UV therapy

[tenderfoot]

I began taking Soriatane in May and have had little improvement. After an acquaintance recommended UV therapy, the one thing that helped her I asked my derm what he thought, I didn't know it was used for ppp. I wondered why after 7 months he never mentioned it. After only one month it has helped me tremendously. I bought my own unit and use it every other day. The pain is now 95% gone and the flaking and oozing has stopped. I wondered if I should leave this derm due to his lack of info for me and his stated disdain of the internet, he cites all the misinformation out there. This site is quite a wealth of info. I decided on my own to quit the Soriatane, a decision made due to the cost, thinning hair, and the interaction with my cholesterol medication as seen in my blood work. My derm told me to quit the chloresterol medicine, he said his was 250 and he wasn't treating his. Does anyone have similar healing with just the light, will I regress without the Soriatane? Should I keep this derm or find a new one? Are there any negative side effects from the UV and at what point do I stabalize on the length of time on the light. I know these questions should be for my derm but I'm really not trusting him

[MikeK]

Hi Tenderfoot,

I'm a little concerned by the fact that your derm told you to quit the chloresterol medication. High chloresterol can cause heart disease. There's at least one study which shows an increased risk of heart disease in psoriasis patients: (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17032986&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum) so it's important for you to get your chloresterol under control. I agree that it's time for you to find another dermatologist. What City do you live near? Perhaps someone who also posts here lives near your and can recommend someone. You can also find a derm by using the NPF's Physician's Directory. The directory is basically a list of derms who've contacted the NPF and expressed interest in treating psoriasis. It's not an endorsement by the NPF, but it's a great place to start. It's searchable by zip code. Here's a link to it: http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/directory/

I know that Soritane can sometimes cause chloresterol problems. I also know that Soriatane's side effects can be very hard to tolerate. Rather then quit cold turkey, maybe you can experiment with the dosage? Especially, if your psoriasis starts to get worse.

I hope this helps.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Mike

[danashell]

I'm with Mike -- definitely concerned that your derm told you to quit your cholesterol meds. And, at total cholesterol of 250, he should be treating his... Better find a new one -- that way you'll be all set when he keels over of a heart attack!! :p Seriously, though, it doesn't sound like this guy is very knowledgeable or supportive. I've been through a variety of derms over the years. For the first time, I'm seeing somebody I really trust, who seems up to date, and who feels like a partner -- it is a great feeling. Try the directory, ask everyone you know, post a question for people here about someone in your area.
Good luck!