Help needed

[Duncan C]

Hi all, am so pleased to find somewhere I can get some support. My story briefly..........I have always had a tiny patch of scalp psoriasis which was annoying but no big deal. Around 2 years ago I lost my job in stressful circumstances and immediately (and for the first time) I had plaques appear on my lower legs. This was kept reasonably well in control via some steroid creams (prescribed) but in the last few months (and again stress related I think) the plaques have spread quickly and I now have much of my legs, arms and some of my back fairly covered in plaques. My GP had prescribed Dovobet which initially helped but then seemed to stop working and after a few weeks use I came off and was prescribed Dovobex as an alternative. This has proven to be difficult as although the original plaques have calmed and smoothed a little, I am still getting further spread of new plaques and I have intense periods where my legs and arms are incredibly itchy. I have been using the Dovobex for around 2 weeks so maybe a bit early to tell if effective. I guess my questions are as follows:

1. How long does the Dovobex typically take to work?
2. Is the spread of new plaques unrelated to the use of Dovobex / Dovobet?
3. Can anyone recommend how to calm the intense itchy hours I get?? 
4. Are there any tricks to control the spread of plaques to parts of my body that are unaffected?

I am very grateful for all offers of help.

Dunc

[Caroline]

Hello Duncan,

Welkome to psoriasisclub.
We are a nice group of sufferers with all our own stories and solutions.

I myself don't have much experience in using creams and potions for psoriasis, but I am sure someone will kick in soon with some information for you.

There are a lot of "tricks" to attack and prevent further spreading of the psoriasis, but as far as I can see in your case that almost inevitably will require a visit to a dermatologist.
When you decide to go there, go there educated, and you can get some education and information over here at the forum.

Besides from information on psoriasis and PsA this forum also contains an off topic section which you can visit if you wanna talk about other things than psoriasis and you can have tea or a drink at the bar.
Sometimes that section is visited by sensible people, but I would not count on meeting any of them there.

Have a good time at the forum.
Cheers,
Caroline.

[jiml]

Hi all, am so pleased to find somewhere I can get some support. My story briefly..........I have always had a tiny patch of scalp psoriasis which was annoying but no big deal. Around 2 years ago I lost my job in stressful circumstances and immediately (and for the first time) I had plaques appear on my lower legs. This was kept reasonably well in control via some steroid creams (prescribed) but in the last few months (and again stress related I think) the plaques have spread quickly and I now have much of my legs, arms and some of my back fairly covered in plaques. My GP had prescribed Dovobet which initially helped but then seemed to stop working and after a few weeks use I came off and was prescribed Dovobex as an alternative. This has proven to be difficult as although the original plaques have calmed and smoothed a little, I am still getting further spread of new plaques and I have intense periods where my legs and arms are incredibly itchy. I have been using the Dovobex for around 2 weeks so maybe a bit early to tell if effective. I guess my questions are as follows:

1. How long does the Dovobex typically take to work?
2. Is the spread of new plaques unrelated to the use of Dovobex / Dovobet?
3. Can anyone recommend how to calm the intense itchy hours I get?? 
4. Are there any tricks to control the spread of plaques to parts of my body that are unaffected?

I am very grateful for all offers of help.

Dunc

Hi Dunc
I'm out at the moment but noticed your post.....so    to the club enjoy browsing the members posts and check in the prescribed treatment boards to see the treatments that are available see Dovobet And Dovonex (What's the difference ?) for the difference between the creams one is steroid the other is a vitamin derivative ( which is the one you have got Now Dovonex
My main advice would be to see your GP and ask for a referral to a dermatologist...tell him it's affecting your quality of life and that should make him spring into action

I will be back later to read other comments and perhaps add a bit more
Good luck
Jim  
Never be alone this is a very friendly place to come for advice

[jiml]

Hi again Duncan for the itch get yourself some extra virgin unrefined  coconut oil don't get a cheap one,  Biona is one used by many on here   that might help it, but won't fix the psoriasis but might ease the itching

[Fred]

1. How long does the Dovobex typically take to work?
2. Is the spread of new plaques unrelated to the use of Dovobex / Dovobet?
3. Can anyone recommend how to calm the intense itchy hours I get?? 
4. Are there any tricks to control the spread of plaques to parts of my body that are unaffected?

Hello Dunc   to Psoriasis Club.

I take it you mean "Dovonex"

#1 It's a difficult question to answer as we are all different. I would say if you are using it twice a day you should see some results after a couple of weeks.

#2 The spread can be down to a number of things especially stress. Dovonex won't cause it spread, but Dovonex can sometimes cause a problem. Having said that you could just be unlucky and it's spreading on it's own.

#3 The itch is always hard to stop, but like Jim said you could try coconut oil. Keeping the area moisturised is important, also (difficult) Don't Scratch It. Ice can give a bit of relief if it's that bad, and try to avoid hot showers/baths.

#4 Nope there are no tricks to stop it spreading. It will spread as and when it feels like it, but the most important thing to try and stop it spreading is to get a referral to a dermatologist. A dermatologist is better suited to helping you and your GP will only keep throwing creams at you.

Regards.

Fred.

[D Foster]

I agree Duncan with everyone ,welcome to the forum by the way, the only way to sort p out is to see a demonologist as most GPs know a little about a lot but not as much about anything specific . The coconut oil is really good but we are all different and we tend to react differently to treatments . It's also right what Fred say's there is no magic or tricks to control it so make sure that you see a dermatologist and get it sorted properly.

Dave

[Duncan C]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I have been trying coconut oil for a few days now and it certainly does seem to be the best way of keeping moisturised. Alarmingly now I have the first signs of a plaque on my face which is mildly terrifying.........seeing my GP next week and will def ask for a dermatologist referral. 

You are all very kind and its so nice to have access to support.

[Fred]

You are all very kind and its so nice to have access to support.

You are welcome. Please do come back and let us know how you got on at your GP visit.

[jiml]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I have been trying coconut oil for a few days now and it certainly does seem to be the best way of keeping moisturised. Alarmingly now I have the first signs of a plaque on my face which is mildly terrifying.........seeing my GP next week and will def ask for a dermatologist referral. 

You are all very kind and its so nice to have access to support.

Glad you are getting some relief from coconut oil, it is a great moisturiser ......yes I have to agree I used to hate it if psoriasis crept down from my scalp onto my face......

Do ask for an urgent referral and do tell them as I mentioned earlier that it is affecting your quality of life and that creams are failing you

Yes this is a friendly place and all members are welcome to join in, and support each other. Many go to the off topic boards to either chat on the chatting thread or to enjoy a virtual coffee or a drink in the bar

[Turnedlight]

Hi, I just wanted to add that I have found sudocrem useful when very itchy - the stuff in a grey pot sold in the baby department not the stuff in tubes - it has a lot of zinc in it which is the same reason calamine cools down and soothes sunburn. It is a bit messy but when you are kept awake by the itching you don't really care!