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Psoriasis and eczema - help!

11 replies

user1492786507 · 04/09/2017 21:50

I have had bad psoriasis on my scalp for many years now. It is very itchy, sore and embarrassing but I have learned to live with it as it's not particularly obvious. However, it has begun to spread all over my body and is now visible. I'm not sure whether it is psoriasis or eczema but I was wondering if anyone has found a cream that works on very dry/itchy skin? I've heard that Aveeno works really well - does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!

OP posts:
mineofuselessinformation · 04/09/2017 22:08

See your GP. You can get much more effective treatments than you can buy over the counter, plus you're not sure what it is.
I have sebhorreic dermatitis in my scalp (which also spreads around my hairline), plus some terrible flaky patches on my chin. The only things that help are daktacort cream for my chin, and betnovate scalp application for my scalp.

user1492786507 · 04/09/2017 22:10

Unfortunately, I am living out of the UK for a couple of years so I am unable to see the GP without a pricey doctors visit (no prizes for guessing where I am living!).

OP posts:
BusterGonad · 05/09/2017 11:09

Daktorcort cream is excellent for many skin complaints but My friend with psoriasis swears by avoiding any steroid creams, creams containing parabans, petroleum, etc.

BusterGonad · 05/09/2017 11:10

User ask at the pharmacy?

OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/09/2017 08:42

no insurance?

Most important thing is to use lots of emollient, 3 or 4 times a day if you can. If it is psoriasis for many people uv light helps, so if you have sunshine use it, but don't burn!

You my need to see a doctor if it keeps spreading but see how you go with self care like that for a couple of weeks.

Oliversmumsarmy · 06/09/2017 08:51

Definitely look at your diet. Both wheat and dairy are my triggers. I had this for all my life and it took 2 weeks in the US avoiding bread (because it was overly sugary) before I twigged it was related to my diet.

Trampire · 06/09/2017 09:07

I've had psoriasis for around 35 yrs. My dd who's 12 has had it since she was 6.

In my experience there is no 'one cream' that works. Specialists are still not entirely certain what causes it. For some diet can help but by no means all. There are also different types of psoriasis. I have Guttate and plaque. The guttate (penny sized red spots all over the skin) comes and goes, but the plaque type is always there and itchy and painful.

A pp said to avoid all steroid creams. For me, steroid creams are the only thing that has ever had any effect. However relief comes from extreme amounts of moisturising. My Dermatologist always says to me MOISTURISE! She says 80% of the people she sees to do not put enough cream on, enough times a day. Slather it on. I use a heavy waxy emollient along with things like Aveeno and it goes on at least 4 times a day sometimes more. I often use a sock to keep the cream to soak in (I have a very painful patch on my foot).

I've had scalp psoriasis in the past but am currently clear. I use TGel derm shampoo but when it was bad I would smother my head in emollient cream and massage into my scalp hours before washing. It's a pain but it brings a bit of relief. I've found that with patience the scalp will recover.

My dd was given UV light treatment when she was 6 by the hospital (she was very severely effected). It was 3 x week for 3 months. It worked wonders for her and she been relatively clear for 6 years. She also had/has scalp psoriasis but the side effect if uv treatment was that it seemed to clear her scalp too.

Sorry to bang on too long.

I would really recommend seeing a professional dr or even a dermatologist if you can. Many gps aren't specialised enough in skin, but it's a hugely complicated thing to treat and needs proper help.

If not, start by an extreme moisturising regime, and a derm shampoo like TGel. See how you go. Don't let anyone tell you they have 'the cure'. It may be for them but the chances your 'cure' will be different. After 30+ of having this condition I'm all too used to people telling me how to 'cure' myself.

Good luck.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/09/2017 09:19

I fully agree Trampire. I have to go to the hairdresser later this week. No doubt they will tell me about the latest 'cure' they've heard of. I've had this all my life, it's frustrating.

Trampire · 06/09/2017 09:48

It can get a bit tiring can't it Ohyoubadbadkitten.

When my dd had it age 6 I had one dad at the school gates tell me it was caused by stress! Sometimes it can be (guttate) but at 6 yrs old - no.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/09/2017 10:25

Oh yes, then it makes you feel as though people think it is your fault as though it's personallity failing.

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