Treatment Advice

[mstradling]

Hi all,

I've got a a patch of psoriasis on my forehead. My doctor has perscribed Hydrocortisone- it takes the redness and dryness down for a while, but after a couple of days without H/C, the psoriasis thickens and reddens. Could anyone recommend a good treatment for my problem?

Thanks,
Mark

[jiml]

Hi all,

I've got a a patch of psoriasis on my forehead. My doctor has perscribed Hydrocortisone- it takes the redness and dryness down for a while, but after a couple of days without H/C, the psoriasis thickens and reddens. Could anyone recommend a good treatment for my problem?

Thanks,
Mark

Hi Mark and a big    to the forum, first let me say that you have found probably the best place for impartial advice, from sufferers of this disease, without bias or anything to gain apart from the knowledge that they may be helping a fellow sufferer. You will find we are a very friendly small group of sufferers from around the world happily sharing experiences of what works and what doesn't.
Fred who runs the site has put together a wealth of information about the disease and it's treatments

You say you have a patch on your forehead, do you have it anywhere else?
 Have you had it very long?
Have you ever seen a dermatologist, as if not you should ask your doctor for a referral to see one, he will know the best course of treatment to offer you

He may well firstly offer you topical treatments such as dovobet, or Dovonex  see this link for the difference Dovobet And Dovonex (What's the difference ?)
Then dependant on the severity he may offer tablets,
But I do have to tell you that whatever you use. It won't be a cure, but it may well get the psoriasis under control

Thank you for joining the club and feel free to browse all the threads in the health boards and then if you want something a bit more light hearted come and meet others in the off topic section  

EDIT.   I don't think hydrocortisone (which is a very mild corticosteroid)  will be much use apart from reducing the redness and itch

[Fred]

Hello Mark   to Psoriasis Club.

Have you had a proper diagnoses of Psoriasis, don't get me wrong but some GPs are rubbish at diagnosing psoriasis. What Jim has said is right hydrocortisone isn't going to help (another reason your GP may not know what he/she is doing) yes scratching psoriasis can make it spread but you need something for the psoriasis not for the itch.

I wouldn't recommend Dovobet for your forehead as it is to strong for that area, Silkis or Dovonex would probably be the best to start with. I would ask your GP about Silkis and give that a go, whilst there I would also ask about a referral to a dermatologist.

One thing I will add is you will now start searching the internet for a cure. There is No Cure and Don't believe everything you find on the internet as there are a lot of scams out there just waiting for those newly diagnosed.

Regards.

Fred.

[Kat]

I started on a hydrocortisone cream and my first diagnosis was dermatitis. The cream didn't help (nor did I have dermatitis.) A good dermatologist is your best resource for getting on what you need. Until you find what works for you staying moisturized (over the counter facial moisturizers, coconut oil) can help a bit with the redness and itching (and for me worked about as well as the hydrocortisone cream) Although I never tried it some people mentioned that putting the moisturizer in the fridge can help offer some instant relief as it's cool and soothes the skin.

and Welcome!

[Turnedlight]

Hi there!

I would like to say that I have found hydrocortisone, used regularly and without missing any doses, for a short course (as prescribed) can be very effective and can get rid of a patch completely. Don't be afraid and put it on too thinly, follow the instructions you are given to really give the cream a chance to work.
I'd be dubious if the doc has just given you the cream with no real info on how long they want you to use it for..

I have used (1%) hydrocortisone on my face after advice from a dermatologist, and it worked for me. I have even had P up my nose which was very sore! My face is the only place hydrocortisone works for me, doesn't work elsewhere on my body now.

But it is not something you can use on a casual basis or just when you remember or only every time it gets red/thicker again. You need to really stick with the course. And as the others have said, there isn't a cure unfortunately but with the right treatment you may get remission and no more P on your face for a while.

I also agree with the others - push for a referral to a dermatologist.

[jiml]

That's interesting turnedlight I didn't know that and it's good to know it worked on your face. And it's good to read your advice about how to use it effectively  

[Fred]

I would like to say that I have found hydrocortisone, used regularly and without missing any doses, for a short course (as prescribed) can be very effective and can get rid of a patch completely.

That's what I like about Psoriasis Club: You get a good mix of opinions.

[mstradling]

Thanks all, this is really helpful. I'll speak to my doctor about using Silkis. Yes, I've had P since I was a child. I was referred to a dematologist and my body, neck and ears have cleared up splendidly using Dovobet.

I get P on my face but I moisturise regulary, which keeps it under control. The only problem I have now is with my forehead.