SD and psoriasis

[Blockhead]

Hello! Could one possibly have psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis at the same time? Would zinc pyrithione work for both conditions?

[sergecosta]

Hey there -- I was diagnosed with sebopsoriasis---which is precisely an overlap of SD and psoriasis. Actually, zinc pyrithione seems to work ok for me. H&S Refresh worked the best, I thought. But nowadays, I simply use MG217 (which I absolutely think is the best tar shampoo out there). I don't use very much either - a dime size worth of shampoo and gently massage it in. When I rub shampoo onto my scalp, I get problems -- seems like things get worse. So I (no fooling) glide my hands through my hair, using my palms occasionally to massage my scalp slowly--to lift any flaking. I don't let the shampoo sit for more than a minute.

I mainly have it on the scalp -- actually the back part of the scalp along the outer edges toward the hairline. No redness, just dry skin. It definitely gets worse with some shampoos, so you may need to figure out for yourself which ones. Everyone is different.

I have a small spot on my upper shoulder. I can't use any old shaving cream and I have to be careful when I shave. I tend to get a few pale pink spots (not raised) in my beard area if I don't treat it nice. Otherwise, absolutely unnoticeable.

My sebopsoriasis definitely got worse from 2003-early 2005. I attribute that to Dovonex (which I did not apply to my face---but definitely brought about the onset of facial psoriasis, a known side effect) and the overuse of mild topical steroids on my face which created flares and rebounds. SO I stick with Protopic only---and it has done the trick.

I currently do not use an antifungal creams or shampoos. Too harsh. I minimize the use of soap since I am certain that it interferes with the natural flora of my skin and therefore brings about an aggressive response which I have done very well in minimizing.

Oh, I absolutely cannot use moisturizers. Brings sebopsoriatic lesions (in sebaceous areas) quickly. Been there.....too long.

Best of luck
Serge