Psoriasis Treatment while nursing

hello, I have Scalp psoriasis and I went to my dermatologist for a treatment while nursing and he gave me Liden Gel, which has steroids, he said that it would have no to minimal effects on the baby but later I found out on the internet that steroids have MANY side effects for my baby. Needles to say I'll change my dermatologist, considering I specifically asked for something that would NOT affect my baby.
Is there a treatment that does NOT contain steroids. Can I use tar shampoos? I do not know why he did not recommend light therapy, is it not cover by insurance? I was so happy with my Dermatologist, but now I feel betrayed somehow.
Is there a treatment at all, I guess I would have be fine if he had said there is nothing I can give you while you're nursing. Did anyone follow a treatment while nursing?
thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Psoriasis is generally a disease of the skin and leads to development of patches of well defined scaly, flaky areas on the skin. Areas involved usually are knees, elbows, shin and extensor portions of the body.

It has a genetic and immune component related. It is not contagious.

Lesions in psoriasis are recurrent in quite a few cases and therefore require long term medication.

As a first step, medicated ointments or creams like corticosteroids, cvutamin D analogues, anthralin, etc, called topical treatments, are applied to the skin.

If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired goal then the next step is to expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation or PUVA therapy (PSORALEN +UV-A). This is called phototherapy.

The third step involves the use of medications which are taken by pills or injection including methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids.. This approach is called systemic treatment.

Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing.

More information on Psoriasis may be found at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis

and

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/psoriasis/article_em.htm

Let us know if you need any further information.

Regards