Psoriasis

[Moondancer73]

DS has psoriasis. This started on his scalp as patches and the GP have him a lotion to apply nightly for a month along with cream for his arms, and anywhere else that patches appeared.
The patches have now spread and become almost a band round his crown, they show round his hairline and he's beginning to get small patches on his face. He's 17 and is obviously conscious of this. We have recently changed surgeries and do have an appointment booked but have to wait almost 2 and a half weeks so I wondered if anyone can suggest anything to try in the meantime?

For scalp I recommend Alphosyl shampoo (you can get it in Boots). Doctor best to advise re patches on face and arms. Every body is different but it is worth your DS reflecting what might have triggered psoriasis - I find a new patch often appears after something stressful has happened.

My dad has psoriasis and finds that sun beds help it (as does being abroad in warmer climates, but subbed are much cheaper!) I know it’s a controversial suggestion but my dad suffers with it badly but sunbeds help so much more than medication, generally speaking so maybe they would help your son? Only once or twice a month would make a difference.

My teen dd likes Dermol for her patches of psorasis,mostly on her face at the moment too, my adult son gets psoriasis round his hairline and has been using Neutrogena T gel shampoo recently and has seen a massive improvement.

Your poor DS It’s awful thing to have, but as your face is the first thing people see, it’s hard for the self confidence. Mine is visible around my hairline too.

I find avoiding sulfates in my shampoo, face cleanser, and body wash, and checking skin products to avoid alcohol. Harsh products aggravate my skin more. I like Child’s Farm products as they’re gentle, and I moisture daily. I find Kind Nature (Boots) bodywash and LOreal Pure Shampoo are good.

Encourage him to get daylight for vitamin D - summer sunshine is my friend. Some consultants may prescribe UV Light therapy.

I’m prescribed methotrexate but there are other options - biological drugs if his psoriasis is severe

Oh, short cool showers are best

I've bought him T gel shampoo shampoo which he says helps stop the itch on his scalp but we haven't tried sunbeds yet, definitely worth a go. He's super self conscious bless him and hoping to get to the gp this week. Thanks for the advice :)