Psoriasis: OTC treatments?

[Sinestro]

What are some good over the counter stuff for psoriasis?

[Don Stugots]

What are some good over the counter stuff for psriosis?

scalp or skin?

[Sinestro]

scalp or skin?

both.

[Dr Steve]

What are some good over the counter stuff for psriosis?

Sinsetro:

Psoriasis is a real problem, but it comes in a continuum, from really, really mild, to really really bad. To get everyone on the same page, psoriasis is thought to be an immune system disease that causes thickened silvery "plaques", mostly on the extensor surfaces of the skin with reddened, cracked bases.

http://www.healthy-skin-guide.com/images/psoriasis_plaque.jpg

So, it depends. It also depends on where the psoriasis strikes.

The three over the counter medications that have been proven to work are tar-containing meds, salicylic acid, and hydrocortisone. As always, I don't recommend just treating yourself for this, but together with a medical professional, you may be able to find some over the counter preparations that might help, especially if cost is an issue.

This link has some information on salicylic acid, tar, and cortisone treatments as well as a bunch of other stuff.

http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/guide/otc/

although this link is for Enbrel, which costs something like $1400/month, the information is good. Let me know if you would like to discuss this further after checking this out:

http://www.enbrel.com/psoriasis/understanding-psoriasis.jsp?WT.srch=1&channel=gosea&subchannel=ahbo

[Dude!]

i get it on the back sides of both my arms
the drug companies will try to sell you all kinds of expensive stuff
i found the best thing by far is to go out into the sun in the summer
and a tanning booth in the winter

you shouldn't do this if you are taking any of the photo-sensitizing drugs like psoralen

sunlight is the cheapest and most effective way i have found to manage it

[Coach]

Just to add Levity to the thread..According to ESD, if you stop drinking you won't get it of the Liver.








Lingerrrrr

[Dr Steve]

i get it on the back sides of both my arms
the drug companies will try to sell you all kinds of expensive stuff
i found the best thing by far is to go out into the sun in the summer
and a tanning booth in the winter

you shouldn't do this if you are taking any of the photo-sensitizing drugs like psoralen

sunlight is the cheapest and most effective way i have found to manage it

this is a good point, and one I neglected to mention. You can pay for expensive UVA (ultraviolet A) treatments in the derm office, or you can just...go outside. :-) Remember, though, sunlight is good for vitamin D production (and that's good for a lot of conditions) and for psoriasis, but does increase your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, so everything in moderation (as always). And do talk to your dermatologist about this stuff...most of them are sensitive to the cost of their interventions and will be happy to help find less expensive alternatives.

your pal,


steve

[HumpX]

Oddly enough, foods with a lot of sugar and fat (but mainly sugar) seems to cause mine to flare up.

Pastry, chocolates, coffee with lots of sugar, etc. It gets especially bad during the winter when I get little or no sunlight and the air is dry.

[beachbum]

I have seen my dermatologist.I have a mild case that appears on my elbows.Currently I am using a combination of Dovonex andClobetasol creams in tandem with tanning.The creams run me about 220 with my close to useless Blue Cross discount.Because I don't have a large affected area they do last me 3 to 4 months.

I have found that the medicines help,and I have tried several.The tanning also helps.But to get the best results I have to tan and use the medications.If I do it all but disappears.

[beanie101]

What are some OTC products? I went into a couple of pharmacies and I didn't see anything that could ease the irritation. Mostly I get it from certain foods, but I control it by not eating the food that is not good for my skin. Also whenever I expose my elbows, arms, neck and legs to water my skin becomes extremely itchy and red. I just want to know if anyone experiences the same symptoms and has any advice as what I could possibly use to ease the pain.

[liamthelion]

I have had this crap for about 18 years! It sucks!! Sunlight helps out a lot. Coal Tar ointment is a good alternitive if you have no insurance. I usually put it on before bed. Make sure you wear long pants and sleeves to keep from getting your bed nice and oily. I find it works best to put it on just after a shower, when the skin is softer.
My Derm. gave me some topical steroid and Vit D ointment. They both helped a lot. Problem is, once you stop using them it comes back. I have also read on some alternitive treatment with diet. Consuming more fish oil and vit A.