Psoriasis

fionny

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

anyone on the dithrocream, you just asked your doctor dermatologist? Is it for dermatitis as well? Do the effects last when you stop?

My doctor recommended it to me as Dovobet wasnt working very well after a point.

You can consult with your doctor if its suitable or not... all the documentation I have seen says psoraisis specifically.

rubadub

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

Is it for dermatitis as well? Do the effects last when you stop?

As above I have only seen it mentioned for psoriasis.

I am not sure how long it lasts but what attracted me was that there was no risk of rebound effects like you risk with steroid creams.

It is prescription only here. In the UK up to 1% strength is OTC.

If looking up studies the actual drug is called dithranol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dithranol

kyeev

Dubl07 wrote: »

It's usually a hospital dermatology consultant who refers you to a daycare clinic. They'll do tests on your skin to see how tolerant you are of the prescribed wavelength. You might be referred for PUVA (psoralen and UVA) which could be either medicated baths + light or tablets + light, or you could be referred for UVB - no meds, just light. You strip off, remove all piercings, tie up long hair, put on goggles/protective facemask and step into a light box - for all the world like a tanning booth but rather stronger. In my case it was usually three times a week with the time/intensity ramping up a little each time. Your GP or specialist nurse should be able to talk you through it all in more detail before referring you to a consultant.

I'm just back from my annual 2 week "psoriasis treatment" in Portugal.
Out of the 2 weeks, I got about 7 or 8 good days of sunshine.
I have sallow skin that is well adapted to taking the sun, so don't have to use high factor sun screen.
So as usual, it has massively calmed the itch especially on my right leg, which was driving me to distraction.
The worst patch on my right arm has also noticeably reduced in red/flakeyness.
The two patches on my left hand look much the same, the skin around them is brown but the patches remain pretty red.

So does anyone know, is it the suns rays (UVA/UVB) that is doing this calm down or is it the increase in vitamin D made in the skin?

rizzee

Back from Doc, on the waiting list for my 2nd round of light therapy now.

Gael23

kyeev wrote: »

I'm just back from my annual 2 week "psoriasis treatment" in Portugal.
Out of the 2 weeks, I got about 7 or 8 good days of sunshine.
I have sallow skin that is well adapted to taking the sun, so don't have to use high factor sun screen.
So as usual, it has massively calmed the itch especially on my right leg, which was driving me to distraction.
The worst patch on my right arm has also noticeably reduced in red/flakeyness.
The two patches on my left hand look much the same, the skin around them is brown but the patches remain pretty red.

So does anyone know, is it the suns rays (UVA/UVB) that is doing this calm down or is it the increase in vitamin D made in the skin?

Its the exposure to UV light. A holiday is the best treatment of all in my experience, but the relief is only temprorary.

sheep?

I used to live in Japan, and cycled to work every day, walked everywhere etc...

I got a crap load of sun and it definitely helped me. I was on dovobet/dovonex in Ireland, but over there I wasn't on any prescription meds for two years and never had any problems. Probably helped that I ate a lot of fish.

But anyway, back in Ireland and the two Ds are pissing me off. I'm about to start methotrexate, so fingers crossed....

suttonboi1

So are trying loads of different treatments for P, I have finally been placed on Fumaderm tablets. Im in my late 20's and have had P for as long as I have known.

Ive had UV treatment, steroid creams, tar treatments etc. Although the UV cleared me for c.5 months or so it wasnt a long term fix and ive already 4 courses so the derm is reluctant to go down that road again.

So yesterday I started on one tablet of Fumaderm which will step up to 2 next week, 3 in two weeks time and 4 in three weeks time after which i have my next appointment with my derm.

I have read about all the side effects of the treatment however I think to have my skin clear I am willing to give it a go.

I plan to keep posting regularly here to keep everyone up to day with how I am getting on.

Wish me look.

Lets do this.

suttonboi1

sheep? wrote: »

I used to live in Japan, and cycled to work every day, walked everywhere etc...

I got a crap load of sun and it definitely helped me. I was on dovobet/dovonex in Ireland, but over there I wasn't on any prescription meds for two years and never had any problems. Probably helped that I ate a lot of fish.

But anyway, back in Ireland and the two Ds are pissing me off. I'm about to start methotrexate, so fingers crossed....

Did you have a choice of Methotrexate or Fumaderm? If so can i ask why you went for Methotrexate? Would be great if you could keep us all updated on your progress!

sheep?

Hey suttenboi!

I actually didn't, your post is the first I've ever heard of Fumaderm. I had the choice of methotrexate or light therapy. I've had the light treatment before, and it worked quite wellish, but I was living in Dublin at the time. I'm in Wexford now, so it's impractical. So, I went with the methotrexate (especially since I don't drink).

The doctor is sending down the prescription (I had to get bloods taken first), and I should be starting it next week. Lots of bloods to be taken! Have to get my GP to take them a week after I start the treatment, and again I have to see my Dermatologist 4 weeks after that.

I'll keep you posted!

wonga77

Ive been very busy the last while with work and study and ive hardly had anything to drink for about 2 months, bar one night at a stag. Havent noticed any improvement whatsoever in my psoriasis which is disappointing

Lady is a tramp

wonga77 wrote: »

Ive been very busy the last while with work and study and ive hardly had anything to drink for about 2 months, bar one night at a stag. Havent noticed any improvement whatsoever in my psoriasis which is disappointing

In my case there's a very noticeable and marked link between my psoriasis and alcohol. When my psoriasis is bad, it's all over and about as severe as any case I've ever seen. When I'm abstinent from alcohol (like now, and hopefully forever) it pretty much disappears. Takes a couple of weeks of abstinence for it to start clearing up though. Sorry to hear it hasn't worked for you.

rubadub

Alcohol is said to effect men more than women.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/alcohol-and-psoriasis-why-they-dont-always-mix.aspx

Psoriasis flares. Many psoriasis patients find that when they drink alcohol, their psoriasis flares. This seems to be an issue more with men than women who have psoriasis. “It’s not entirely clear why there’s a connection between psoriasis outbreaks and consuming substantial amounts of alcohol,” says Dr. Evans, “but the evidence suggests there is.”

I heard this before but don't think I saw the next bit.

The type of drink you choose may also make a difference. In a recent study, only consumption of non-light beer seemed to be associated with the development of psoriasis. Drinking more than five non-light beers per week nearly doubled the risk. Light beer, white or red wine, and liquor did not, which led the researchers at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston University to suspect the gluten in the barley in beer may be the issue. Although light beer does contain gluten, smaller amounts of grain are used in the production of light beer.

I would guess a higher % of males drink beer than women, so wonder if this is why less women appear to have an issue.

suttonboi1

sheep? wrote: »

Hey suttenboi!

I actually didn't, your post is the first I've ever heard of Fumaderm. I had the choice of methotrexate or light therapy. I've had the light treatment before, and it worked quite wellish, but I was living in Dublin at the time. I'm in Wexford now, so it's impractical. So, I went with the methotrexate (especially since I don't drink).

The doctor is sending down the prescription (I had to get bloods taken first), and I should be starting it next week. Lots of bloods to be taken! Have to get my GP to take them a week after I start the treatment, and again I have to see my Dermatologist 4 weeks after that.

I'll keep you posted!

I was given the two options from my derm... Went with the Fumaderm as didn't think the side effects appeared to be as severe! I'm the same bloods all taken and I am back with the derm in four weeks...

So far I'm on day 2 of my treatment and no side effects noted yet, which is good as from reading other posts on it they can be severe and instant with some people...

rizzee

Has anyone used "normal" sunbeds in shops/gyms etc? I keep getting people saying to try it out.

rubadub

I got my urea cream to mix with dithranol. Studies showed a 0.2% dithranol & 17% urea cream worked best.

Mine is 25% urea and also has vitamin E (also said to be benefical). It is on offer in boots
http://www.boots.ie/en/CCS-Heel-Balm-75g_8742/

rizzee wrote: »

Has anyone used "normal" sunbeds in shops/gyms etc? I keep getting people saying to try it out.

if going to one I would definitely try and find one which has "vitamin d tubes"

Gael23

rizzee wrote: »

Has anyone used "normal" sunbeds in shops/gyms etc? I keep getting people saying to try it out.

That is not recommended. Those "Normal" sunbeams emit massively higher levels of UV light and are really not safe, thats why so many places no longer offer them.

sheep?

suttonboi1 wrote: »

I was given the two options from my derm... Went with the Fumaderm as didn't think the side effects appeared to be as severe! I'm the same bloods all taken and I am back with the derm in four weeks...

So far I'm on day 2 of my treatment and no side effects noted yet, which is good as from reading other posts on it they can be severe and instant with some people...

I hope it starts to work out for you, and keep us up to date!

rizzee

Gael23 wrote: »

That is not recommended. Those "Normal" sunbeams emit massively higher levels of UV light and are really not safe, thats why so many places no longer offer them.

Yeah, I was thinking that. Got some D3 tablets there to try out.

I work night shifts so obviously don't get as much daylight which doesn't help at all!

fionny

rizzee wrote: »

Yeah, I was thinking that. Got some D3 tablets there to try out.

I work night shifts so obviously don't get as much daylight which doesn't help at all!

there is a crowd here in cork that rents out the UVB lamps inlcuding a bed for psoriasis treatment.

Personally I bought a cheap and cheerful handheld UVB lamp on ebay which has done the job nicely as a side measure... once I get the P under control it will be idea for any emerging patches.

suttonboi1

Day 7 - Again nothing really to report. No side effects noted yet. Stepping up to two tablets a day from today so here's hoping I continue to avoid the nasty side effects.

Nothing to report on the skin front either. I was told to expect 4-6 weeks before I should expect to notice any improvement in the skin. Only wish I started this course 3 months or so ago so I could be clear/presentable for this nice weather we are having.

rizzee

fionny wrote: »

there is a crowd here in cork that rents out the UVB lamps inlcuding a bed for psoriasis treatment.

Personally I bought a cheap and cheerful handheld UVB lamp on ebay which has done the job nicely as a side measure... once I get the P under control it will be idea for any emerging patches.

Any chance of a link to the one/similar one you bought? The ones I see on eBay are mad money!

Mountainsandh

Same here, and it'd be so hard to pick something that looks genuine for cheaper. The Phillips bulbs are dear (for my budget anyway). Seriously considering it though, I'm going through a bad patch and short sleeves time approaching, and shorter trousers, open shoes, beach or swimming pool times ...

I've a patch under one of my forearms that's like armor at the moment, you know, the ones that merge and it becomes one long patch with no healthy space. I'd love a lamp for that.

rubadub

rizzee wrote: »

Any chance of a link to the one/similar one you bought? The ones I see on eBay are mad money!

I have posted before about the cheapest way to get them, buying a lamp which takes that type of bulb and buying the philips bulb separately from a reputable seller.

All the small ones use the same 9W philips bulb. In recent years cheaper generic bulbs have come out but studies showed the light output was not as good.

They appear time to time on adverts. I have seen some poor quality ones on adverts too though.

Here is a larger one http://www.adverts.ie/other-health-beauty/uvb-lamp/10320094

This is the small one I would get. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dermalight-Comb-Psoriasis-Treatment-Medically-Certified/dp/B0069RLGM4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461491403&sr=8-2&keywords=uvb+therapy
it has light tube things to shine light in against the scalp if you have long hair.

suttonboi1

rubadub wrote: »

I have posted before about the cheapest way to get them, buying a lamp which takes that type of bulb and buying the philips bulb separately from a reputable seller.

All the small ones use the same 9W philips bulb. In recent years cheaper generic bulbs have come out but studies showed the light output was not as good.

They appear time to time on adverts. I have seen some poor quality ones on adverts too though.

Here is a larger one

This is the small one I would get.
it has light tube things to shine light in against the scalp if you have long hair.

Interesting to hear about people using these, I have 4 UV courses of treatment in Vincent's but they said any more would significantly increase the chances of developing skin cancer.

Do you use these on an ongoing basis? Have you spoken to your derm about they?

Dubl07

rubadub wrote: »

I have posted before about the cheapest way to get them, buying a lamp which takes that type of bulb and buying the philips bulb separately from a reputable seller.

All the small ones use the same 9W philips bulb. In recent years cheaper generic bulbs have come out but studies showed the light output was not as good.

They appear time to time on adverts. I have seen some poor quality ones on adverts too though.

Here is a larger one http://www.adverts.ie/other-health-beauty/uvb-lamp/10320094

This is the small one I would get. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dermalight-Comb-Psoriasis-Treatment-Medically-Certified/dp/B0069RLGM4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461491403&sr=8-2&keywords=uvb+therapy
it has light tube things to shine light in against the scalp if you have long hair.

Please, please don't go down the route of intense uvb without supervision. It's so easy to tip over into melanoma territory.

rubadub

suttonboi1 wrote: »

I have 4 UV courses of treatment in Vincent's but they said any more would significantly increase the chances of developing skin cancer.

was this PUVA, BB-UVB or NB-UVB, the PUVA certainly has increased risks, studies I read on NB-UVB have shown little or no increase.

Skatedude

So I had Psoriasis on my scalp years ago in my teens and it cleared up and havent had any issues in the last 25 years, but lately now that i'm in my forties that its started to flare up on my back and arms. Bit unusual as it was normally on your scalp or your arms etc and not normal to switch?

Nizoral shampoo worked great on my scalp, but now not sure how to deal with in on my back and arms, e45 helps but only as a relief.
I was thinking that hard water might be an issue or stress but not sure? Any advise?

Gael23

Skatedude wrote: »

So I had Psoriasis on my scalp years ago in my teens and it cleared up and havent had any issues in the last 25 years, but lately now that i'm in my forties that its started to flare up on my back and arms. Bit unusual as it was normally on your scalp or your arms etc and not normal to switch?

Nizoral shampoo worked great on my scalp, but now not sure how to deal with in on my back and arms, e45 helps but only as a relief.
I was thinking that hard water might be an issue or stress but not sure? Any advise?

It's really hard to know what your trigger is, 12 years on and I haven't found out. I would suggest you see your GP about it, E45 helps but as you have found out only as relief. Your GP will either prescribe you a cream or send you to a specialist Dermatologist.

rubadub

Skatedude wrote: »

Nizoral shampoo worked great on my scalp, but now not sure how to deal with in on my back and arms,

You could try nizoral on your back & arms. These "shampoos" like nizoral or polytar shampooo are not really for cleaning hair. It is more a cream which is lathered and so easier to apply to the scalp. leave it on for a few mins and rinse off.

3 How to use Nizoral shampoo
2 What you need to know before you use Nizoral
shampoo
Always use this medicine exactly as your
doctor has told you. Nizoral shampoo is for
use on your hair or skin only. Check with
your doctor or pharmacist if you are not
sure.
How often you should use Nizoral
shampoo
The recommended dose is:
For dandruff or dry or greasy scaling
of the skin
• Start by using the shampoo twice a week
• You should use it every 3 or 4 days for
2 to 4 weeks
• You should then use the shampoo once
every 1 to 2 weeks to stop the symptoms
coming back
• Do not use the shampoo more often than
your doctor has told you
For white to brown patches on the skin
• You should use the shampoo on the
white to brown patches of skin once
a day for up to 5 days
• If the white to brown patches become
more noticeable when you have been
in the sun:
- You should use the shampoo once
a day for 3 days before you next expose
your skin to the sun
• Do not use the shampoo more often than
your doctor has told you
Using Nizoral shampoo
• Wash your hair or infected part of skin
with the shampoo
• Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly
If Nizoral shampoo gets in your
eyes
Gently bathe your eyes in cold water.
Using your normal shampoo
• If you need to wash your hair between
treatments, use a normal shampoo
• If your hair is very thick or long, you can
wash it with your usual shampoo and
then use Nizoral shampoo

There is nizoral cream too. I did not like the fact the shampoo contains sodium lauryl sulphate -a foaming agent known to cause problems.

rubadub

Dubl07 wrote: »

Please, please don't go down the route of intense uvb without supervision. It's so easy to tip over into melanoma territory.

Have you any links to studies about this for narrowband UVB? (not PUVA or broadband UVB) Anybody who posted here was using narrowband UVB. I have been searching again and still find nothing.