New and don't know where to start!

[Ms E]

Hi! I am so glad to find everyone here!

I don't know how long I've had psoriasis . . .it went undiagnosed for a long time. About 7 years ago (I'm 32 now) I had some areas on my arms/torso/shoulders . . .but not much. I always thought it was stubborn ringworm! I had several doctors look at it and they didn't know what it was.

Fast forward to last year . . .it got MUCH worse. Bigger lesions covering more of my body. A nurse's assistant was the one who told me it was probably psoriasis. I went to a derm. and she took a quick look, confirmed the dx, gave me an rx for a steroid and a pamphlet. That was my 5 minute visit.

Anyway, I never tried the steroid. I was pregnant and now I am still nursing my DC. I don't want drugs at this point.

I don't know where to start. Reading this board has made me panic . . .is it likely that things will get much worse? At this point, I can cover up my spots most of the year and they don't itch. I see that this is an easy case in comparison to some of you, but that mine may progess. It is scary!

Any advice is most welcome! Thank you so much!

[kiwigirl]

Hi Ms E,

Firstly, welcome to our little spot in cyber-world. Its full of love kindness and support whenever you need it!

Don't panic too much, I know...easier said than done. Each P sufferer is different, so reading problems occurring with other people truly doesn't mean anything pertaining to you. You and your P will be different to everyone elses.....thats the first lesson I learned real quick.

Next: Find another Derm :) There are many out there that actually know what they're doing and how to help you properly. There are so many things available that will help you learn to control your psoriasis. It is NOT the end of the world, I promise *hugs*

Sandy

[RichJ]

hi ms e,
sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.

try and have a good night all

richard

[swogoddess]

My derms (I have had many - was in the military and moved around quite a bit) all took me off everything when I was pregnant and nursing (nothing has been approved for use by pregnant or nursing mothers). I have recently found that vitamin E cream (100,000 IU) that I got at BJ's (warehouse club) has done great things - great moisturizer and no side effects - and not as greasy as using the capsules of vitamin E! I also had one derm "prescribe" a DML forte cream (I use quotes, because it really isn't a prescription - you have to have your pharmacy order it since it really isn't over the counter - but it isn't controlled, either). It worked to some extent, but was harder to get than the vitamin E cream.

Good luck.

Melanie

[Ms E]

Thank you all so much!

[condor]

Hi Ms. E!
Begin with the following treatment:

Eliminate as much of the following from your diet as possible-
Sugar, Milk and dairy (cheese may or may not be ok), Potatoes, Tomatoes, wheat and items with flour, Beef, Eggs.
Introduce items back into your diet after you find relief, to determine which are causing you the most problems.

Add the following to your diet-
Water; At least 8 or more cups per/day.
Psillium Husk fiber supplement; 2 Tablespoons per/day (available at health food stores, etc.).
Lemon Juice- 2 Tablespoons in water, once or twice daily. (Use a jucer or buy bottled lemon juice).

There are many more steps you can take, but start with these.
You will start to feel better as well as look better!

[dixiemom]

Boy it sounds like we had the same doctor! Talk about a total lack of info! I made an appt. with another doctor for Monday and this time I REFUSE to leave until I have every single question I have answered. Maybe we can learn together.

Lynn

[PJ Leary]

Welcome, Mrs. E,

Glad you found us, and a sincere welcome to the boards. There are a lot of nice folks who post here, and much helpful advice. I've had p for 30 years, and pa almost as long. In my personal experience, dietary changes and supplements are not the way to control the disease. However, if you want to try any one suggested, please talk with your Dr first and seek his advice.

Many of us here use the newer type of treatment called biologics to control our diseases. I am sure that Mikek will come along here shortly with his ownwelcome and a slew of links for you! ;)

I am a mother as well, and I was always very cautious when in my childbearing years with medications for my p. One thing that is very helpful to many and perfectly safe while pregnant and breastfeeding is UVB light treatment. I used lights during and after all four of my pregnancies. PUVA, which is another form of light therapy is not for those who are pregnant and nursing because of the need to take oxpsoralen with it ( an pill that helps increase sensitivity to that type of light. )

Topicals are also safe now, just don't apply them to the nipples.

I hope that your psoriasis never gets any worse, and that in fact you find a method of treatment that causes it to go away! Please let us know if you have further questions.

Regards,

[Ms E]

Continued thanks to you all!