Acitretin journey!

[fingers]

I've been following this thread with much interest. I started Acitretin August 3 so am very close to your schedule, Fingers. My psoriasis was only diagnosed this past February (after four doctors gave different diagnoses). I realize now I've probably had it for years but was so mild it never bothered me. This time my hands and feet just blew up - peeling, cracking, bleeding, thick plaque, etc. We tried the typical topicals with some relief but derm wanted a systemic. Humira was denied by insurance and will only reconsider after three months treatment of Acitretin. So here we are.

Fortunately, within six weeks my hands and feet are completely clear! Hooray! Unfortunately, I now have spots all over my legs, arms and back :( The dry skin is driving me nuts - and I had no itching prior to beginning treatment! I'm hoping it's just a case of getting worse before it gets better as many of you have noted. My follow-up with the derm in in November. He said if if it's not resolved by then we'll try to get Humira approved again.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your journey, Fingers. I hope that you begin to see improvement soon and that this is the drug for you.

Hi CAZ!! welcome to this great forum! and thanks for your reply!
I'm glad you are having some success with Acitretin!... I have noticed the itching too!!!! At my hospital you have to have failed on 3 drugs before they will consider a biological! My follow up is November 3rd!!...I have a feeling biologicals are on the horizon for me!
I really hope you have continued improvement on Acitretin and can stay on it for many years! Beast wishes, Fingers.

[CCAZ]

Thanks, Fingers! I've found a very welcoming group here and appreciate being a part of it! Interesting to know you've had the itching, too. Not pleasant at all.

My brother has had very severe plaque psoriasis for over 30 years. All that has helped has been PUVA, but it always came back with a vengeance. I saw him this summer for the first time in 18 months - he's completely clear on Acitretin! He doesn't even take it daily. I am so hopeful this will be the case for us. One thing he did say was that all of a sudden his plaques just started falling off. Keep the faith!

[fingers]

Hi all!!...well I am sorry to say I had to phone my dermatologist today and bring my appointment forward!! I just don't think Acitretin is the drug for me! my Psoriasis seems to be getting worse it's been 10 weeks now and I think it will be pointless waiting any longer! the itching and soreness is much worse! it is a shame as I had no side effects at all...I really hope those of you on this drug have great success! I will let you know what the dermatologist says on Thursday!.... Fingers.

[PurpleMusic]

ah that's a shame Fingers. Be interesting to hear what the Derm has to say - but agree with the itching mentioned here, I'm like a rabid dog most days.

[kh924]

I was holding out hope that it would work for you. Keep us posted.

[D Foster]

What a shame fingers , it did not do anything for me either . It just shows you that what works for one does nothing for some one else.

[jiml]

Oooh fingers what a shame, you've given it 10 weeks and it shouldn't be getting worse I was hopeful for you but you can't just keep hanging on without any improvement
I hope you get something that will work for you next
Will you be pushing for one of the bio drugs or maybe even fumaderm
Whatever you get do keep us informed and I wish you every success for the future
Jim

[CCAZ]

So sorry, fingers. I'm lucky it helped my palmoplantar. I, too, have decided to stop taking Acitretin because the itching and redness were driving me nuts. It's been six days and the rash is fading (I thought it was new spots but it wasn't) and the itching is soooo much better. I hope the hands and feet stay clear.

For others that may take this med - I mentioned that it cleared my brother. He then came off it and generally stays clear. If he notices the beginning of a flare he starts taking it again for a short time. I'm hoping that might work for me as I would prefer not to go the biologic route if I don't have to.

Here's to finding what works!

[Kat]

Keep us posted Fingers!

[Kat]

So sorry, fingers.  I'm lucky it helped my palmoplantar.  I, too, have decided to stop taking Acitretin because the itching and redness were driving me nuts.  It's been six days and the rash is fading (I thought it was new spots but it wasn't) and the itching is soooo much better.  I hope the hands and feet stay clear.

For others that may take this med - I mentioned that it cleared my brother.  He then came off it and generally stays clear.  If he notices the beginning of a flare he starts taking it again for a short time.  I'm hoping that might work for me as I would prefer not to go the biologic route if I don't have to.

Here's to finding what works!

It worked for me much like your brother. I cleared up and no longer take it, although I do still have some stubborn spots that won't totally go away.