Nontraditional treatments
and supplements

Nontraditional supplements and nontraditional treatments have not been shown to be effective against pemphigus or pemphigoid. A delay or break in the traditional treatment protocol may result in a worsening of the patient’s condition.

Any product which claims to “strengthen the immune system” should be avoided as the immune system is already overactive.

Some patients seek a "natural" solution to health problems. Some want to look at a range of options before the make a determination. Others just don't trust the medical establishment.

So-called nontraditional remedies are often in the news and some gain popularity from time to time. Science is presently sorting through the various claims nontraditional medicines and treatments make and testing products in laboratories to scientifically measuring results. The Federal Drug Administration has announced new quidelines for supplements, as many claims are misleading if not fradulent and some products have proven to be harmful.

In times of stress, decisions are not always made with a clear head, or based upon adequate reliable information. When confronted with serious illness, many patients who are frightened and without experience may turn to alternative treatments, especially when traditional treatments are unpleasant, slow or do not fully treat symptoms.

There is no credible scientific research that verifies that any nontraditional product or procedures are effective in the treatment of pemphigus or pemphigoid. Evidence which claim nontraditional therapies enhance or work in concert with traditional treatments is anecdotal at best.

Some products which claim to strengthen the immune system may in fact do so, but this is exactly what pemphigus and pemphigoid patients DO NOT want as our immune systems are already working overtime. Some of these "immune system enhances" have been repackaged lately as "immune system balancers," which makes it much more difficult to make an informed decision.

Anecdotes, (the unsubstantiated report of one or a few patients), can not reasonably be basis for medical decisions, especially in diseases like pemphigus and pemphigoid which can be fatal if treated improperly.

Some patients are also confused when using two products, one therapeutic (medicines), and one nontraditional. Some patients are quick to give the nontraditional product the credit. This is foolish.

Nonprescription drugs and any herbs used should be reported to the doctor because some block or reduce the beneficial effects of medication.

There are many well meaning, but misguided retailers of dubious health products, and too many outright dishonest ones.

Patients must decide for themselves if they are going to risk using nontraditional treatments. At the very least it can be a waste of time, but these products are often costly without providing any benefit whatsoever; at worst some of these products have put patients in the hospital. Noni Juice is such a product.

If you are tempted to use a nontraditional treatment, it would be unwise not to at least discuss it with your physician first, as many of these products interfere with traditional medicines.

The good news is that there are credible experts gathering a great deal of information on some of these nontraditional products. In the column to the left are several links to respected organizations that have information concerning nontraditional treatments. Read the information carefully because your health is at risk.

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