Let's all welcome, pdharia!

[MikeK]

Hi Everyone,

Pdharia's introductory post was in the middle of sergecosta's "Quick question about cortisone shots" thread. I figured that Pdharia would get a better response if his or her introduction to us was in a brand new thread. Here's a of copy of it:i wanted to which creams and ointments i should use inorder to clear the patches that i have on my leg? i jus have patches on my leg so i wanted to know what should be done inorder to clear those patches.
Thanking You
pankilSource: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?p=227162#post227162.

Thanks, everyone!

Mike

[ouchyk]

Hi pdharia,

Welcome. :D

Where you looking for OTC medications, natural ointments or medication? I bet Mikek and others will have a lot of good ideas for you.

Karen

[crazyme]

pdharia,

Welcome. You will find a wealth of info here and a lot of friendly people to chat with.

I am currently using OTC coal tar cream which worked for awhile but I seem to have built up a resistance to it.

good luck

[bratsareus]

Welcome to the boards.

[MikeK]

Hi Pdharia,

Here's a partial list of just some of the prescription ointments and creams that are used to treat psoriasis. (Click on the name of each med for a link to some additional information about each one of them.)
Ultravate (http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ult1649.shtml); Olux (http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,160%7COlux,00.html); Tazorac (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/tazarotene_ids.htm); Dovonex (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/calcipo_wcp.htm).
Ointments and creams, etc. are called topicals. Here's a link to the NPF's list of the various topicals that are used to treat psoriasis: http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/topicals/.

Here's a couple of suggestions for over the counter topicals that you might want to try. MG217 (www.mg217.com) makes a lotion, an ointment and a shampoo that are available in two formulas -- one with coal tar and one with salicylic acid. Coal tar has been used to treat psoriasis for many, many years and salicylic acid is one of the few doctor approved methods for removing scales. Coal tar products may not be available if you live in California. (You have to be careful when you use any product with salicylic acid. I burnt myself when I used the salicylic acid version of MG217 for too many days in a row.) Here in New Jersey, the coal tar version of both MG217 ointment and MG217 shampoo is available at just about every chain type drug stores. The shampoo is almost always located with the other dandruff shampoos. The ointment is sometimes with the other creams and lotions, and sometimes with the first aid stuff and sometimes in a special psoriasis section. Ask if you can't find it. Again, here in New Jersey MG217 lotion, and the salicylic acid version MG217 shampoo seems to be available by special order only. Walgreen's seems to be the only store around here that carries the salicylic acid version of MG217 ointment.
Dermarest (www.dermarest.com) makes a lotion and shampoo that has salicylic acid in it.
Psoriasin makes several products that you can also try. I've seen them at Walgreen's. Here's a link for some additional info: http://www.alva-amco.com/pages/psoriasin.php. And here's a link to a some previous discussions about Psoriasin products: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5210;
http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9092&highlight=Psoriasin; http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?threadid=8642&highlight=Psoriasin.
You can also try taking a bath with Balnetar. Balnetar is an over the counter product that is available only by special order at most drug stores. As it's name implies, Balnetar is coal tar based. Because it is coal tar based, it stains everything and the stains can be hard to get out. Scub the tub immediately after use and use old towels and wear old clothes when you use it. Despite these problems, it can be a highly effective weapon in the war against psoriasis. I've never been able to find a website for Balnetar, so I'm going to give you a link to a site that sells it online. I've NEVER ordered anything from them, so I have no idea how reliable they are. I'm giving you the link because their description of Balnetar is a good one. Here's the link: http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/branddetail72.asp?x=1&WID=%7B29749BC7%2D0B35%2D4715%2D88BC%2D8D2746DB41D 0%7D. Some people use Desitin (that's right the diaper rash cream.) to treat psoriasis in places like the groin and underarms. Here's a link to a previous discussion of about Desitin: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11047&highlight=Desitin and here's a link to the Desitin product that they were suggesting: http://www.desitin.com/en/?dsp=22&psp=20. For you scalp, you can use the MG217 or Dermarest shampoos that I previously mentioned. You can also use either Neutrogena/T-Gel (coal tar) or Neutrogena/T-Sal (salicylic acid). Both Neutrogena products come in several strengths. Here's a link for some additional information: http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsLine_7_3.asp. A lot of people who post here use Paul Mitchell's tree tree oil shampoo and/or condtioner. It's very soothing. It's on the pricey side. Here's a link: http://www.paulmitchell.com/site/subpage.asp?section=2,10,32. I was told that Paul Mitchell products could only be found at beauty supply stores, but I was able to find both the shampoo and conditioner at a New York area chain type drug store. You can also try Bakers P&S Oil. You apply it to your scalp and leave it on -- covered by a shower cap -- for several hours. It can be very messy and it's very hard to get used to, but it can also be a very effective weapon in the war against scalp psoriasis. Baker P&S oil is another one of those over the counter products that has to be special ordered by the drug store. I've never been able find a website for Baker's P&S oil. Fortunately, the same website that sells Balnetar also sells Baker's P&S oil. Again, I know NOTHING about them, but their description of it is a good one. Here's the link: http://www.dermadoctor.com/product.asp?WID=%7B29749BC7%2D0B35%2D4715%2D88BC%2 D8D2746DB41D0%7D&productid=206.Finally, I find the dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets tend to irritate and dry out my psoiasis and make it even itcher then it already is. I've had similar problems with antibacterial and deoderant soaps. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And, here's a link to a previous discussion about psoriasis and soap: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13629. I also find that it helps to keep things moist. Especially in the winter time. You rally can't overdo it when it comes to putting on moisturizer. I put on some moisturizer several times a day. (For example, I have psoriasis on my hands and I put on moisturizer everytime that I wash my hands.) Which moisturizer to use is a matter of trial and error and personal preference. I find that it helps to rotate brands. I also find that it helps to use only those moisturizers that are labled "fragrance free", "non-irritating" and/or "for sensitive skin".

I'm sorry that this turned into such a novel. You're probably suffering from information overload. :rolleyes: I hope that it helps in some small way. Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any questions and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[ohno1more]

Phdaria, WELCOME - you will find lots of wisdom & support here !

[Jillian1507]

Phdaria, Welcome to the group! You will find so much information and thoughtfulness from everybody! It's truly a great place!