Psoriasis Support Group
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease which affects the skin and joints. When it affects the skin it commonly appears as red scaly elevated patches called plaques. Psoriasis plaques frequently occur on the elbows and knees, but can affect any area of skin including the scalp and genital area. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints. This is known as...
I'm 37 and was diagnosed with both psoriasis of the skin and joints last month. I started having joint pain in my feet after my 3'rd child was born in June 2009. This has gradually increased over the last 6 months to mild joint pain in all my joints on some days. In December 2009, I noticed a plague on my scalp. My dad had psoriasis on his legs, so I recognized the plague pretty quickly. Two more plagues (one on my scalp and one in my outer ear) appeared within a week or two. It wasn't, however, until the skin dx that I understood the joint pain to be from psoriasic arthritis. I'm just getting started on this journey and am concerned about how this condition(s) will impact me. Will I need to stop working?
I'm also concerned that I'm developing some inverse psoriasis in a tricky spot, as I've recently developed severe itching, burning and pain with bowel movements. I haven't been able to talk to my doctor about that yet. I'm using Dovonex on my scalp. I just read about the Vaseline treatment and am going to try that tonight for my bum. I also saw a nutritionist last week and she recommended using Mediclear plus to reduce inflammation. I'd love to hear if anyone else has tried this and what their response to it was.
I have another doctor's appointment in a couple weeks. I'm anxious to let my doctor know that the arthritis is getting worse. What do you suspect the next level of treatment might be? What should I ask my doctor?
Thanks in advance,
Sherry
I'm also concerned that I'm developing some inverse psoriasis in a tricky spot, as I've recently developed severe itching, burning and pain with bowel movements. I haven't been able to talk to my doctor about that yet. I'm using Dovonex on my scalp. I just read about the Vaseline treatment and am going to try that tonight for my bum. I also saw a nutritionist last week and she recommended using Mediclear plus to reduce inflammation. I'd love to hear if anyone else has tried this and what their response to it was.
I have another doctor's appointment in a couple weeks. I'm anxious to let my doctor know that the arthritis is getting worse. What do you suspect the next level of treatment might be? What should I ask my doctor?
Thanks in advance,
Sherry
First, you will need to be careful about the medicines you use if you are still breast feeding or plan to become pregnant again. Definately talk to your doctor before you use anything, even over the counter items. Some my have steriods in them and you won't want that.
I too have everything you mentioned and have had for over 35 years, so I know what you feel like. To me, some of the most painful and annoying areas are those with Inverse Psoriasis. It is hard to treat and is usually on such sensitive skin. I like to use hydrocortisone and anything with menthol for the pain and itching. Make sure you keep all lesions clean and dry. Inverse can get yeast as well, then you have a real mess on your hands.
I had trouble in the breast area because the elastic on my bra kept rubbing it raw, so make sure you aren't wearing anything like a thong that could irratate that area as well.
The best thing to do at this point is to take small steps, don't use anything stronger that what you need now. The worst part of this disease is that you will build a resistance to most medicines, even the ones that work, and you have to move on other stonger drugs.
Find really good doctors you feel comfortable with because you will have them for a long time and let them guide you.
I hope this helps and you can always ask me about anything. Keep the faith and pray for a cure.