I am so worried about my dad

[kel]

Hi everyone! I did not know anything about psoriasis untill my dad was diagnosed last summer. It is so bad and I feel so sorry for him because there doesn't seem to be any relief for him. He has went to three doctors and they have given him a pharmacy of topical ointments, but nothing helps. He will be 75 in November and he is so depressed. I don't even know where to start to help him.

[kel]

Thanks for the info. I was also wondering if the scratching makes the p. worse? My dad is constantly scratching his legs, and they look really bad. Me and my mom both have been worried that he may make the condition worse with the scratching. The doctor had him on a steroid for awhile prednisone. It did not seem to help. I was wondering about some of the other treatments that I have seen listed. What about cyclosporine or the biologics? This is something that was never mentioned to my dad when he went to the doctor. We live in a very rural community of Western NC and the nearest doctor that I can find that uses this form of treatment is over 2 hrs away. My dads legs swell and fluid runs out like water. He also pulls the scaling skin off his legs, I don't know if that is such a good idea, because his legs almost look raw.

[MikeK]

Hi Kel,

Welcome! :cool: I'm sorry to hear about your dad. You've come to the right place. A lot of very nice and helpful people post here. Some of our most active members live in NC. :)

I have plaque psoriasis and can tell you from personal experience that it itches like crazy. :( I can also tell you from personal experience that scratching makes it worse! :eek: If the itch gets too bad, your dad make want to take an over the counter product such as Benadryl. Here's a link: http://www.benadrylusa.com/benadryl.asp?sec=0&page=0&from=92.

The scales itch and prevent the medication from attacking the psoriasis. Unfortunately, pulling off the scales is not a good idea, because it can also make things worse. Loose scales, however, can and should be gently removed. Most doctors recommend using a product with saliclic acid in it to help loosen scales. Here's a link http://psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/salicylic_acid.php. (Caution: Salicylic Acid should NOT be used if your dad is using a medication called Dovonex. According to the NPF, salicylic acid actually deactivates Dovonex. (You'll find a link to the various medications that are used to treat psoriasis, including Dovonex, in another part of this post.) Some people loosen their scales by taking baths with a product like Aveeno Oatmeal soap. Since I use Dovonex and can't use Salicylic acid, I sometimes use Aveeno Oatmeal Soap Bars in the shower. It has a rough texture, which gently helps remove scales.

There's a lot of medications that your father may want to try. Most people start with topicals, which are available in ointment or creams and which are applied directly to the psoriasis. Topicals usually require a prescription, but there are also several excellent over the counter topicals that your dad can use. I use Dovonex, Ultravate, Protopic and Locoid. I use the Dovonex on my legs. A combination of Ultravate and Dovonex on my hands. Locoid on my underarms and groin area and Protopic in my ears. These products all require a prescription. Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of the various treatments that are available: http://psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/

There an over the counter ointment called MG217 that many people use. Here's a link: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~triton/MG217.htm.

The sun actually helps psoriasis, so you dad should try to get some sun. However, he should be careful not to burn. I know from personal experience that getting a sunburn on top of psoriasis is not fun.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I don't have a computer at the moment, but I'll try to find the time to answer them as best I can.

Good luck and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[Zwijndrecht]

You have had tons of good advice. The only thing that I can add is that good old Bag Balm, best found in the cattle feed store, is the best at gobbing on the plaques to soften them up and remove the itching through moisturizing. It works well but it sticks to the clothes and furniture too...think super vaseline.

Also, tar shampoos, Pentrax in particular I like, are good for the scalp, or even rubbing in right before a shower....

Please keep updating us on your dad. I am already feeling his pain.

[kel]

Hi:) I have heard so much about p. being genetic. I am really wondering about this. I really don't know any one else in my family other than my dad that has it. I get really tickled at him, he will go into the bedroom away from my mom just so that he can scratch his legs:rolleyes: I don't know what we are going to do with him. My mom gets aggitated at him for doing this. I really try to be more understanding, because he was telling me how bad that the p. itches. He says that no matter how much he scratches he can not get it to stop, he says it is almost like it itches underneath the skin. I can not even imagine:(

[MikeK]

Hello again,

Yes. Just about everything I've read says that p is genetic. I'm 46 and was diagnosed when I was 7. My family is a lot like yours. I'm the only one -- on both sides of my family -- that has it. :(

Originally posted by kel
Hi:) I really try to be more understanding, because he was telling me how bad that the p. itches. He says that no matter how much he scratches he can not get it to stop, he says it is almost like it itches underneath the skin. I can not even imagine:(

Everyone and their p is different, but you're dad's description is pretty much how the itch sometimes feels to me. Takeing some Benadryl sometimes helped. Applying moisturizer sometimes helps. I also sometimes use an over the counter anti-itch cream. I personally haven't had to use it, but I understand that there are prescription anti-itch medications available. (I read somewhere that they should be taken right before bed, because they make you very drowsy.) If the itch gets top bad. he should talk to his doctor.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[kel]

Just wanted to say thanks bunches:D You all are very extraordinary people:cool: I, myself can not even fathom what it must be like to live with p.:( All my blessings go out to each and every one of you for everyday:)

[chaimFL]

There can be some relief by simply lathering the body with moisturizers twice a day. Sunlight is a big help also. The use of topical meds is a tedious process and in order to be successful with them they must be used twice a day everyday. Soaking in a warm bath for one or two hours helps loosen the scaling really well and optimizes the use of topicals.
And yes, psoriasis is supposed to be hereditary. Although neither of my parents, none of my grandparents, and neither of my siblings have psoriasis. I seem to be the only one....none of my cousins have it either....so who knows.

[kel]

I wonder if stress has anything to do with it. I know if my dad gets worried or stressed about anything his p gets really bad. His legs are looking a lot better right now. Most of the redness is gone and he says they aren't itching as bad. He is using a prescription ointment the doctor gave him. Floucinide(can't spell):) It seems to be doing good right now.

[MikeK]

Hi Kel,

Unfortunately, stress is one of the many triggers for p. My p starts to flair out of control whenever I am under a lot of stress.

Mike