New to this.....

[jbl6302]

My name is Jennifer,30, My husbands name is Michael,32,. He has had severe psoriasis for about 4 years. We are both without medical insurance so any trips to a dermatoligist is out of the question for us, We simply can not afford it. He tried that when all this first started and was on tazorac for a while to no avail. His arms and hands are completely covered and is covered on about 30 percent of the rest of his body. It is what i would consider severe. What I was wondering is if anyone here knows of anything he can use to help, over the counter wise. He was told by a friend that going to a tanning bed would help, because of the uv lights. I am curious to get your opinion on that. Anything anyone knows that can help would be greatly appreciated. This disease causes a great deal of depression for him. Thank you in advance.....Jennifer

p.s Nut Butter lady...I have already read your posts, please dont reply

[cntw8]

Welcome to the board. You will find alot of great ideas here that might be able to take some of the edge off. It is wonderful of you to be so supportive. I use an over the counter product on my scalp that really helps take the scales off. It is called Bakers P&S Liquid. I think it is about $20.00 a bottle, but it lasts a long time. Has no side effects. When I had p on my feet, I would also use it there and then wrap my feet. Once the scales are off the UV light works well, but you need to get the scales off first. Start slow with the UV and try not to burn. Burning only makes the p worse. Be sure to put some kind of moisturizer on 30-60 minutes before tanning, it helps the uv penetrate. Also talk to the pharmacist. They may have some good ideas on what he can use with a RX. It really sucks when you don't have insurance, but I do believe there are some programs out there and a few from this site have talked about "trials" that they have signed up for. Have him do some research on diet and vitamins. I have heard that it works for some. Good luck and come back often to let us know how it is going.
Stephanie

[MikeK]

Hi Jennifer,

First, I'm sorry that Michael (I like that name ;)) is going through such a rough time. :( Thank you for being there for him. Second, welcome to the Board! :cool: You've come to the right place. A lot of very nice and helpful people post here.

Here's a couple of quick suggestions.

(1) MG217 has been around for a long time. Here in New Jersey, it's available in just about any drug store. I can usually find it in the same aisle as the hand creams and lotions. It's an ointment (they also make a shampoo) and comes 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 things that can safely be used to remove scales. Coal tar will increase Michael's photosensitivity (i.e., it will increase the potential for a sunburn) so he shouldn't use it on the days that he tans. I've also read here that some people object to MG217's smell. (Here's a link for some additional info: http://www.mg217.com/indexsite.html.)

(2) Dermarest makes a cream that's also available in just about any drug store here. It has salicylic acid in it. (Here's a link for some additional info: http://www.dermarest.com/prod.html#skin.)

(3) My derm strongly suggests that I avoid using antibacterial soaps. She said that they can irritate the psoriasis and make it even drier than it already is. She recommended a product called Cetaphil. I use the liquid version in the bathroom sink. (Here's a link: www.cetaphil.com/product_information/cleansers.cfm.) I sometimes use their Gentle Cleansing Bars (they also make an antibacterial version) in the shower. (Here's a link -- you have to scroll down the page: http://www.cetaphil.com/product_information/cleansing_bars.cfm. I also sometimes use Aveeno Moisturizing Bar soap in the shower. It has oatmeal in it and has a rough texture which helps to gently remove scales. (Aveeno's website is under construction, so here's a link to Walgreen's description of it: http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jhtml?PRODID=4123&CATID=100305.) Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash (here's a link: http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jhtml?PRODID=357437&CATID=100324) and Dove Sensitive Skin Bars (http://dove.com/products/f_sensitive_bar.asp) are also good choices.

(4) I've learned the hard way that the dies and fragrances in detergents and dryer sheets, etc. can irritate my psoriasis. I haven't had any problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products.

(5) My psoriasis is very dry. I find it very helpful to apply moisturizer several times a day. (I also have psoriasis on my hands and I learned the hard way that I have to apply moisturizer every time that I wash them.) I find it very helpful to rotate among several brands. Some of my current favorites include Eucerin Original Moisturizing Lotion (the kind that comes in a pump bottle), Aveeno and Cetaphil.

(6) Some people find it helpful to take baths with Balnetar or Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment. (Here's a link a link for the Balnetar: http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/Branddetail72.asp?WID=%7B011E442E-D66E-11D7-918A-0002B330452B%7D and here's one for Aveeno: http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jhtml?PRODID=353119&CATID=100325.) (Caution: The Balnetar has coal tar in it. It can be very hard to clean the tub after you use it. It also will stain underwear, sheets, pillowcases, and just about everything else. The stains are impossible to get out. I only use it when I absolutely have to.)

(7) I've never done it, but I've read here that a lot of people go to tanning salons. (Tell him to be careful not to burn! A burn on top of p is a nightmare! Also, see my caution re: coal tar above.) I know that sunlight helps me a lot. I'm sorry that summer is almost over for that reason.

I'm sorry that this turned into a novel. :rolleyes:

I hope this helps.

Good luck. Keep us posted and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

P.S. Talking about it helps. Try to convince Michael to start posting here too. :)

[heps]

Hi Jennifer, Welcome to our group here. There are a bunch of wonderful & caring people here ready to assist
you in anyway we can. So as not to be repetitive, I do want to tell you I agree with MikeK wholeheartedly,
It's exactly what I would have said. I think it's the best out.

Good Luck!!!

[Zwijndrecht]

I am going to offer a possibility...

If you can afford a doctor or clinic at all, methotrexate is fairly cheap. Also generic steroids with tar mixed in can be cheaper than the over the counter stuff.

Depression also can be treated and should be...if you can afford it.

Be careful with anyone promising a cure...it will be a way to take your money...

[lahdove]

Greetings

You've already been given great advice. I just wanted to add a welcome. Hope we can help. Visit often and don't be afraid to jump in anytime. We're glad to have you with us.

[airbooster]

Welcome I have had P since I was born and I'm 58 now. I agree with the info you have been given and especially the part about BEWARE OF ANYBODY SAYING THEY HAVE A CURE. What was offered here is to aid in relief unfortunatly at the moment there IS NO MAGIC BULLET. The only advice I can add is possibly trying an oatmeal bath to help soothe the itching. Along with vaseline which is really messy it worked for me when I was out of control but each person is different WELCOME AGAIN airbooster:D :D :D

[IrisfromSpain]

Hello Jennifer !!!!

Just wanted to welcome you and Michael to this great place....Mike said it all, and as usual his advise is superb !! :)

Sunny regards,

Iris :)

[beladonna]

I have to agree with Iris..

MikeK's info is superlative...He always comes through for info.

Welcome here anyway

;)

[jbl6302]

Thanks for all the replies, and the welcomes, We have tried the coal tar items and they make it worse, and so do the ones with that acid that starts with a s that i cant spell at the moment :rolleyes: But i will pass along all the other suggestions to him. I am also going to check with the local hospital OSU and see about the trials. Thank you again, We will be posting often

Jennifer and Mike

[Allie]

Jennifer-

I am sorry you have to be going through this, but I am sure it helps your hubby tons - that you are so supportive!!!

A couple of additional suggestions.....

tanning beds - yes they do work. Please do not let him burn, and a good place should moniter is usage time and skin results to ensure he is not burning. Most tanning salons are UVA based, but if you can find one that has a bed w/increased UVB it will be best. The place I tan at has both UVA and an increased UVB beds. The salon I use, its owner told me to alternate between the two, as the UVB is more expensive to use.

needymeds - I personally do not know much about this, but I do know it is recommended to those w/o insurance. Contact NPF and they can give you more info. on the clinical trials in your area and how to go about getting info to apply to needymeds.

Best wishes. Keep up the hope!!

[MikeK]

Here's a link for needymeds: www.needymeds.com.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[BarbaraW]

Hey Jennifer and Mike,
You have already been given WONDERFUL advice, so I really don't have anything to add.

But I just wanted to say welcome to this fabulous place!!! When I found this board it was the first time I didn't feel so alone. Hope it makes you both feel that way too!

The very best of luck to you Mike, on your treatment. :D

BTW Mike K.... I like his name too. My dh is named Michael :p