Hi I'm new to this site and in of help.  I have plaque psoriasis on my face, scalp, outer and inner ears, elbows, and knees.  I don't care about all the areas except for my face and I can't find help to stop it or control it.  The only product that works so far is over the counter cortisol cream but it's a steroids.  Anyone have this on their face?

this is a trial and I may be one of 15 in the UK and 300 world wide.

HI I'm richard and I've psoriasis

I'm freaking out fellow flakers!! After almost a year of clear skin I noticed a few new spots today. Granted they are really small and maybe only six or eight total but I'm at a loss as to why. My stress is at an all time low and I'm eating and drinking the same bad stuff I always do. I want to put a stop to this pronto, without topical steroids. HELP!! And please don't say it's from eating a nightshade or drinking. I have been eating and drinking all of the wrong things for a year with zero flare ups.

Hi all, 
I am Joanne. New to this site and posting , as well. Lived with psoriasis for 40 years now. Completely clear due to Stelara, but now facing major dental issues. Saw a few threads on subject. Is anyone else suffering from this ?  Thank you.

How long to leave a cold before asking advice? And (in UK) would you approach GP or derm about it?
I have a sneezy runny nose, sore throat and cough - classic cold.

was talking to my boyfriends mum today and she was telling me her boyfriend is going into hospital next week for a week to do tar treatment and will then have light treatment after to keep him clear. I didn't even know they still done this! I used to get this done about 20 years ago when I was a little girl! Anyone else tried this in recent years?

Like all of us, I have a demanding job, a family and little time to spend by myself and there's nothing I like more than a hot bath. A long, indulgent soak in enough water to drown a large village at a temperature that Satan himself would be cautious of entering is something that I allow myself every few days. 

I take with me my iPad, a cup of tea and lay there for around two hours or so, occasionally topping myself up from the red coloured tap using my toes buying stuff I don't need from websites I don't trust enjoying music that is way outside the listening demographic of my ever-aging mind.

It has been said however that soaking in nuclear-heated water can be really bad (like really, really bad) for skin and really really really bad for psoriatic skin.

I like showers in the same way (hot hot) but invariably spend less time as I am on my way to work. 

I haven't noticed that my skin is dryer, more itchy or inflamed as it usually is but the powers that be (have you met my wife?) insists that it does. After hauling my usually pink carcass from the depths of the tub and leaving behind me a trail of mist that can only be likened to a Bollywood movie, the only difference I feel is deep in my soul. Calm, relaxed and at one with myself and the steam I have left dripping from the ceiling. 

I'm not entirely sure now whether this post is a statement or a question. Either way, I would be interested to hear what you have to say.

Fin.

An interesting little study that looked at the lengthening of time between shots of Humira (adalimumab) and Enbrel (etanercept) it concludes that it is safe, effective, and also cost effective.

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Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha therapy has changed the course of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but clinical experience about lengthening of time intervals between drug administrations is still limited.

The aims of the study were to evaluate: (1) the long-term efficacy (over a 4-year period) of etanercept/adalimumab in a subset of PsA patients who did not require switches; and (2) the progressive lengthening of time intervals between treatments in patients who achieved minimal disease activity (MDA).

PsA outpatients attending the Rheumatology Clinic-University of Padova who took a single anti-TNF agent (etanercept/adalimumab) for a 4-year period were studied. Therapy efficacy was assessed using clinical, biochemical, and disease activity (DA) indexes. The intervals between treatments were empirically and progressively lengthened after MDA was reached and maintained. One hundred and forty-one patients (mean age, 51.22 ± 12.34 years; mean disease duration, 12.1 ± 8.42 years) treated with etanercept/adalimumab (47.5% and 52.5%, respectively) were studied. DA indexes showed a marked, persistent improvement in all the patients throughout 4 years. The interval between injections could be extended in 46.1% of the patients (35% for adalimumab, 58% for etanercept) without provoking relapses. The mean therapy interval at the end of the study period was 3.12 weeks for adalimumab 40 mg (with respect to 2 weeks) and 2.75 weeks for etanercept 25 mg (with respect to 0.5 weeks).

The new therapy timetable also led to cost savings. In conclusion, lengthening the time intervals between injections of anti-TNF agents in PsA patients who reach MDA is safe, effective, cost-effective, and facilitates patient compliance.

Following on from this report Cosentyx doing well for psoriatic arthritis 1 year on Novartis announced that results from the pivotal Phase III FUTURE 1 study for Cosentyx (secukinumab) showed significant efficacy in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

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Novartis announced today that results from the pivotal Phase III FUTURE 1 study for secukinumab in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were published online in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Secukinumab is the first interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor to demonstrate efficacy in a Phase III study in patients with active PsA, a painful, debilitating condition causing inflammation of joints and skin. PsA is part of a family of long-term diseases impacting joints, known as spondylorarthritis.

In this study, secukinumab met the primary endpoint with a 20% reduction in the American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR 20) at Week 24 showing rapid and significant clinical improvements versus placebo. ACR is a standard tool used to assess improvement of PsA signs and symptoms. In addition, secukinumab met all secondary endpoints, including improvements in skin and joint diseases and joint structural damage progression.

Results showed that half of patients (50.0% and 50.5%) in both secukinumab-treated dose groups (150 mg and 75 mg; p<0.001) achieved ACR 20 response compared with only 17.3% of placebo patients. Clinically significant improvements with secukinumab were observed as early as Week 1 and sustained throughout 52 weeks of treatment.

"Secukinumab is the first IL-17A inhibitor with detailed positive results for the treatment of PsA, further validating the importance of the role IL-17A plays in spondyloarthritis," said Vasant Narasimhan, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "Novartis looks forward to advancing this important therapy to address the unmet need for patients living with PsA."

PsA is a debilitating, long-lasting inflammatory disease associated with joint pain and stiffness, skin and nail psoriasis, swollen toes and fingers, persistent painful tendonitis and irreversible joint damage. These all lead to significant disability, poor quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Importantly, in FUTURE 1, clinical benefits with secukinumab were observed regardless of prior exposure to anti-tumor-necrosis-factor (anti-TNF) medicines, the current standard of care. Many patients do not respond to, or tolerate these therapies and approximately 45% of people are dissatisfied with current treatments. There is therefore, a high unmet need for patients with PsA.

Secukinumab was well tolerated in the study, with a safety profile that was consistent with that observed in the large psoriasis clinical trial program involving nearly 4,000 patients. The most common adverse events (AEs) were the common cold, headache and upper respiratory tract infections.

Today I start the above treatment  - the first time I've taken anything other than topical creams and a few bouts of puva. However the Psoriasis is making a break for it and it needs putting back in its place!

So, as Fingers did on his thread earlier I'm thinking of taking some photos - he got me thinking... I'm going to try and take some timelapse, same shot, each day...and once I have something worthwhile I'll post-it up here (somehow)!

Right, anyone seen my tripod?!

I thought I would start a new thread about issues I am having with my toes. My toes, specifically the ones in the middle cramp or lock up. Anyone who had played a physical sport has probably had experience with cramping. Stretching, drinking water, and light jog normally relieves the cramping within 10 minutes. The issues with my toes is similar but different. They last a lot longer and stretching and keeping hydrated does not work. When cramping is over my toes are typically warm and fuzzy. Anyone else have similar issues? Any ideas to help? I have been taking two celebrex per day (it helps), but honestly it probably not safe to take a high dose for extended periods of time.

Maybe another one to watch for the future as Galectin Therapeutics announces it's phase 2a proof of concept study of GR-MD-02 to determine safety and efficacy in 10 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

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Galectin Therapeutics Inc, the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, announces the start of a 10-patient pilot study with GR-MD-02 in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

The genesis of this study is the apparent remission of a patient with severe psoriasis who participated in the Company's Phase 1 study cohort of 4 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). That patient received her fourth infusion of GR-MD-02 in May 2014, and her psoriasis remained in complete remission for 17 months, with slight scaling becoming evident on her elbows just this month.

"We are excited to begin this study at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas," said Peter G. Traber, M.D., Galectin's president, chief executive officer and chief medical officer. "We know from the scientific literature that galectin-3 is at higher levels in the skin of psoriasis patients, and that GR-MD-02 inhibits galectin-3. It would follow that GR-MD-02 could affect this disease. We are hopeful that patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis will show a clearing of their disease without the negative side effects associated with many of the currently available therapies. In addition, a successful pilot study would add to our robust therapeutic pipeline for this compound."

Psoriasis, which manifests most often as plaque psoriasis, is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disorder. Although plaque psoriasis is rarely life threatening, it often is intractable to treatment. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, about 3% of the world's population has some form of psoriasis. In the U.S. there are about 150,000 new cases every year, and psoriasis affects about 2% of the population, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

About the Psoriasis Study

This study is a Phase 2a open-label trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in which 10 psoriasis patients with ≥ 10% of their skin affected and a PASI (psoriasis activity and severity index) of ≥ 12 points will be treated with 8 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 every other week for a total of seven infusions. The primary endpoint will be the PASI-75, or a 75% improvement in the severity of the disease 30 days following the final infusion. More information on the trial can be found in a CEO Perspective published today, which can be found here.

About GR-MD-02

GR-MD-02 is a complex carbohydrate drug that targets galectin-3, a critical protein in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease and fibrosis. Galectin-3 plays a major role in diseases that involve scaring of organs including fibrotic disorders of the liver, lung, kidney, heart and vascular system. The drug binds to galectin proteins and disrupts their function. Preclinical data in animals have shown that GR-MD-02 has robust treatment effects in reversing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

About Galectin Therapeutics

Galectin Therapeutics is developing promising carbohydrate-based therapies for the treatment of fibrotic liver disease and cancer based on the Company's unique understanding of galectin proteins, which are key mediators of biologic function. Galectin seeks to leverage extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient development. The Company is pursuing a development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for its lead compounds in liver fibrosis and cancer.

Do not use Etin Skin Solution it contains a potent steroid and is not authorised for use as a medicinal product in the UK, it's available on the open market including Ebay and and could cause you serious problems.

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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the British Association of Dermatologists are today warning people not to purchase or use Etin Skin Solution, a lotion claiming to treat skin conditions and known to have been supplied from various Asian and African beauty shops.


Etin Skin Solution was brought to the attention of MHRA by a consultant at Birmingham Children’s Hospital who became concerned following a complaint by a patient. Investigations to identify the source of this product are being conducted.


MHRA has recently tested samples of the lotion and found it to contain variable amounts of the corticosteroid betamethasone. Etin Skin Solution is not authorised for use as a medicinal product in the UK.


Corticosteroids are prescribed to treat inflammatory skin conditions, especially eczema and psoriasis. Long-term use can cause skin thinning and can worsen conditions such as eczema. Another listed ingredient is clotrimazole which is used in anti-fungal medications.


There are strict legal requirements in place in the UK relating to the sale, supply, manufacture, distribution and advertising of medicinal products. The legislative controls seek to ensure that products meet certain quality and safety standards; a breach of these legal requirements may constitute a criminal offence. The MHRA investigates any report of suspected illegal activity concerning medicines, or medical devices, and takes appropriate action.


MHRA senior policy advisor, Lynda Scammell said “Our advice to anyone who is using this product, particularly on young children and babies, is to discontinue use immediately. People seeking help for skin conditions should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare professional. Medicines containing corticosteroids should only be given under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist.”


Professor Celia Moss, Consultant Dermatologist at Birmingham Children's Hospital and one of the hospital's staff who brought the product to MHRA's attention, said: “We discovered the availability of this product after it had been used on the skin of a baby in our care. A nurse from my team visited the shop where it had been purchased and found it was freely available on more than one occasion. We reported this to MHRA and are pleased it has been investigated and action taken.


“However this is just one outlet and it is hard to police every supplier. We are therefore warning people not to use Etin and to report its sale to MHRA. Anyone using a steroid lotion such as this is likely to perceive some short-term benefit, because steroids make red skin look paler. This is because steroids constrict blood vessels in the skin. Unfortunately on discontinuing the product the redness may come back, which of course makes people want to continue it. But to do so is unwise, and after a few days the skin will revert to its previous appearance.”


Dr Firouz Mohd Mustapa of the British Association of Dermatologists said: "Milder steroids for short-term, localised use can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacist, but potent steroids such as this must be prescribed by doctors, who follow strict criteria when prescribing them and monitoring patients using them. This is because they can suppress the skin’s response to infection, can thin the skin, and if applied long term over a wide area, particularly in babies and children, can cause other medical problems.


“For babies and children, NICE guidelines set out clear recommendations on when it is appropriate for dermatologists to prescribe these potent or very potent steroids, the appropriate locations of the body on which they can be used and the duration of treatment. Sale of potent steroid creams directly to the public is illegal for good reason."

Hello, I am new here. Found it by searching for information on Hemp Oil. There is a rumour going around that it can be beneficial to psoriasis sufferers and I wanted to investigate further. 
I would like to know if anyone has any experience or thoughts on Hemp Oil use. I would like to know if it really is a rumour before I spend money on buying some.
What do the experts say?
Is it another fad?
Do I drink it, rub it in or put it into my food?

Thanks for any response in advance.

Theres a bit of a craze at the moment with a lot of people starting up their own business within a company called "F------ l------" which sells Aloe Vera products (and possibly other products)

I do not have an issue with Aloe Vera being used for Psoriasis, BUT I have a huge issue with people selling it to Psoriasis sufferers telling them its a "cure" which I have been targeted with.  Aloe Vera is incredibly soothing for Psoriasis in personal experience, but it doesn't cure it and I just wanted to make a topic on this as I'm getting fed up of people taking advantage of people with health problems and selling them a product that won't cure them just so they can earn an extra buck!

While I'm at it, you can shove your aloe vera juice as well that will "cure" my Crohns.  

I have faithfully applied Doveobet in cream and in fluid on psoriasis for the past four or five years or so, I never had psoarisis before and developed this at about 55 yrs of age, I related this to stress working in Wirral Borough Council call center which was worse than torture. I suffered the ordeal for 9 years. I have left now. However, to get to the point, the more Dovobet I have been prescribed the worse the psoriasis, which covers my lover and upper limbs, backside and my arms. The psoriasis has never been on my chest or back, but only on my arms. Up to last week, skin was so red and sore and peeling off, I found an old bottle of cod liver oil in the cupboard, I though what to loose, I applied this smelly old stuff on arms and legs one time, just so I could get some sleep. I was burning up. Also my friend has psoriasis and is given Donovex as part of his treatment. I said let me have some, can't be any worse that this suffering.  I have applied the Dovonex twice a day for about 8 days, The red burning and scales and rough skin dust has ceased, the area on which I apply, is still pinkish, but the skin is suddenly very smooth, it still itch, but I notice almost white patches of normal slkin where last week was red and bloody and scales, Reading about Dovobet and my experience is that this has been the greater cause of the psoriasis, this application has actually increased the severity of symptoms of psoriiasis, Reading about Dovobex, which I have borrowed, this is a vitamin D substitute, but Is cod liver oli also vitamin D.  All I can say is that The Dovonex is working very much better in recent days that Dovobet has in the five years I have been using.  Is anyone who might read this post experienced clearup using the Dovonex  ?  Is the cod liver oil, I used in despair have anything to do with clearing this ? I doubt it has anything to do with leaving the council, I am still traumatised having had to endure this suffering in a call center. I really really hated it, but I suppose having no alternative you have to do something.  I thought some days I was going to die, having to listen to the rubbish these people in Wirral talk about. I suppose not being a native to North West is no help, I native to South London where we have better things to do than call the council about a bit of litter in Liscard. I don't know what  I suffered the worse the torture of psoriasis or the torture of working for Wirral Borough Council.

One of the questions that I've always wanted to pose to another suffer of psoriasis is whether or not smoking and drinking have any real impact on the way that the plaques deal with such toxins.

As mentioned in a previous thread, I smoke and drink but not to any real extent. Perhaps five or six cigarettes a day and maybe a bottle of wine or so every couple of weeks; I think that's a fair average.

As a very recent prescribed user of acetretin, I have read a confusing degree of information regarding alcohol. The question I have here is; does anyone else think twice before enjoying a pint of hoppy craft beer with their pub lunch or is it an absolute no-no? My partner works with someone who was prescribed methotrexate for psoriasis treatment and apparently drank* throughout the treatment without any problems at all. The effects of psoriasis have all but left.

With regards to smoking, I had my gall bladder removed recently and a nurse in theater said quite plainly that smoking was very bad for psoriasis yet it seems that there is 'no scientific suggestion' that it does otherwise. 

Has anyone recently quit and have noticed a considerable improvement with their skin?

*when I say 'drank throughout', my partners colleague isn't a functioning alcoholic, she just enjoys a drop like most. Just to clear that up! 

Much love, Hellosimon. 

hey there everybody, hope you are having a great start to the weekend.

A little background before I present my query. I am now 27 and have had P since age 16. I have always had it on my scalp and also various parts of my body, however on my body it seems to be sparse and it is worse on my scalp. It has never totally gone. I have been eating much better for the past 6 months and have taken away any refined sugar, dairy, vegetable oil or fried food, white rice and potatoes and red meat (only eat fish now).. I don't smoke and have always exercised but more more these days. This has helped a lot but I do fall down and drink alcohol once every week or 2. 

My point here is that I purchased some Dr Bronner's 1 in 18 natural lotion to wash with in the shower, scalp and body. It is very natural and I have heard so many good things about it for people with P, however it seems to aggravate my plagues by making them dryer and more inflamed, a sort of angry red. I have heard people with skin conditions speak highly of this stuff and the ingredients do seem to be very natural, the only questionable thing may be hydrogen peroxide, but I am not chemist. I do recall though that tea-tree oil had a similar reaction with my P and this stuff contains that, but again others have spoken highly of tea-tree oil.. Could this just be me? Do I need to dilute the solution when using it to wash because I do not want to use soaps that are full of chemicals anymore, something all natural. Can anybody offer their experience with Dr Bronner's and other natural ways to wash? 

Tom

Hello! 

What can I say, well.... I've had P since I was 10...so that's 35 years of fun...visiting dermos, some of which were interested, some of which were merely passing through never to be seen again and some who should really never have started a career in medicine! The P has always been bad and I've always avoided the riskier (?) treatments and opted for topical with some UVA thrown in for good measure ...but it's getting to the point now where I'd quite like some relief - or at least enough time to be able to teach my small children how to swim.. So, I'm going back to the Derm...and armed with the advice I've already seen here and undoubtedly some questions I'll pose here too, see what can be done.  Onwards! And thanks for reading.