applying topicals

[neese]

I know there's no such thing as a stupid question but I may be pushing it here, and if so i'm sorry.

For the topical treatments such as Dovonex oinment and others that don't thin the skin.....should we be really working it into the p. spot? It recently dawned on me that i've always just dotted the medicines on my spots and sometimes will put a bandaid over them so it doesn't wipe off on clothes or sheets.

But, if this is medicine....shouldn't it be worked in more.....could it be *bad* to work it in more? I'm not sure what the question is now that I type this ....but I'd love to know how others apply their topicals.... do you take your time and really work in the dovonex in a massaging manner or do you dab it on and go?

:rolleyes:
Thanks in Advance

[Raynard_the_Fox]

I think its a good question, And one I have never really thought of. I do the same thing you do. As in sometimes I work it in, sometimes I cover it or just dab it on. But I would really like to know the best way to do it.

-Fox

[chaimFL]

I have personally found that working it in to the lesions seems to help me. It's not a necessity especially if you cover them with a bandaide because they you are occluding that helps obsorb the meds the best. Perhaps give it a try and see if you notice a difference...it definitely won't hurt either way.

[coachG]

Hi Denise............What works the best for me, is to apply the ointment and then cover it with a piece of saran wrap held on tightly with athletic tape. This helps keep the ointment moist for hours "pushing" the meds into the p continually. I don't like to use a bandaid because the fabric on the bandaid soaks up "MY EXPENSIVE" medicine.

[Colgan]

My new dermatologist just told me this. It has been been helpful and requires much less of the medication. Before you apply your topical, dab some water on the P lesions. This will help the medication penetrate easier and you will notice that you use half the amount than wien you apply it to dry skin. He told me that even after you shower/bathe then dry off you should still dab the water on each area before applying. This has been helpful for me, and I have noticed a slowdown in growth.I do not have to rub very hard.

I hope this is helpful.

[debber_1]

HI!!

I was told by my wonderful derm to use a wash cloth and remove scales and work the meds in...He told me it won't be nearly as effective if you have scales...

Can I add something else..If you are using Dovonex be careful about occlusion like Pam said because since it has vitamin D in it you can get too much in your blood.(calcium)And I do the same as Pam but I wrap my elbows in saran wrap after applying a glob of cream or vasaline, and then I cut the toes out of an old sock and put it on to keep the plastic in place and in the morning after I shower the scales rub right off and my elbows are smooth for days...And thats just with cream etc...

And I have been using Elidel on my plaques and they are pretty flat...Elidel is an antinflamatory and my pharmasist said it is being used a lot but a bit pricey at about $150.00 without insurance....

Denise ..Ask your doc before you use occlusion because if your are using a steriod you run more of a risk of thinning skin and also another thing to consider is this: our skin is the biggest organ we have an what goes on your skin also goes in your body...

And at my last derm visit he gave me a steriod cream, but asked first if my b/p was high because steriod cream applied to the body CAN raise your b/p...So he said to be on the safe said I want you to only use it on the weekends....

I am not trying to sound like a know it all, because I certianly am not, just relaying my derms know how to you..Even if you are'nt using steriods now you may be in the future, who knows...

I have had this p on me for 20 years! ewww!


HUGGS!

[neese]

Hi friends ;)

Thanks for being so sweet and helpful.

I've already began experimenting with how I'm applying my meds but I'm still a bit confused on some parts of your advice:

does "occlusion" mean covering the medicated areas? I looked it up but my dictionary wasn't even making sense to me :rolleyes:

when using saran wrap... are you actually wrapping it around or cutting a small square (or circle) and placing it over just the p. spot?

and, what is athletic tape? is that what is also known as an Ace Bandage?

Interesting Deb about the steriods going into the body affecting blood pressure. I do use them as well. I have the Elocon and Ultravate....although the derm is recommending just the Elocon right now. Anyway, i did not think of that before so thanks for the information

[pluticus]

I do a mix of the two. I blob it on and rub gently ... just seconds really. :)

[debber_1]

Hi,
Occlusion means wrapping a piece of saran wrap around your arm of legs in the areas you want to treat...really with dovonex it's not such a bad idea but I would'nt do it with steroids unless your doc recommends it...As for the athelic tape I am not sure but I think its kinda like an ace bandage altho I am not sure, so ask Coach...I used Elecon on my face before I knew better and it's a pretty potent steriod, I have little broken viens to show for it! ICK

At your next derm app. ask your doc about Elidel, because I use it everywhere and my plaques are flat! And it helps with the scales too!
But it's great for your face, I think they use it on babies!

Elidel is not a steriod and I think it was realy origanally for exema , but docs are using it more now for p...There is also a tape I do believe with medication on it , but I think its a steriod...Never used it tho just saw it posted...

[coachG]

So here is the athletic tape, I just happen to have access to this type of tape because we use it in the gym....but any kind of medical tape will do (anything that will hold saran wrap on:))

BTW......I cut my saran wrap into squares large enough just to cover the area which I applied the med.

Best of luck to you!!!

http://fog.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pG01-1049858reg.jpg

[debber_1]

Thanks coach for clearing that up! I wasn't sure...

But remember too if you are like me with all spots up and down your legs you have to wrap up like a MUMMIE!!

Not very attractive! But neither is p!!!

And someone posted here once long ago and I don't remember who or where if you have it on your feet use shower caps on your feet and then put on socks!

I bought a bag of disposible shower caps at the dollar store for $1 and there are a bunch of em in the bag!

And you guys thought I was only good for Jokes! If I did'nt laugh after having this for 20 years I would lose my mind! HMMM perhaps I have!!!!

[EdR]

If you're using a prescription topical, there are usually application instructions in the label. That said, I think rubbing in prescription topicals is normally fine as long as you wash your hands afterwards.

Using an impenetrable barrier like saran wrap to cover the skin when applying a topical is a form of occlusion. Occlusion works well, but it can also be dangerous because you are effectively increasing the dose of the topical by keeping it in contact with the skin for a longer period of time than it was designed to be. If you're occluding an emolient, it shouldn't matter, but if you use occlusion with a superpotent steroid that has already been designed for maximal potency when applied conventionally, you could be damaging your skin and multiplying the amount of steroid absorbed into your system. There are situations where occlusion is part of the therapy, like wearing a shower cap after applying dermasmoothe or some other scalp treatment. There might be other circumstances where a doctor might ask you to apply a treatment with occlusion. However, if you want to try it yourself with a prescription topical I think it's a good idea to let your doctor know. More is not always better.