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Psoriasis- what next after steroids?

7 replies

user1471459444 · 15/11/2020 17:15

I've had Psoriasis since I was a teenager and over the past 20 years I've tried pretty much every topical treatment there is. It's pretty mild on elbows, knees and abdomen, but severe on my scalp and ears. I'm currently using Enstilar which has worked well for 4 years, but as a side effect gives me painful periaural dermatitis on my face! It's also a nightmare to use as it takes a bucket load of baby oil followed by 5 x shampoo applications to get it out off my thick hair as it's so greasy.

Finally, I spoke to a GP who has scalp psoriasis themselves and has referred me to a dermatologist. I'm waiting on the appointment now, but just wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect? I'm worried they will suggest UV treatment which will be impractical going back and forth to hospital (I don't drive) 3 x a week with a 50 hour a week job and a 2 year old. I've also heard it isn't massively effective for scalp psoriasis.

Sorry for the long post!

OP posts:
igotdemons · 15/11/2020 21:12

Hi OP, fellow psoriasis sufferer here! 👋🏻

I don’t think any dermatologist would recommend UV light treatment for scalp psoriasis as when I had it they said they would have to give me something else for my scalp. I hope they can suggest something for you that works. I’ve had prescription shampoos and scalp tonics and nothing has really worked for me unfortunately. Even when I am in remission my scalp and ears are always flaky! 😔 The only I have found that’s slightly effective for me is OGX apple cider vinegar shampoo and OGX apple cider vinegar hair rinse. I use these together every time I wash my hair and it does seem to help. I hope your dermatologist can suggest something that helps you 🙂 It’s such an awful condition! 😖

user1471518104 · 15/11/2020 21:14

Methotrexate. It changed my life. I had to ask for it and have regular blood tests but I have no side effects apart fork complexly clear skin

quittingdaily · 15/11/2020 21:56

Methotrexate here too, a complete game changer. My skin hasn't looked this clear in years.

fellowsufferer · 15/11/2020 22:02

Hello

I'm a fellow psoriasis sufferer. I have it on the bottom of my foot

Originally mostly cleared up after a visit to dermatologist 2 years ago and a plan of various creams (Enstilar, elecon and curatderm ?)

It's gradually got worse and spread from what was a small patch on the side of my foot to all under my foot. I started up the original treatment plan but it no longer works for me. I'm aware I'm on the strongest steroids so don't know where to turn next. It's awful and I really feel your pain and I have no advice I'm sorry. I'm aware I probably need to see a derm again but I'm scared they will give me methotrexate and I don't want it.....but I don't know why?

user1471459444 · 15/11/2020 22:04

Thanks so much for your posts. I am really hoping that methotrexate is an option that's on the table - was it difficult to have prescribed? The only break I've ever had from it is when I was pregnant - it was amazing but came back with such a vengeance!

OP posts:
user1471459444 · 15/11/2020 22:12

I really feel for you with it on your foot - must be horrific. Methotrexate is quite a powerful drug, my mum took it for breast cancer - so I understand the hesitance. I'm just so so tired of avoiding hairdressers and washing enstilar off my hair, I'm so ready to try something else now!

I'm very lucky I don't have the arthritis to go with it though - my poor friend has psoriatic arthritis and it's terrible.

OP posts:
user1471518104 · 15/11/2020 23:10

@user1471459444

I really feel for you with it on your foot - must be horrific. Methotrexate is quite a powerful drug, my mum took it for breast cancer - so I understand the hesitance. I'm just so so tired of avoiding hairdressers and washing enstilar off my hair, I'm so ready to try something else now!

I'm very lucky I don't have the arthritis to go with it though - my poor friend has psoriatic arthritis and it's terrible.

I had to ask a number of times and really Insist.
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