Goeckerman...chicken pox causes outbreaks?

[jmj4149]

I have a seven year old who was diagnosed with p. over two years ago. We noticed his first problems after he had a case of chicken pox. We have treated with numerous meds and UVB. He was just recently in day care with another child who came down with the c. pox and has had a severe outbreak of p. He has never been clear of p. but it just got 10x worse. We are considering going thru the Goeckerman regimen @ Mayo Clinic but would love to hear from anyone else who has tried this. They tell us they have done the Goeckerman for over 70 years and have great results.

Thanks
Jana

[PJ Leary]

Hey Jana,

I am happy to report to you that have many years of experience with this form of treatment, with wonderful results. It does take time, and is not as fast as other methods of treatment. However, it also has the least side effects, and is , as you've been told, tried and true.

Basically, it is a rotation of tar and light. Depending on the individual patient, there may be some short contact anthralin throw in.

A typical day of inpatient treatment would go something like this:

7 am wake
7:15-7:30 shampoo with tar shampoo and soak in a tar bath
7:45 breakfast, followed by dr's rounds

( usually rounds include lying in just one's robe on the bed so that the entire skin may be examined by the dr, tough at first for the shy, but you get used to it )

Before 9:00 UVB light treatment

by 9:00, application of tar to entire body, feels mushy and kind of gross, but soothing to the itch. application of tar to scalp may be done as well. Tar is not generally applied to the moist areas, say behind the knees, but 1% TAC cream may be used there.

The method of application is important, and the derm nurses will help with that.

Between morning and evening bedtime, there will be two more applications of the tar, over the previous ones. Medication is used to help control the itch, which becomes VERY intense.

You can figure on about 21 days. One of the added benefits of this in-patient treatment is the education in proper application of topicals, and maintenance education. Personally, I think it would be most helpful to your son if you were to be present during the majority of his introduction to treatment.

The Mayo is an excellent clinic, and I would urge you to try this approach.

If I can answer any other questions, or be of any help, please feel free to email me :

cl-altha@ivillage.com

Good luck.

PJ Leary