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Psoriasis help

10 replies

Beeyou1 · 19/03/2021 08:35

Please can you tell me your best tips for managing psoriasis. Mine's spreading so fast. I've seen a dermatologist and will have a prescription soon but in the meantime, what moisturisers do you recommend? I'm using Aveeno but it stings. Also is there a shower gel or soap that has made your symptoms worse?

I was only diagnosed last week but I've had this for 2 years but took me ages to get beyond the GP. Thanks.

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firsttimemummyd · 19/03/2021 08:41

I've had it for years and feel for you.

I recommend you buy aqueous cream as that can give relief, also the child's farm range of bubble bath and moisturiser is very gentle and also provides some relief to me.

Spandang · 19/03/2021 08:53

I’ve had psoriasis since I was 14 (now 35).

It was so bad when I was younger it practically covered my legs, elbows and scalp. Sad

I used Dovebet/steroids on and off for years and while it reduced the area that is annoying you at the moment, it can’t be used either any kind of longevity. I ended up playing whack-a-mole with my body because as one bit went down it would appear somewhere else.

The best medicated treatments I’ve found:

Capasal shampoo - for scalp

MG217 coal tar formula - the one that is truly disgusting with a texture like Vaseline. But it really, really does work.

Antihistamine- I used to take them every day, and this was really when I started to see the first reduction in angriness and flakiness.

Best non-medicated treatments:

Hands down, without a doubt, sunshine.

Having an awareness of your stress level and doing something about it. It does get worse with stress (I find).

Having an awareness of triggers or allergies and doing something about it. For example, whenever I drink cheap beer, my psoriasis flares. When I drink a ‘pure’ spirit like gin or vodka with tonic, it doesn’t. I used to eat a lot of cheese, dairy, yoghurt (which it transpires I’m allergic to) and actually cutting those out has made a huge difference. Not at all suggesting you do FODMAP or anything but, I think we all know when we feel bloated or our gums itch or have a poorly tummy, just listening a bit more to your body can really help.

Use a natural soap - I’ve been using goats milk, but I’ve found sodium laureath sulphate based products (for me) cause irritation. Cutting them out made a huge difference.

Absolutely do not: use Aqueous cream on wet skin. Whatever any doctor tells you, it’s a lie, you will end up feeling like you want to rip your skin off.

Beeyou1 · 19/03/2021 08:54

Thank you @firsttimemummyd I'll look into both of these. Think I have psoriatic arthritis too as I've been diagnosed with sjogren's syndrome but the symptoms don't quite fit. Thanks again!

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RandomMess · 19/03/2021 08:56

In terms of moisturising creams it's trial and error as people react differently.

Yes look at your diet, cut out the crap and look out for things that aggravate it.

Sunshine absolutely, I am seriously considering a sun bed!!!

Stress is also huge.

Lots of self care.

We had lots of good results with Dermol cream/wash.

RandomMess · 19/03/2021 09:00

Are you in much pain? Have you got a referral to rheumatology?

DH has PA - clean up your diet, took him 10 years to do that 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ made a huge difference!

When he first took methotrexate for the PA his skin cleared up amazingly and it's never been as bad again.

He has been on methotrexate on two different occasions but if that doesn't work there are loads of different things they will try. Getting the correct treatment for it is crucial otherwise it's damaging your joints Sad

Also when his hands and feet are bad he needs to carry on using them and exercise through the pain.

Runningincircles · 19/03/2021 09:00

I've had it for years, mostly scalp psoriasis and bit on my legs. I also have psoriatic arthritis.
I had an appointment with my consultant over the phone this week and she asked me to try taking 500mg of Turmeric daily. It hasn't arrived yet, so I can't say if it works, but it is worth a try.
I use Betnovate and hydrocortisone cream, I did try Methotrexate, but the side effects were worse than the illness. Non prescribed, I use Aveno and Nizoral.

RandomMess · 19/03/2021 09:02

@Runningincircles there are other things for PA including biologicals? They are expensive but you should be getting treatment Thanks

Beeyou1 · 19/03/2021 09:19

Thanks everyone, I see a rheumatologist for Sjogrens but not discussed this with her yet, I'm going to try and get an appointment as I'm not due one until November. My joints are painful and swollen. Particularly one ankle, knee and elbow. I also have neuropathy which I'm seeing a neurologist about. It's all so slow though and frustrating. I'm exhausted. Just need someone to join all the dots up for me. Thank you for the recommendations, I'll look at these properly this evening. My diet isn't horrendous, I cook mainly vegetarian meals from scratch but there's always room for improvement. I'm going to try turmeric supplements. Thanks again.

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RandomMess · 19/03/2021 09:22

Sounds horrible, Thanks

DH gave up his Pepsi Max addiction so between the sweetners and caffeine it made a big difference.

I hope you get seen quickly and there are some drugs/treatments you can try.

Beeyou1 · 19/03/2021 09:36

Thank you randommess I used to have a pepsi max obsession too. Glad to hear your DH has had some improvement.

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