Hello

[jiml]

I'm on quite a few meds, so hate adding another one but yes, I'd probably stick my finger in a light socket if the doc told me it would help at this point. I hope it works, if not then (per doc) we try something else. I'm not sure why Acitretin was his first choice, I only know that even with insurance, it sure ain't cheap!

Keep Fred in check??? Is that even a possibility?

It's cheaper than 20,000 to 60,000 USD cost of biologics and safer than Methotrexate. That combined with age and type of psoriasis is probably the reason he chose the drug, but not definitive. Well, I hope you get some relief soon! A lot of us know how it feels.

Thank you! I have/had Erythrodermic Psoriasis. The reason I put "had" is from what I've read, it's when you have a particular flare up. But that was what he diagnosed and the reason for antibiotics as I had infections. He said it was rare. But all I started on was a topical and antibiotics, and from what I've read, I meet some of the symptoms for Erythrodermic with the fiery red, but it's not widespread. Mostly my ears, neck, upper back. Some on my face, elbows and a spot on my knee and stomach. I am just getting to the point of being able to ask questions. I didn't know what to ask about to be honest.

I've only recently, as in the past week, been looking at the medicines that treat psoriasis. Doc did say that if this (Acitretin and UVB) doesn't work the next step is very expensive so I'm guessing biologics. But hopefully, this will work, I'll get clear and we'll figure out how to keep me that way. It's great to find a place where people understand and also where I'm getting educated so that I DO know what questions to ask next visit.

Kat I hope you don't mind if I continue here but this may help others

Kat wrote

Yeah, I step into a chamber of light tubes, put on some shades and hit the button. I'm up to a whopping minute treatment now. At this rate, I'll never get a tan. I think the tanning bed started me out (years ago) at 15-20 minutes for first visit. But tanning booth didn't put out the heat that this thing does.

Jim wrote
I'm not sure but I think tanning studios use weaker tubes and different wavelength UV I have in the past when desperate used tanning studios. But I would rather use the hospital booths.
Have you asked them how long your longest treatment will be?

Kat wrote
Well, I asked on my first visit and was told they couldn't tell me as it varies too much from person to person and condition to condition. I just finished my ... 16th visit.

You were saying you have had 16 treatments and are only up to one minute that seems very short, are you seeing any benefit?
And what time did they start you on?