severe plaque psoriasis

[denichi]

my son has severe plaque psoriasis.  he is on medicare and dovonex is not covered.  What other medicine can he use and is there any financial assistance.?  Help, we are desperate

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. There are many treatment options for psoriasis, chief ones being cognitive behavior therapy, creams containing coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids like desoximetasone, fluocinonide, vitamin D3 analogues and retinoids and phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Psoriasis that is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection.

Apart from Dovonex(Calcipotriene Ointment), these treatment options can also be used.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[LibTechie]

you should ask if Enbrel is covered. how old is your son? i've had it since i was 7, i am 37 now and i can tell you that my worst of times was being a child and teen. child because children can be so mean and as a teen because it was humiliating. as an adult i have learned to love myself for who i am but it tool many many years.

there's lots of advances on medicine. if you are close or in San Francisco, try Dr. John Koo he specialized only in psoriasis and eczema.