Newly diagnosed and about to start Acitretin

[JohnB]

Hello JohnB
Yes have stopped drinking. The dermatologist advised that with protopic it would make my face red and sting (which it does anyway so not sure I would have noticed the difference) but he advised not to drink with Acitretin preferably or to minimise intake. I thought I would stop for a bit and see but I could really do with a nice glass of prosecco now!
It's only day three for me but my shoulders and neckreally ache and my scalp stings...my hands and arms are a bit redder and my face is red and stinging worse.Am hoping it won't get worse and also surprised it seems quite early for side effects!

Ahhhhhh that makes sense. My Dermy is only ok with drinking limited amounts, but only if you are getting on a bit.

Depending upon how much Acitretin you are on, I would be surprised if you were seeing side effects so soon. I don't recall hearing others so soon, but that is not to say the ache is not from the Acitretin, aching muscles is a side effect. Stinging isn't one I've come across. This is more likely to be from the topical. Dovobet was the one tbat did it to me. Three days max and it was like slapping battery acid on. It also made it very red and angry.
I am assuming that the Dermy has explained the virtues of moisturising well? Always moisturise after bathing and a good half an hour before applying your topical, that way they have a fighting chance of getting into the skin and not just sotting on the surface. There is a large cohort on the forum that swears by virgin coconut oil. Me personally I like Cetraben applied first thing and Dermol at night.

As for the Prosecco, Im afraid drinking it on its own is just wrong. It should only ever be drunk mixed with Aperol, Soda water and plenty of ice   

JohnB

Thanks JohnB.
I have been sing coconut oil in the bath, it seems to work really well at keeping my skin moisurised  for a while after as well. But doesn't work well on my face: I have to use epiderm ointment on my face as its so swollen the skin is really stretched tight and everything else stings like mad. The dermatologist. Gave me doublebase but even that stings my face.
I'm thinking rather than side effects I may have a virus....took two paracetamol last night and feel slightly better this morning although I have some real peeling going on above my eyelids.

Hmmm...not a fan of Aperol spritz but a Bellini yes
Hmm

I could be wrong but I seem to recall Double base contains parabens (my mum used it). Parabens are known to cause skin irritation ( a touch of irony there). Try some different ones. My clinic gave me a handful of different samples so I could find one I like. One tip they gave me was to keep one in the fridge. Going on cold is really soothing.

Could your aches be stress? If not I hope you shake it off quickly if it is a virus.

JohnB