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[chrissymatt1]

Hi,

My 6 year-old daughter has genital psoriasis or inverse psoriasis between her legs and guttate on her buttocks, lower back and upper thighs. She's constantly scratching between her legs, the poor thing, which of course irritates the hell out of everything and causes sores.

I'm interested in more information re: strep. My daughter hasn't been tested for strep -- although she actually had a strep infection in her foot this summer and had to be hospitalized. Do kids with guttate psoriasis have chronic strep infections?

She sees a pediatric dermatologist who recommends Locoid cream. I've been using this cream so much, though, that it worries me because of the skin-thinning issue. We've tried Prototopic (sp?) but it burned so much between her legs that she cried terribly. I've thought of using the coal tar bath to try to lessen the itching. Does anyone have any good advice for inverse psoriasis?

Thank you!

Christina

[MikeK]

Hi Christina,

Welcome to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is going through such a rough time. :(

You askedDo kids with guttate psoriasis have chronic strep infections?Unfortunately, the answer is yes, sometimes children (or even adults) who have guttate psoriasis have chronic strep infections. You'll probably be hearing from Marielle. Her daughter, Jessica, was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis a couple of years ago. Jessie has to go on antibiotics whenever she is exposed to strep. If she doesn't her guttate psoriasis will almost immediately start to flare. Here's a link to some previous discussions about psoriasis and strep:

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7538&highlight=importance+strep+test;

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3074&highlight=presentation+strep; and

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4988&highlight=uti.

I've thought of using the coal tar bath to try to lessen the itching.Coal tar baths can be very helpful. The one main drawback is that coal tar stains, so you have to use old towels, underwear, sheets, nightclothes, etc. The tub also has to be scrubbed immediately after use. That being said, coal tar baths can be a very effective weapon in the war against psoriasis.

Oatmeal baths can also be very soothing. It both helps soften the scales and relieves the itch. Here's a link to a post where Peggy (screen name: PTener) describes how oatmeal soaks helped her deal with psoriasis in her groin area (her post even includes a recipe for a homemade oatmeal soak): http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3003. As Peggy mentions in her post, you can also buy an oatmeal soak. Aveeno makes an oatmeal soak (click here (http://www.aveeno.com/detailAction.do?id=3689)) Cheaper store brands are also available.

Does anyone have any good advice for inverse psoriasis?I'm sorry to hear that your daughter experienced side effects from Protopic. You might want to try asking your derm for a prescription for some Elidel (www.elidel.com or http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/elidel.htm.) Elidel is like Protopic in that it's approved for eczema, but is often prescribed for psoriasis. Like Protopic it's also safe to use in places like the genitals. It's a cream instead of an ointment, so your daughter may be able to tolerate it better then then Protopic.

Also, several people have posted here that they've gotten relief from inverse p by using Desitin. (That's right the diaper rash cream!) Here's a link to a previous discussion: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11047&highlight=Desitin.

I find that the kind of soaps and laundry products that I use makes all the difference in the world. Anti-bacterial and deoderant soaps, for example, tend to irriate my psoriasis and make it drier and itcher then it already is. I've had similar problems with the dyes and fragrances in laundry detergent and dryer sheets, etc. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And, here's the links to some previous discussions about psoriasis and soap:

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13629; and

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16975.

I hope this helps.

Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any questions and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[bratsareus]

Sorry to hear about your daughter. Its so hard to watch your kids suffer. Another thing you might want to try is, from the makers of Monistat, Chaffing Relief Powder Gel. It is so soothing,even better than Desitin. I have used it on my 5 year old daughter and it works great. You can buy it at any pharmacy or grocery store. Good luck, I hope she gets better fast.

Patty

[chrissymatt1]

Thank you, Mike and Patty. I will try everything you suggested -- and thanks for the warning about the tar bath.

I've made another appointment with her dermatologist and will talk to her about the strep issue. I'm so excited that I found this board and joined -- I've found a lot of helpful things already.

Because my husband and I also have sensitive skin, we've always used "free and clear" All detergent and Bounce dryer sheets with no dyes or fragrances. We use Dove for sensitive skin and Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive lotion.

I just worry about her so much. I wish it was me that was suffering with this; as a parent that's easier to handle. I'm sure everyone will agree.

Chrissy

[bratsareus]

It is very hard. I'm fine being sick, but when its one of my kids I go crazy worrying. When you take her to the derm, push them all you need to for answers. Between now and your appointment be sure to write down all your questions and concerns so you dont forget a thing. Good luck. I'm praying for her.

Patty

[Marielle]

Hello Patty
Welcome to our family...I can't talk right now but will be back on this afternoon to talk.
M