpaggs Anhaga

      Posted

      The jar was equipped with a small scooper and directions said to add one scoop to a drink.  I added it to Apple Juice.
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga tpaggs

      Posted

      Like a tablespoon?  Wow, that's a lot of any dried spice.  What a shame, though, as it seemed to be helping your pain.  

  • EileenH
    EileenH tpaggs

    Posted

    Google "turmeric side effects md-health" who, under Allergies, say this:

    "Turmeric is beneficial for many allergies. However, this can be a two-edged sword. Some individuals may be allergic to turmeric resulting in psoriasis or dermatitis, stomach problems, heartburn etc. Direct contact with turmeric may cause irritation, swelling and redness of the skin. Any person, allergic to turmeric, should refrain from coming into contact with turmeric and foods that contain this spice."

    They base their advice on the Uni of Michigan Health Centre. Usually the amount used in cooking is OK and problems arise when capsules are used with higher doses.

    But, to be boring as usual: everyone is different.

    • tpaggs
      tpaggs EileenH

      Posted

      I was using the ground powder version; not the capsules.  Maybe the powder was too potent?
    • EileenH
      EileenH tpaggs

      Posted

      Capsules are usually more so.

      But how many times a day did you take that much? Not that it matters - whatever you took was obviously too much for YOU. 

    • donna60512
      donna60512 EileenH

      Posted

      I take Turmeric in capsule form, 500 mg once a day wiht my other vitamns.  I have felt that it was helpful.  I am noticing that my hair is very dry and seems a bit thinner, could that be the turmeric?  I have not seen that as a side effecrt.  Thanks! Donna
    • EileenH
      EileenH donna60512

      Posted

      Pred can also lead to dry and thinning hair. No, it isn't mentioned as a turmeric side effect.

      But you cannot know how mixtures of medications and supplements of any sort will add up to affect you. I don't take anything besides the calcium and vit D . I can't take turmeric as I am on an anticoagulant. I do not subscribe to the idea that a handful of pills - which ultimately put a lot of money in someone else's bank account - will benefit me any more than a good diet with plenty of veg! There is no good evidence for it - in fact, there is evidence to the contrary.

    • donna60512
      donna60512 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks, I am getting my hair done tomorrow, I will ask my stylist if she is seeing a big change.  I do eat a well-balanced diet, but do take a few supplements.  I also take hair and nail vitamins which have been totally amazing for my nails that have split my entire life.  I have stronger nails now than I ever have had.  It has taken about four months for those to kick in.  It is very hard to know what to take and I do hate taking prednisone as my skin is getting so thin and ugly, but I do not relish the idea of going back to the pain that PMR brins on, so I keep going with it.  Thanks, Donna
    • tpaggs
      tpaggs EileenH

      Posted

      Once a day.  I was thinking of taking it every other day to see if that might help.
    • tpaggs
      tpaggs EileenH

      Posted

      The only other Meds/Supplements that I take are Vitamin D (I was deficient), Vitamin C 500 mg, Bee Alive Royal Jelly Capsules and Synthroid for my underactive Thyroid (.50)  I try to maintain a healthy diet; green veggies and an apple a day; sometimes cantalope and bananas.
    • EileenH
      EileenH tpaggs

      Posted

      If I were you - I'd leave the turmeric for now. It is possible to have an anti-inflammatory diet just by including/excluding foods. But there is no real evidence that any of the "bad" things are bad or the "good" things good.

      Various members of the forums have tried diet - most of us came to the conclusion that while leaving out sugar and highly processed foods (and most of them have some sugar, even ham!) probaly helped, most other things were equivocal! I've left out nightshade veg, alcohol, gluten and carbs. The only thing that really seems to make a difference is carbs in general. Wheat is a real no-no - I get a really unpleasant rash. But otherwise? All it did was restrict my food choices!

    • cindy828
      cindy828 donna60512

      Posted

      Would you mind sharing what hair and nail vitamins you take?

      Thanks, Cindy

    • EileenH
      EileenH donna60512

      Posted

      If you are on pred it is probably that that is making your nails so great! Lots of us have commented in the past that our nails have been great - and hair grows faster!
    • donna60512
      donna60512 cindy828

      Posted

      They are Adult Gummies.  You take two a day.  I was taking a very similar one that I got at Costco.  I am sure they are pretty much identical, but they are not the same brand.  I was unable to get to Costco when I ran out.  They are for hair, skin, and nails.  My nails are what have imporved the most.  I have always had nails that split, they are now growing like crazy and no splitting at all.  They are actually feeling very strong.  My hair seems to be hanging in there where it belongs.  My big worry had been that I tatk Methotrexate.  My skin is very thin, typical of waht happens with prednisone, but it might be worse if I was not taking these vitamins.  It dis take about three months for me to see the improvement.  I hope this helps.  I wish I could remember the name of the ones from Costco.  They are also gummies.  I hope that this message can be sent and isn't agains the rules.  Good luck!  Donna

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed product/company names as we do not allow repeated posting of these in the forums. If users wish to exchange these details please use the Private Message service.

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

    • donna60512
      donna60512 EileenH

      Posted

      Hmmm, that is interesting.  I have been giving my vitamins the credit.  It seems odd that Prednisone would be good for the nails, but now for the skin.  My hair is growing about the same as always.  Donna
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.