Help Me Please.

[rctecinc]

I don't know what to do anymore. My psoriasis is getting worse. I have it all over my back. Does anyone know the best way to treat this type of psoriasis? I use Olux but I don't have any Insurance so every time I need a refill I have to pay 240 cash. I just feel like my life is over with. I live by myself and do not have a girlfriend to help me apply the olux to my back. To make matters worse I have scalp psoriasis too. It really sucks! I use derma smoothe for that and I don't even have to go into the song and dance that comes with that. Plus my knees are almost 100% covered with it also.
I guess the type of P I have is the Plaques one. I just don't know what to do. I don't go out on dates anymore because I'm afraid of taking off my hat in public. I know I sound like a loser because there are other illnesses that are worse out there but this one is taking a toll on my life.
I also tried to get health insurance but was denied because of my illness.

Any help will be much appreciated. Right about now I feel my life is done and over with.
Sorry again if I sound like such a loser.


RC.

[MikeK]

Hi RC!

Welcome to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a rough time. :( I'm also sorry to hear that you don't have insurance. :(

You don't sound like a loser to me!

I'm going to give you a link to a thread that was started by Leslie. She took the time to post the links and information about some assistance programs that she came across. I added links and information about other assistance programs that people have either told me about or that have been discussed here on the board. We don't know very much about most of these programs, but it still can't hurt to check them out. That being said, I can tell you that two people who sometimes post here Miranda (LadyFrasier) and Jessica (stormechaser) both got assistance for some very expensive medications (Enbrel and Remicade) thanks to a program called www.needymeds.com. Their stories can be found both here: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3979 and in Leslie's thread. Here's a link to Leslie's thread: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12378&highlight=Leslie.

Alyssa Brown from the NPF's staff posted some very userful information about assistance programs in this thread: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?p=236040#post236040.

Here's a couple of over the counter suggestions that will hopefully give you some relief. Taking baths with a product like Aveeno Oatmeal Soak (http://www.aveeno.com/detailAction.do?id=3640) can help soften the scales and relieve the itch. 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. (The salicylic acid version of MG217 shampoo is no longer metioned on their website, so it's possible that it's no longer available.) 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. 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. (It's similar to Derma-Smooth, but withouth the steroid.) Like Derma-Smooth, you apply it to your scalp and leave it on -- covered by a shower cap -- for several hours. Baker's 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. Joseph1 posted that he uses a metal flea comb to remove the scales from his scalp. Here's a link to the very old thread where he discusses it: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3492.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 moisturzer 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".

Some people find that going to tanning salons helps keep their psoriasis under control. It doesn't work for everyone. You also have to be careful not to burn. There is nothing worse then a burn on top of psoriasis. If you live in a warm weather climate, you can also try spending some time in the sun.

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

[RichJ]

hi rc,
sorry i can't help much but i can bump you to the top. i hope some will came through and help you.

try and have a good night all

richard

[rctecinc]

thanks mike for the info.

I live in florida so getting sun shouldn't be a problem. I always thought that sun exposure isn't a good thing for psoriasis, but thats good to know. I found that olux works pretty good but the price is so steep. Plus getting to the back is so tough.
You mentioned that certain soaps I should avoid. I use Ivory soap. Is this on the list of soaps you want to avoid? Also I use All liquid detergent for my clothes. (*you know "the stain lifter"
I also tried T-Gel shampoo but it doesn't work at all.
1 moe thing I forgot to mention is that my hands are really dried up. Is that also because of psoriasis?

RC.

[MikeK]

thanks mike for the info.You're very welcome!

I live in florida so getting sun shouldn't be a problem. I always thought that sun exposure isn't a good thing for psoriasis, but thats good to know.This is one of those "it depends" situations. One of the most frustrating things about psoriasis is that something that works for one person may not work for another. The disease is as individual as we all are. Some people (myself included) find that their psoriasis gets better during the summer months. (As I mentioned, I live in New Jersey.) There are other people who say that their psoriasis gets worse during the summer. The only way to know if you're one of the people whose psoriasis responds to sunlight is to work up the courage some sun. (That's easier said then done. I have friends -- since kindergarten -- who've never seen me in shorts. I'll be 50 in December.) Just be careful not to burn. Like I said, there's nothing worse then a burn on top of psoriasis.

I found that olux works pretty good but the price is so steep. Plus getting to the back is so tough.I hear you about both the price and getting on your back. I'm so sorry. Maybe one of the assistance programs that I mentioned will be able to help you pay at least part of the cost for Olux.

IYou mentioned that certain soaps I should avoid. I use Ivory soap. Is this on the list of soaps you want to avoid?I haven't used Ivory in a long time. (I prefer a soap that has moisturizer in it.) This is another thing that's personal preference. If Ivory doesn't seem to be causing any problems for your psoriasis then you can continue using it.

Also I use All liquid detergent for my clothes. (*you know "the stain lifter"I use All too. I use All Free Clear, which is the one in the white bottle.

I also tried T-Gel shampoo but it doesn't work at all.I'm sorry that it didn't work for you. Maybe one of the other products will help!

1 moe thing I forgot to mention is that my hands are really dried up. Is that also because of psoriasis?It could be, because of psoriasis or it could be normal dry skin. The next time that you see your doctor, please ask him or her to take a look at your hands.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hang in there and I hope you feel better soon.

Mike
RC.[/QUOTE]

[Jillian1507]

Hi RC,

Glad to see that you found the boards, they are such a great way to get support and information! I don't know what I would do if I wouldn't have found this site, it's truly been a life saver! It sucks having P and scalp p. I've been dealing with scalp p for almost 2 years (although it wasn't actually diagnosed as p until a few months ago.) Anyways, I hate it. I have a very very thin spot of hair above my right ear, not bald, but quite thin. I have had the p creep down onto my forehead which is EMBARASSING, hello?!?!? I'm a 24 year old female! I can't wear my hair in a ponytail due to embarrasment of what people will think. I HATE IT. I pray every day that there will be a cure for EVERYONE that is safe and has no side effects. It truly does affect your life.

I can mention a few things that I have tried for my scalp p, although Mike K (who is awesome!) has given you some great info! Not having insurance stinks with p. Not only does p stink, but it can be pricey to treat / control. I use DermaSmooth 1 - 3 times a week, unfortunately I'm not sure what the retail price is. Have you tried soaking your head in baby oil or mineral oil at night prior to going to bed? Maybe that will help - plus it's cheap!!! You could try the MG217 shampoo that Mike mentioned. I have been using it and unfortunately have not seen really any difference (but everything is different for everybody). You could also try Tarsum shampoo which is OTC. It was about $18 a bottle or so. In another post people have mentioned Listorine - yeah, I know, but some say it helps. If you put it in a spray bottle and spray the p on your head, it may help reduce itching and redness. I actually went and picked it up the other day. When I apply it, it doesn't seem to itch as much, but it may be just me thinking that!!! Who knows!!! But it's relatively inexpensive and it just may help! If it doesn't work at least you can use it as a mouthwash - lol! Sometimes I have bad days with my scalp p and will feel so much better when I get home from work and take another shower. Sometimes it just relieves my head and feel much better - which today was unfortunately one of those days. I remember reading someone else's post that when they took a shower in the am and pm, that the scalp p seemed to improve. I forget who posted it.

Well, I hope that I have given you a few ideas that you are willing to try. I feel like that I have tried everything and am now going to a clinical nutritionist and taking some supplements and am currently on a no wheat, no dairy diet. (BTW, it's not that easy - I like my pasta and alfredo!!!! LOL) She feels very confident that she can assist me, so I'll keep you posted!

Talk to you soon,
Jill

[rctecinc]

Has there ever been a time that you were completly relieved of psoriasis?
If so were the red blotches gone also?

Another thing that sucks is my brother has a house out here with a pool in his back yard and because of the psoriasis I've never been in it. I even have dreams that in the dream I find myself maybe without a shirt and I run quiclky to cover myself. Can you believe that? Psoriasis is even haunting me in my dreams.

[JayHod]

I am completely clear of p thanks to the trial study of CNTO 1275 the red blotches go away but you are left with either dark or light spots on your skin. They keep fading as time goes on though.

I know how you feel RC, my life was a living hell when I was covered with p and then I got clear and was happy but now am getting sad all over again. This miracle drug is making my hair fall out and not just at little bits of a time anymore like it started.

Despite some nasty side effects (that don't happen to everyone!!!) have you thought about biologics? They saved me so far.

Jan

[rctecinc]

What is biologics? How does it work?

[nomobties]

I just read you first post. I dont ever want to see you use the word loser in reference to yourself ever again. You're more courageous than you think. I can see that in you. Of course, feel free to call the Chicago Cubs losers. I dont mind.

[jdeldrid]

If you're using Olux, you might want to see if you can get script for clobetasol propionate cream or gel. It's a generic with the same active ingredient, and should be a good deal cheaper.

Biologics such as Enbrel and Remicade are, unfortunately extremely expensive, but it might be worth pursuing possible assistance programs -- either the ones Mike listed or direct with their manufacturers -- if your dermatologist thinks they might work for you.

[bettybroadbent]

Hi RC
I just wanted to lament on your lack of insurance. I know how frustrating, financially exhausting, and discouraging dealing with p can be without insurnace. Hang in there, I'm with you. There are still so many things that you have the power to do that insurance can't: changing your diet, thinking positively, adding supplements/vitamins to your diet, taking support from the people here, finding the right topicals for your skin, getting some sun...and the list goes on...
There's such great information on this site; I encourage you to find what works for you.
Betty

[rctecinc]

I just want to give you guys a bit more info about myself.
I'll be 32 on the 28th of this month. I started getting P when I was about 22 on my scalp. It was a very small scale at that time and I had much more hair on my head. I never knew what it was or that it would lead to this. I guess you can say I neglected it for a while until it became a major problem. But I fault my doctor at the time because she took a long time to send me a to a dermatologist. It starts out like a small red pimple and then spreads.
Now I have it on my head, knees, back, stomach and now it’s getting worse around the back of my neck. Oh, I also have in on and in my ears. Which really blows my mind.
I get depressed all the time and find myself always by myself at home because I can never be myself anywhere else.
I haven’t worked since last year because I fell like how can I go on a job interview if I can’t take off my hat. You have to dress up for it. So this year I took matter into my own hands and opened up a small business so that I can be the boss and wouldn’t have worry about that as much. I also thought that maybe I can get a health plan for the company and get insured that way but who will insure a company with one employee.
Things have to get better! I hope.

[makeitgoaway]

What is biologics? How does it work?

I hope this helps.

Click here. (http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/)

[SandraJean]

Hi,

I just wanted to welcome you to the boards and am so sorry about your psoriasis. You've been given alot of great information and I hope you continue to post and let us know how you are doing.

Take care,

Sandy

[outdoorsman74]

Hey rc,
I know how you feel. Im 32 and P hit me about a year ago really bad. Bad scalp, legs, arms stomach, butt, ears, face, hands and feet. I've been fortunate to have insurance but will be getting laid off this month so I am nervous too. The perscriptions only do a little bit to help keep it from getting flakey. I felt really depressed for quite a while after it hit me and I tried to hide it as much as possible. Through the past year, I have been getting better at dealing with it and trying all remedies I possibly can. I don't care as much now about what other people think. And believe it or not, most people really don't care. I've even dated a couple really nice and attractive women that could have cared less about my poka-dots. As i'm sure you can see, this site is a great place for info and i've found a few things that are really helping me out. Just keep working at it and i'm sure you will find that it gets easier to deal with over time. I'm currently trying the clinicpsoriasis.com treatment and i'm seeing some minor improvement (only 2 weeks now). It's a bit expensive but a lot of people are having success. Look it up on here at npf. Good luck and keep your head high!

[Dulane]

Here is an ointment that I have found to work pretty well. And it is pretty cheap, as it goes a long way. It's main ingredient is one of the herbs used in the Clinic Psoriasis treatment. The product has recently changed packaging. It used to be 20 grams for $6.99 and now it is 100 grams for $19.95, so it is actually cheaper.

I am serious, BTW. I use it along my hairline or for spots that have the audacity to appear on my face. It really helps but hasn't cleared my scalp.

http://garrysun.com/jawahar.html

Also, I'm gonna quote the back page of the last Advance magazine. I have had luck with turmeric, however the conditioner idea is new to me...but cheap to try:

Skin cream and turmeric clears psoriasis plaques
I cured my plaque psoriasis with a salve I mixed using a penetrating skin cream and the kitchen herb turmeric. I had battled psoriasis for more than 15 years with every salve the doctor had. It took less than a month to disappear with the salve I concocted at a total cost of less than $10.
G.W., via e-mail
Editor’s note: The author did not specify a brand name of skin cream but most likely meant a moisturizer that absorbs well, such as Eucerin or Neutrogena. Turmeric comes in several forms, and is available at most natural food stores.

Conditioner helps soothe, clear skin
I have found that using Suave Naturals hair conditioner as a lotion on my skin works for my psoriasis. The remission is both immediate and long-lasting, compared with tar-based products (recommended to me by dermatologists over a 10-year period).
G.G., via e-mail

[GitOverIt]

Hi rc the place the above poster was talking about is in this thread ...the first part is some disagreements but around page 4 it gets interesting proof that it works with photos...it is costly but maybe until your business picks up you can use some of their oils and lotions? you might want to send
chowdhryrc an email or PM he is a member and in charge of the US dealings.....

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17425

and then there is another site ...FREE.... I went there and had a free consultation by a dermatologist ...Dr Heng she has a web site I will post plus ther are some articles you can read about her and the curcumin gel she creatd for psoriasis....It works but is expensive $89 and it didn't go very far if you have to keep applying it!


first of all here is a short bio about Dr. Heng:

-----------------------------------------------------------
I am currently a dermatologist with my own practice in Camarillo and Oxnard.
I was in academia for 25 years (Chief of Dermatology, VA Medical Center,
Sepulveda; Professor of Medicine/Dermatology UCLA School of Medicine). I
still teach at Olive View/UCLA Medical Center, and I currently still
retain my academic title (Professor of Medicine/Dermatology UCLA School of
Medicine).
My practice addresses:
Camarillo office: 422 B, Arneill Rd, Camarillo CA 93010; phone:
(805)383-4510 (phone).
Oxnard office: 3641 W Fifth St, Oxnard, CA 93035; phone: (805)985-5505.

For patients close to the city, I also see patients at Lakeside Medical
Offices in Mission Hills (San Fernando Valley opposite Holy Cross
Hospital: (818)838-6716.

Madalene Heng, MD, FRACP, FACD
Professor of Medicine/Dermatology
UCLA School of Medicine

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

here are some good articles that give us hope in a natural/alternative clearing!

http://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatologytimes/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=178388

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:P5SDhD7rAKQJ:www.bri.ucla.edu/bri_weekly/news_060206.asp+Heng+psoriasis&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5&ie=UTF-8

and here is the web page...notice on the left side the list...you can click on any of those to get info...the bottom one is for a free consultation ....but when/if you do make sure you tell her everything about the P where it is when you got it etc...it helps to give as much info as you ca....

also you can click on treatments and she tells you about all treatments that are now available.

http://psoriainfo.org/site/index.php?id=31,0,0,1,0,0

one thing she told me was no sugar....and for me because I have inverse P no dairy! inverse P is in the warm, folds of the body like under the arms in the groin etc!

good luck whatever you do!
Sally

[Ernie1981]

Hello --


I'm 25 yrs old, and have been where you are. We all have. You're not alone.

I just wanted to point out that there is a cheaper alternative to Olux. The active ingredient in Olux is Clobetasol propionate, so you could just get your doc to perscribe plain old Clobetasol in a tube. The only difference is, it'll be greasy (like Vaseline is), but it's much much cheaper. Actually, you can get it in a liquid form too for your scalp, if it's effective for you.

[craigador]

I can hear and relate to your situation well, at 32 my entire back, arms, legs, were covered, and i mean with patches wider than 2 hands, that linked up like continents. it was pretty rough, but there is hope, there is always hope..
first, to echo the other posters, drop the olux, and get clobetasol propionate liquid for your scalp. I also have no insurance, but purcahse a small dropper every 3 months, for only $35 dollar.
This stuff is powerful, almost too powerful, and has side effects especially thinning skin/stretchmarks.
I dilute the solution with distilled water, adding almost 1 part water to 1 part solution. This will clear your scalp, i have confidence in that. but be careful with it.
As for the rest, i use suave cocoa & shea butter soap, plus suave natural oatmeal lotion. use a good scrubber, and lather up with the lotion. this will last for 8 hours for me. it is not easy, but you can maintain your life as want it.
Above everything, hang in there. If you can get sunshine, that has always worked wonders for me, and a home UVB unit I bought second hand has saved me. Please let us know how you are coming along!
I met my wife shortly before my last 4 year flare. we married, and am having the 'happily ever after' now. people can understand that we are more than our skin, even when we can't always do it.

[Geffy]

Everybody else has given such good advice. I don't have anything to add really except that there are devices to help you put medicine on your back. I have used a rubber spatula tied to a longer flexible piece of plastic.

Here is a link that I found just to illistrate what I mean.

https://lotionapplicators.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=8da194ff9df740e7b981502c24408cb3

If you ever feel like calling yourself a loser again .... I can tell you what my grandfather used to say.

"You can't say you are a failure / loser until you are 2 feet away from your grave"

I think of that every time I think I'm useless or whatever.

I hope you feel better very soon. :)

[econn]

Hey RC
My heart goes out to you. you are by no means a loser! This is a tough deal life has dealt but you have to dig deep and find some strength. You are more than just what you skin looks like. I know how you feel. i wrote the post "need to vent" last week. I have my highs and lows with P since I started with it 15 years ago.
I am no doctor and cannot recommend any rx's or ointments but this is what works for me. I find P is a mental stuggle as much as a physical struggle. Please find a support group or at least keep in touch on this message board, Its a great community, I find a yoga class or exercise helps me stay in a good frame of mind. Know you are not alone!
Also you have to find it in yourself to not worry what other people think. You are not contagious. It is there problem not yours if they find you unsightly. I have P all over my legs but I work out in shorts and swim at my gym. I used to carry info from NPF regarding P if someone gave me a hard time. Also employers cannot discriminate you because of P.
Also, stop using Ivory soap,. its very drying, I used Dove for sensitive skin, I wash my clothes in Arm & Hammer no dyes or scents. Also try the baths, very good for you.
May all the words from everyone give you strength. Know you are not alone and you are never a loser. I will surely keep you in my thoughts,
Best wishes
Eileen from Pennsylvania

[FlakeyMatt]

Has there ever been a time that you were completly relieved of psoriasis?
If so were the red blotches gone also?

Hey RC

You have been alot of good advice One thing I must say here is the medications help all of us in varying degrees. It is very important that you educate yourself and decide what is the best option for you.

I have never been COMPLETELY clear BUT I have had my p reduce dramtically. I have been covered to almost 100% of my body multiple times and trust me you CAN find relief. You have to keep trying

It is important to keep yourself moisturized!!!!! Keeping you skin moist will make your feel mroe comfortable, help placques from building and make any topical, light treatment or plain old sunlight more effective treatments

If you are in the sun, it will help BUT please be careful NOT to burn It is A Fine Balance we must maintain

Good Luck and let us know how else we can help F.M.

[rctecinc]

You guys have given me a new sense of hope about my P. But what really scares me is that I thought I had it bad, and after listening to some of the stories you guys have shared with me makes me feel that this is just the very beginning of my battle with P. I can’t imagine having P on 90% of my body at any point in time. Or even on my face. I guess that’s what I have to look forward to. I think that would crush me.
Another thing that I’m wondering about is how will the sun help me with P? A few people have recommended getting some sun in my diet. I guess I’m lucky that I just moved down here to Florida from NYC. I can always get some sun out on my patio on a daily basis. Plus when I’m working in the field. You can never escape from the sun down here in Florida when you work in construction.
And for you guys wondering what rctecinc means… the RC is the initials in my name and the tecinc means… Technicians Incorporated. This was a company name I used back in the days.

RC.

[outdoorsman74]

Hey RC,
The sun really helps with the P but you have to be careful. The top part of my arms look great because I work in the field and get sun every day on my arms. The underside of my arms are pretty good but still have spots. I got a sun burn on my shoulders earlier this year and broke out with a lot of P spots on my shoulders that I'm still trying to get to clear. That's why I see it as a delicate matter. Too much sun (like a sun burn) could cause a flare up. But regular sun does help many of us. I think a regular does of limited sunlight is a good thing. This is my theory.
Kyle from Michigan

[rctecinc]

My dermatologist in NY was giving me injections to the affected areas on my back and stomach. I don't remember the name of the medicine but let me say that he was a total tool. He acted like if he was doing me a favor by treating me. At least that’s the way he made me feel. If I didn't ask him questions he wouldn't give me info. But the injections were made to the area right below the skin, in other words he wouldn't stick the needle all the way in. If he were a good doctor I would know exactly what he did. But every time I went there I wanted to leave as fast as possible.

[econn]

Hey RC!
hope you are in better spirits,
All i know about the sun issue is I was told just to stay out in limited times, 15-20 minutes and use sunscreen where you do not have P. But otherwise it will get you out and hopefully in a better mindset. Also your comment on being covered 90% is something that will happen to you. This may not be the case. You will never know what course P will take on your body, but its not a given this will occur with you. I have had it almost 20 years and i am not 90 % covered.
Be strong & hang in there.
Eileen :)