People who have been diagnosed with DM, like most of the other related conditions, can describe most precisely where and when it began. It usually starts in adulthood. The "victim" has a vivid memory of when things were much better and they are often frustrated because medical professionals to whom they turn for help, often seem to be at a loss for cures, or even treatment of symptoms. It is also very discouraging when the people they go to for help don't seem to believe them about the symptoms and how much they interfered with their life. Rather than searching for a cure, sufferers might be better served by accepting that their body is responding to an assault - from the outside - and that the invading particulars cannot be eliminated. Yes, that seems harsh, but there are excellent physical and spiritual reasons why I suggest it. A vital piece of the treatment is to work with doctors who believe you and work with you to find relief.

It is highly possible for each of us to be exposed to nasty invaders. Why some of us respond and others don't is probably associated with our individual genetic makeup. Certain diseases "run in families".

Not too many years ago I worked with some doctors who were treating severe cases of multiple sclerosis with antibiotics - and achieving very positive results. Their theory was based on the presences of extremely tiny bacteria, spirochetes, that could only be visualized using special microscopes. The organisms invaded and found safety in almost inaccessible areas of te body. They could be treated with antibiotics, but it was all but impossible to kill themm all. Any residual colonies could start the infection again - and the symptoms returned. Some heaslth regulatory officials swooped in and almost destroyed a few brilliant careers.

Why all this background and rhetoric? I want to be as clear as possible that I am convinced that all of the so-called auto-immune diseases (and even cancer and diabetes) may bedirectly related to microbial attack. The symptoms can be the direct result of the microbes or, more likely, the action of toxins produced by the microbes. The manner in which an individual responds is heavily influenced by the person's genetic makeup.

One thing that is common is inflammation, which results in damage. Stress can weaken the immune system and allow inflammation to expand, which increases symptoms. Stress can be mental, spiritual, or physical. Here is not the place to discuss all the possible things that can impact stress. I can attest that meditation and controlled breathing techniques are highly successful.

Now, for some specific suggestions. Probiotics are good. Take them daily - on an empty stomach, with clean water (chloride can quickly destroy the good bacteria). The empty stomach is important because you want the "good bacteria" to leave the stomach acid quickly and arrive in a place where the pH is higher - the intestines. That's where they thrive.

Vitamin D is excellent. The D3 version is superior to the D2 that is often prescribed by doctors. If you have fair skin, that means you probably don't get a lot of sunshine - particularly without a sun blocker. Your need for vitamin D3 may be higher. I don't have light skin and I take 5,000 IU daily. I also think oils with DHA are important (cod liver oil is a great source).

The B vitamins are important for neurological function and strength, particularly vitamin B12. It is available in a number of dosage forms. I prefer the injections. I also prefer the methyl or hydroxo versions instead of the very common cyanocobalamin. An injection of 1,000 to 2,000 units per week makes a difference for most people.

Many of the DM symptoms are associated with hormone imbalance. No, I am not going suggest estrogen. That would probably make matters worse. However, I strongly favor progesterone supplements. Practically every person has low progesterone, even men. I tell women to use a topical supplement, 20mg once daily on days 1 through 12, twice daily from 13 to 26, then stop until day one. If a woman is cycling, this should coincide with her usual cycle. If that isn't the case, I suggest following the calendar. Day one is the first of the month.

NOTE: Men apply 10mg daily from Monday through Saturday - skipping Sunday. (That's a whole other story, but related).

Progesterone is one of the initiating hormones - in that from it many other hormones are made, including thyroid. Poor functioning thyroid itself elicits a number of symptoms.

I have a strong opposition to "too many drugs". However, when confronted with one of these conditions I strongly favor using tiny doses of a drug called naltrexone hydrochloride, often referred to as LDN. I don't want to come off as some sort of snake oil seller, but I have seen thousands of successes by people who take a single capsule (3mg to 4.5mg) every day at bedtime. That's it. There is a long history of safety for the drug itself. The only warning is about using opioids - even synthetic ones. Narcotic pain relievers and even tramadol must be avoided when using LDN. That usually isn't an issue because the person feels much better.

Last, for now, is my approach to dermatitis - any eruptions. Raw honey. Apply some to a gauze and place on the lesions. Wrap with gauze and change daily. Dressings on any oozing lesion should be changed more often.

One warning - never change or eliminate any prescribed drugs without direct approval from the doctor who prescribed it.