Hello

All new to this on my 'journey' finding I would like to talk to people who are going through the same as me.  Like to keep things short and to the point so here goes

2009 said I had RA when through mandatory 3 treatments before bios which took 2 years
2011 to 2014. Muddling along moved from Scotland to england! back to scratch as its ANOTHER country
Then in 2016 new consultant said its psoriasis arthritis and as treatment is similar to RA continue with bios, but still no relief so next week going to ask for otezla as now on NICE list can anyone give advise and support

Waiting with hope back in my heart x

Hi everyone. My name is Kath. I have had psoriasis since I was 4. I am 57 so basically all of my life. However, for the first time I have inverse psoriasis and I am really struggling.

Sorry, this may be too much information but it is under my boobs, in the fold of skin under my stomach, at the top of my bottom and even in my belly button. It is very red, inflamed and wet.

I hate steroid cream but am trying it. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what had helped them.

Thanks in advance xx

starting otezla today,, 3 months worth of tablets, fingers crossed,

Does anyone believe biological drugs have caused them to gain weight?

Cos I do.. it would be interesting to hear whether others feel the same. I've enjoyed lovely clear skin all this year but have got bigger - of course it could be unrelated but my weight generally stays about the same normally.

Hey! I suffer all the time from psoriasis and it's getting worse. Need help and hope for future treatment options.

I'll be stopping by periodically. If you are reading this, I'm sorry about your condition. It sucks.

Hi all,

I've been lurking on this site for a while now, so I finally decided to de-lurk.  This is a fantastic forum, thank you all for making it such an interesting and informative site. I've followed Caroline's topics about psorinovo and auto-vaccination, and Bill's amazing thread of how DMF has helped him.

Hmm, not sure what else to say.  Maybe the cat will let go of my tongue at some point.

Cheers,
Kerry

Hi everyone my name is Des and reside in the UK. I have psoriasis on my scalp. I would like to share my opinion on the three Sorion products I started using three weeks ago. I started with the shampoo which I have used every day. I also use the head fluid and the ointment. As I say I have been using the products for three weeks and in my case everything is improving by the day.

I was prescribed Dovabet by my GP which helps but if I missed a couple of days back it came. I know there is no cure but Sorion certainly helps me.

hi guys
here is what i am taking as doctor advise.
Methotrexate 2.5mg five tablets once in a week.
megatar tar base shampoo for my scalp.
this is the third month of treatment with methotrexate.
in the first month, i took three tablets once a week.
second month four tablets once a week.
after two months there is no visible improvement.
there is ointment also which is made by my doctor.i am sure it's not made by any kind of asteroid.from smell  i can say that there is brimstone mixture in it.it is effective  for removing flakes.but when i stop using it flakes come back. 
now i am in my third month of treatment from starting today.
and i am worried about side effects.
pls share your opinions and experience
thanks

Hi all, I'm trying to sort out how to update my profile on the forum, but can't seem to see how to - any info please would be great, thanks.

hi guys
first my enlish is not good as you guys, but i will try my best to write to this intro.
i am Psoriasis sufferer from Pakistan.it started around 7 years ago.in the start, i use some ointments without going to doctor but it worsen my condition.then i consult with a skin doctor who told me its Psoriasis which has no cure.but at that time it was not spread on all my body, so i did not worry about it much.he advises me to use some ointments which help me in the start, and it stayed under control.
but now i don't know what happen it spread on my all body.only my visible areas are not affected that much.
it is making me socially frighten.i don't want others to see my affected skin because maybe they will think something bad about me or they frighten from me because my disease can affect them also.
i am getting treatment from the doctor.he advises me to take 4 pills every week and applying an ointment.i am getting this treatment from two months.
but my condition is still same.the doctor told it would time to control it.but when i see my body it depresses me.
only my wife know about the condition, and she is helping me allot in treatment.i always try to cover my body so nobody can see my affected skin.
so guys this is my Psoriasis sotry.

I've been experiencing terrible break out for the past month. My dermatologist appointment is it until September 13th and I'm running out of options to stop itching can someone please help.

Hello all,

Has anyone here had problems with cellulitis with their psoriasis?  In the last year, I have developed venous insufficiency  in my lower right leg.  A small nick or bump on my leg turned into a wound and required wound care.  Most of last summer, I was wrapped up in dressings for that.  I have palmar/plantar psoriasis.  It improved, but throughout the year, the wound never quite healed.  Now, with the summer heat, it is back again.  My concern is that the cellulitis is lower on my ankle and closer to the cracks on my heel associated with the psoriasis.  I have been on repeat courses of antibiotics when it was appropriate with skin cultures and fever.  My wound care doctor advised me not to have anymore courses of antibiotics.  I understand that I don't want to take too many because of resistance.  I take a good probiotic daily.  My concern is that if there is bacterial infection, it could cause a staff infection or worse.  Can psoriatic patients have more trouble with infection due to open skin in an area close to the cellulitis?  Any thoughts or suggestions?

Hello everyone!

So, after over 2.5 years on Fumaderm, I've unfortunately made the choice to move on to methotrexate as fumaderm was failing. I'm really disappointed that it stopped working, as it was amazing when it worked. I have just picked up my first prescription from the pharmacy for methotrexate, starting on 2.5 mgs.

I was told to take it in the evenings, so the possible nausea won't interfere with my day. Does anyone else have any other advice to help with possible side effects? Also, I asked about alcohol intake, and was told that the odd drink (as long as I wasn't consistently drinking) should be okay. I do like the odd drink or three at the weekend, has anyone had any negative side effects from the odd drink?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to reply and/or give advice.

Hi all,

I'm new here, found the club by searching something about psoriasis on google.
I started getting scalp psoriasis in 2011, it got much worse after my dad died. Eventually I went to the GP and got given some betnovate. No real follow up planned, eventually went back and was prescribed sebco. Stinky horrible stuff but damn effective. Since then it's been much better and much worse! I've had stronger steroid applications. 

I started fertility treatment in 2015, and the stress and having my hormones messed with seemed to trigger guttate psoriasis, which was all over my body in little spots, and is now slightly better controlled with mainly flexures and legs being affected. Afternoon a long battle with the GP prior to starting IVF in 2016 I was finally referred to a dermo. I've had various topical treatment since but had to hold off having light therapy as my fertility consultant didn't want me to have it whilst having IVF. (Logistically impossible anyway) 

Well, fast forward to now, unfortunately fertility treatment didn't work, so I am due to start light therapy next week. My psoriasis has been quite good over the spring/summer months as I've been outside a lot, plenty of Vit D! Hoping light therapy helps going into winter cos that's when it hotbed bad again last time. 

I'm seeking natural/holistic ways of managing it. Reducing stress with complementary therapies, currently seeing a medicinal herbalist and planning to try some dietary measures e.g. limiting/eliminating dairy intake. 

Can't wait to make some buddies connecting on here. It can be very isolating.

All the best to everyone,

Lou x

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with psoriasis 10 years ago and, before that, I struggled on and off with eczema since I was a child. In addition to using Daivobet, my dermatologist suggested one round of PUVA treatment, which worked amazingly and I was more or less psoriasis free for 3-4 years.

My psoriasis returned in full-force after the birth of both of my children. After my first child, I did another round of PUVA therapy, which was moderately successful. The psoriasis cleared up, but I had returning small patches which I would treat with Daivobet.

After my second child, I did a third and much longer round of PUVA therapy, but the psoriasis returned the moment I stopped. My dermatologist had said that PUVA was my last option, so I pretty much gave up on treatment altogether and decided I would wear long-sleeves and long pants for the rest of my life. It was so time-consuming to visit the dermatologist 3 times a week for light therapy - I was so happy for it to be over!

By coincidence, I went to see a different dermatologist for a different problem, and upon hearing about my continuing battles with psoriasis, she suggested that I try Acitretin/Neotigason. I started with 25mg per day and my psoriasis cleared up completely after 2 weeks! 

I have been taking Acitretin/Neotigason 25mg for 3 months now, and my skin looks completely normal, except for some brown patches from the PUVA. Otherwise, I can actually wear a bikini in public which is something I haven't done in over 7 years!

Of course, I have quite a few side effects from using Acitretin/Neotigason 25mg, which is why I wanted to share this post. My side effects include:
* Extremely dry skin. I have to be religious about moisturising day and night, otherwise my dry skin becomes itchy and irritated. If I scratch my skin, it can bleed easily because it is so sensitive now. I use QV Intensive Body Moisturiser (a product from Australia) which I slather on after my shower in the evening. The texture is a bit like Vaseline but it does a remarkable job of moisturising and keeping the skin soft. It's a bit greasy after you apply it, but it absorbs into the skin rather quickly. 

* Dry hands and feet. In addition to moisturising my body at least once a day, I have to moisturise my hands constantly throughout the day. I have flaky skin all over my palms and the soles of my feet. I'm a bit self-conscious about my dry hands, especially when I'm at a store and I have to hold out my hand for change and the shop assistant will look alarmed at the sight of my dry hands, but I'm happy to accept this over having plaques all over my body! 

* Dry lips. I noticed my dry lips within a few days of starting Acitretin/Neotigason. At first, it was very uncomfortable because no amount of lip balm could make my lips feel normal, but I think I am either used to it now, or it is not as dry as before.

Overall, when I weigh up the side effects to having psoriasis all over my body, I'm happy to put up with the dry skin. My dermatologist wants me to continue for another 2 months before reducing the dosage. I hope the psoriasis will keep at bay for a long time after this because, for once, it is so nice to have clear skin, especially in summer!

I hope my experience above will be helpful to anyone who is considering treatment with Acitretin or Neotigason. I would love to hear about other people's experience also!

Hi all - 

I just wanted to introduce myself and share my story in a succinct manner.  

- Diagnosed with psoriasis in 1988 after a bout of pneumonia.  I was 17 and it was awful.

- From 1989 to 2004, I had my own skin lamp.  It was huge and felt like a physical and mental anchor.  My condition was so bad that I would have to take it home with me on breaks from college (fortunately I went to school only an hour away).  It was ok - the natural sun was better - but it helped keep things in check.  It did nothing for my scalp.  Looking back on this period, I am not sure how I made it through.  I wanted to study abroad, live in NYC, etc. but the need for this lamp made those plans next to impossible.

- In 2004, I moved to Florida from Atlanta.  I got rid of the lamp as the bulbs were done and I just didn't feel like dealing with it anymore.  From 2004 - 2011, natural sun and various creams helped a little.  I guess I just grinned and bore it.

- In 2011, my skin got really bad and I took the plunge with Humira. Within a few weeks, I was getting clear.

- In 2015, plaques returned to my legs.  I started on Otezla along with the Humira and that did the trick.

- In 2017, I had to switch insurance and my new carrier (Florida Blue) would not cover Humira and Otezla.  So my derm switched me to Stelara which was a complete failure.  The dosing intervals were too far apart and the plaques returned in full force to my legs.  

- I went back on Otezla and decided to fight the insurance company but it's a difficult battle.  It will only approve 1 biologic.

- So now, I've just begun Cosentyx.  I had the first two doses last week.  Haven't seen much improvement and my plaques are itchier than ever.  I am hoping I have good results.  Been kind of lethargic from it and usually I am pretty high energy.

My derm wanted me to try Tremfya (a new med from Jaansen) which was approved in June.  Two other derms had never heard of it so I opted not to be one of the first to try.

I should also mention that I have been self-employed since 2001.  I was on my wife's corporate plan from 2005 to 2011.  However, when we were done with Cobra, trying to get insurance was such an uphill battle.  Fortunately, Obamacare kicked in right when I needed to get a new plan and that allowed me to get my meds covered.  Otherwise, no carrier would insure me.

I can't afford $25,000/year in meds but I can afford good insurance.  However, our system is so messed up that it's just hard to buy it no matter if you can afford it.  I have no clue if Florida Blue will approve the Cosentyx (especially since we're in appeal on the Otezla - I don't even know how to cancel an appeal or what number to call to do so!).  It is such a mess and new legislation doesn't seem to address any issues of mine.  

So anyway, greetings.  Please send some good vibes that Consentyx is going to work for me! Thanks,

Jonathan

I am aware of a problem with Emails from Psoriasis Club.

If you are an existing member you will not be getting any notification emails. This affects notifications of new posts/threads if you subscribe. It also effects notifications of a PM.

If you are a new member trying to register you will not receive the conformation email to complete registration of your account.

I apologise for the inconvenience and will get the problem sorted as soon as possible.

Should you have any problems or questions please post here and I'll answer as soon as a I can.

If you are trying to register for membership please use the Contact Form which you can find 2nd left on the bottom menu bar.

Fred.

I have had P for 17 years ..scalp, toenails, knees etc  and then about a month ago I noticed red patches on both sides of my mouth that went up to the edges of my nose. It was itchy, burning and very painful. It felt as though I had food caked onto my face.
I seen my GP straight away who confirmed my worst fear. The P had began on my face. She prescribed a betamethasone cream which helped at first but then got worse  WAY worse.
I go for light therapy 2X a week at my Derm. office so on my next visit I had him look at it.He concurred it was P as well, Agreed I continue with the cream and expose it to the lights.
This just aggravated it. The burning pain was horrible. This continued for 2 weeks,, I went in again to see the derm. who took a closer look and said "you know this could be perioral dermatitis"  so I discontinued all use of steriod topicals , and was given a RX for another topical and the rash is now near gone!
I wanted to share this in case others have this exp. I am thankful that the P has not moved to my face
Perioral dermatitis can occur for many reasons but is very common on someone who uses topical steriod creams or elecom over an extended period of time

I had my Stelara yesterday, and the nurse told me about Humira having had an ingredients change - I don't know if anyone else knew this?

He said they changed the preservative because it used to sting so much, but afterwards people started saying it wasn't working as well. They claimed the ingredient change shouldn't cause it to work any differently, but anecdotally it may have. I don't know when the change came about but when I tried it it didn't sting, nor did the drug work on me.

Hello, I hope it's okay to start a new thread. I tried searching to see if there was one for this topic, and didn't see one, but I'm new to the forum so could be wrong. 
I have been on a corticosteriod (Clobetosal .05%) for the last 2-3 weeks for the first time in 17 years for fairly vigorous guttate psoriasis. The intent was just to give me a break, and boy have I enjoyed it! but now I need to taper off. Any advice? I figure I'll start with going to once a day, then every other day then after that maybe begin to add plain lotion to the bottle to weaken strength? Or is that last bit unnecessary?
I would like to hope that I won't have a massive flare as I taper off. I know it's a possibility. If at all possible, please do not reply with horror stories, because I want to remain positive and hopeful! Thank you for understanding.