Psoriasis

[macleiory]

Hi, my husband has terrible Psoriasis on probably about 40% of his body, mostly on the bony areas that rub on clothing/hats etc.  It runs in his family with his mother and all of his siblings experiencing periodic outbreaks of varying severity.  He's tried a lot of steroid ointments and lotions that only work for a short time.  He's tried non-soap body washes, shampoos and moisturisers.  He's been told he's a perfect candidate for 'Methotrexate' which he flatly refuses to even consider (good for him - I agree!!).  We're going to try 4 weeks with a range of natural products from Melaleuca which are reputed to be helpful and he is altering his diet to remove MOST wheat and yeast products (this is hard as he LOVES his beer - Ha ha)

Can anyone make any other recomendations or share their experience as to what has been helpful for them in easing, reducing or removing the Psoratic lesions without resorting to harsh chemicals?

PS; He also suffers with Psoratic Arthritis in his finger and toe joints to the point where he can't write or put on shoes as it it too painful.  Are there any dietry supplements or vitamins he should consider (glucosamine doesn't help).

[lindsey515]

Hi there,

My experience with Methotrexate: hope it helps

I have been diagnosed with chronic/severe psoriasis. In my ears, on my scalp, on my face, my front, my back, legs...everywhere. I had tried the coal tar (over the counter) lotions, aloe body wash, aloe in general...etc etc.

I have been on methotrexate for about 4 months now, and it is no longer on my scalp, or in my ears. The doctor said I am probably about 75% clear but would like to get me to 95%, which would be a dream at this point! It sounds weird for a dermatologist to recommend, but she told me to go tanning. She said 3 min 3 times a week should help. And its way cheaper than buying a phototherapy light for your home...i checked! EEK expensive.
and your hubby wouldn't have to take his shirt of in public...

Compared to being coverd literally head to toe, after methotrexate, I have smaller than dime size spots very randomly on my sides/hip area. My calves/knees seem to be the only trouble spot I have but is NOWHERE near what it was before. I havn't had any side affects from the meds, and my bloodwork came back normal regarding liver function.

My perscription is about $7 at wal-mart.

If I could be clear without medication, it would be a bonus, but being comfortable in my skin is well worth having to take this...for now.

[macleiory]

Thank you for your information.  It's very helpful.  I think most of it's severity is stress related.  It seems to be when he's generally relaxed with life in general it eases, but flares up again pretty quickly as soon as there is one element that stays on his mind.

We've been to several dermatologists who have recommended all of the clinical treatments and we've tried most of them, but as I said, the results are short lived.  So he's become very skeptical especially considering the cost of some of the prescription medications.

We've been told that salt water (the ocean) and sunlight are very helpful in treatment as it really helped his brother.  However, my husband is VERY reluctant to shed his shirt and hat as it is quite unsightly and being a bit of a cowboy, 'I just don't do that' (His hat is is summer pajamas as my mother says.  In winter he leaves his boots on).

We're trying to do the lifestyle change thing and that combined with the mineral supplements and change of diet we HOPE will work - albeit temporarily.

I'll do some investigating on the phototherapy seeing how he doesn't want to go out in the sun all that much.

Keep the thoughts and advice coming!!!!!  There HAS to be a combination that works for him.

Thanks again

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. Psoriasis which is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection.

The three main traditional systemic treatments are methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids. Other treatment is by topical treatment like coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids and PUVA(Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy).

I sincerely suggest you to discuss these treatment options with a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

My treatment at my practice consists of liquid paraffin for ext application,zinc and omege3fatty acids internally,a course of roxithromycin for about 7days.Beer is fine .{the doctor too enjoys it}I am a bit wary of methotrexate though my peers use it with good results.Not bad provided you keep track of liver and blood profile.Also exposure to sun,stress control go a long way.Physiotherapy for the fingers,and toes a must.