Psoriasis

fro9etb8j5qsl2

Hi guys,

I've got a patch of psoriasis on my scalp for the last year. I first noticed it after I went from blonde hair back to brown (long day at the hairdressers involving pre-darkened etc). It's been getting worse and now is tearing itchy and weepy As my hair is hiding it, I wasn't so worried about it all along until the oozy stuff started sticking my hair together at the root. Ugh!

Anyways, I mentioned it to my doc the last time I was in with him and he gave me a prescription for a solution (can't think of the name of it), but when I went to the chemist, I found out it was 150 euro for a 50ml bottle :mad: Seriously can't afford it but the psoriasis is really driving me insane! So, can anyone suggest anything relatively cheap but effective? I'd prefer something natural if possible

tan11ie

I suffered from this condition for years ( i feel your pain:() Luckily it completely vanished eight years ago which was such a relief!

Unfortunately there is no cream or treatment that will cure psoriasis but there is a lot of products that can ease the itch and remove the scaling.

I found over the ten years of having this skin condition that i needed to swap and change products in order for them to remain effective.

you can buy Nizorol shampoo from a chemist or health shop (i found this worked well)

IMHO I feel diet and lifestyle play a big part in this skin condition, top up on omega 3 , zinc and try to keep stress at bay.

Here is a link to a thread on psoriasis here

Hope it helps

ilikepears

Dominique Thundering Slave wrote: »

Hi guys,

I've got a patch of psoriasis on my scalp for the last year. I first noticed it after I went from blonde hair back to brown (long day at the hairdressers involving pre-darkened etc). It's been getting worse and now is tearing itchy and weepy As my hair is hiding it, I wasn't so worried about it all along until the oozy stuff started sticking my hair together at the root. Ugh!

Anyways, I mentioned it to my doc the last time I was in with him and he gave me a prescription for a solution (can't think of the name of it), but when I went to the chemist, I found out it was 150 euro for a 50ml bottle :mad: Seriously can't afford it but the psoriasis is really driving me insane! So, can anyone suggest anything relatively cheap but effective? I'd prefer something natural if possible

I also suffer from a scalp condition. I actually forget what term the doctor used to describe it but it made the back of my scalp extremely itchy and scaly. However you describe yours as being weepy but mine wasn't. My doctor prescribed bettamousse and looking at this link http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000297.html, it can be used for psoriasis as well. It is expensive enough but I think its less than 50 euro (maybe around 30) for 100g. However you only need to use a small amount and it worked brilliantly for me. It actually transformed my scalp. I recommend trying to get a treatment as soon as possible as for me only a small section of my scalp was affected but then it kept gradually getting worse.

Asphyxia

Hiya I sometimes get it on my elbows in Summer, I'm not sure why it comes and goes but the doctor prescribed me with a tube of Traxam but I'm not sure if it would be any good. Mine was very dry and never weepy.

I hope you get it sorted it can be such a pain!

Eviledna

I've had scalp psoriasis since I was a child and I've tried alot, trial and error mostly! To me it sounds like the hair dye may have irritated it.
I'd recommend using capasal medicated shampoo 3 times a week, using either menthol head and sholders or tea tree shampoo the rest of the time. Coconut oil is an inexpensive way to treat it too - before you wash your hair massage some solid oil into the 'plaque' (the scaliest parts). You can get that in tubs in the pharmacy, leave it in a while and then wash it out with shampoo and a scalp brush to massage and remove plaque.
Most of all, revisit a doctor, you mentioned it's weeping and it could be more complicated. Get a second opinion from a different doc, mention the hairdo. Psoriasis can be misdiagnosed eczema, dermatitis, etc. If it is psoriasis, see if the much more affordable betamousse is an option for you,it's a topical steroid based hair mousse that you apply like the coconut oil above, prescrip only, but only ~€20.

nesbitt

OP you should apply for a 'drugs payment card' everyone is entitled to through the HSE. It basically caps the amount anyone has to spend on mediction/prescription items in any calender month. Therefore you could be able to afford the original item prescribed by your doc...

I suggest that you go back in to the doctor's reception and complain about the cost of the item prescribed. There may well be a much cheaper generic non branded item that he/she could prescribe. If you go back in as an appointment with GP you will have to fork out a further fee for your visit so that is why I suggest going in a a query to the receptionist to get your prescription changed/amended.

Penny Dreadful

OP I get this too and at times it can be very bad and others hardly notice its there at all.
When it is at its worst I buy the tar shampoos as have been recommened on this site. It will mess with the colour you have added into your hair though as its quite strong in that way. The relief you get is worth it though.
When it has calmed down from a situation like the one you mentioned, I used gentle shampoos (never ever in a million years do I go near J&J Baby Shampoo though, its horrific) such as Eucerine (sp?) and the like. They are affordable enough. I also try not to wash my hair as often and use dry shampoo on the icker days. Not letting the shampoo near my scalp really does help. One last thing, I also stopped blow drying my hair all of the time too as the heat was drying out and already over dry area.

Bookworm85

Hi OP.

I've had this condition all my life, and you have my sympathy!

If its really as sore and inflamed as you say, then I'd advise a trip to the GP.

In the mean time head to the chemist and have a chat with them. They might have a shampoo that they can give you OTC that will be mild enough to use and help take down any inflamation or weeping.

ibarelycare

I've had psoriasis since I was a child. It used to be extremely bad, it started out as patches on my scalp and then used to develop around the edge of my scalp and behind my ears. I used to also get it on my elbows and even some patches on my face.

My mam spent an absolute fortune sending me to various specialists over the years but nothing ever really seemed to work.

Then one day when I was at my GP for something else, my psoriasis came up and he prescriped me Diprosalic ointment. I'm sure it's only around €10 for a 30g tube and it lasts months. The first morning after I applied it the skin that was usually dry and flaky was soft and nearly a bit moist and within a few days all the sightly psoriasis was gone! This was after over 10 years of suffering with it. I was amazed. The only thing is, you're not supposed to use it too often because it can thin out your skin so after a few days it would come back.

Then, my stepsister, who is into a lot of "alternative" medicine, recommended I take Stinging Nettle drops. You can buy them in health shops, the brand is Vogel and the official name for them is Urtica (this is what they look like). You put 20 drops into a small glass of water twice a day and drink them. I was extremely sceptical of this but I thought it was worth a shot and within days I could see the difference. The bottle is about €10 and lasts a few weeks.

The only thing is that I find myself becoming immune to the drops if I use them too much, so now I just use one bottle, take a few weeks break and then start using it again. Between the ointment and the drops, I very rarely have any outbreaks of psoriasis and even rarely have any visible patches. I know that everyone varies in their reaction to treatment so these mightn't work for everyone but they're both very inexpensive choices so may be worth a shot. Best of luck OP, I know how horrible it is to suffer from it.

RiverSong29

I notice about a month ago I had a small spot on my scalp line. Also I had what looked like dry skin around the top of my ear near my scalp (where the arm of glasses would sit). I just chalked it up to winter dryness. I finally went to my doctor and she prescribed ciclopiro shampoo twice a week. She also told me every time I shower you should wash your hair. Something about washing every day strips you hair of its natural oils. She suggested a moisturizing conditioner. I have been using Ogx nourishing coconut molk conditioner. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

on_my_oe

Conditioners shouldn't be touching your scalp, only the ends.

If you have psoriasis (or what you think could be psoriasis), avoid sulphites (foaming agents) in your shampoos and body washes, try not to have your showers too hot or stay in too long.

I've never found the medicated shampoos any good personally

LinF

In my late 40s I developed psoriasis on my left elbow & with the approval of my GP I took Evening Primrose Oil tablets am & pm. Took them for 6 months and have been clear ever since, now in my 70s. My daughter also had it & was cured after taking Evening Primrose Oil.

You must check with your doctor first.

Hopeful2016

There's a new range of products for psoriasis in Boots currently called Dermalex, including a scalp version. Haven't tried them yet so don't know how effective they are but they are steroid and coal tar free and about €20/€25. Worth a shot in my opinion as the steroid based treatments are not good for your skin long term.Only reason I haven't tried them yet is that we're trying to conceive and I'm avoiding all unnecessary pills, lotions, potions etc. The information leaflet said to inform your GP before using while pregnant so didn't want to risk it.

on_my_oe

Hopeful2016 wrote: »

There's a new range of products for psoriasis in Boots currently called Dermalex, including a scalp version.

Dermalex has been in the market for almost two years. I brought the psoriasis tube into my skin specialist but he told me it was just a moisturiser with nothing special to recommend it.

Hopeful2016

on_my_oe wrote: »

Dermalex has been in the market for almost two years. I brought the psoriasis tube into my skin specialist but he told me it was just a moisturiser with nothing special to recommend it.

Oddly they are advertising it as being new?! Seen it in a magazine last week, specifically the psoriasis range, being advertised as a new addition to their product range which is why I specifically went to Boots at the weekend to check it out. I find it odd that they are recommending pregnant women to check with their GP before using if it's just a moisturiser. That kind of advice doesn't normally come with a regular moisturiser.

on_my_oe

Hopeful2016 wrote: »

Oddly they are advertising it as being new?! Seen it in a magazine last week, specifically the psoriasis range, being advertised as a new addition to their product range which is why I specifically went to Boots at the weekend to check it out. I find it odd that they are recommending pregnant women to check with their GP before using if it's just a moisturiser. That kind of advice doesn't normally come with a regular moisturiser.

This is what appears when you enter Dermalex into Google...

http://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/news/dermalex-launch-targets-skin-conditions

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/09/03/omega-pharma-invests-1m-launch-dermalex

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Skin/Caring-for-your-skin/A-breakthrough-skincare-range-20130510

These stories are all from a launch in 2013. This is when I saw it in Boots Dundrum and I paid €20 for the tube. Omega list their study as completed in 2008 (bottom of page) and the ingredients PDF available online was printed in 2011.
http://www.dermalex.co.uk/psoriasis/dermalex/dermalex-psoriasis-cream/

These are the ingredients;
Purified water, Alkaline earth minerals complex optimized for Psoriasis treatment (???), Modified Alumino-Silicates (minerals composed of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen), White petrolatum (effectively Vaseline), Cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol - common in a lot of moisturisers but alcohol can be a flare for sensitive skin), Paraffinum liquidum (mineral 'baby' oil), Polysorbatum 60 (emulsifiers, a mixing agent), Ethyl alcohol (more alcohol), and Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (paraben, also a sensitivity issue).
http://dermalex.mccanndigital.be/psoriasis/en-gb/files/2011/10/DermalexPsoriasis-leaflet1.pdf

After listening to my consultant I looked at the ingredients and understood why it did nothing for mine. I didn't do chemistry at school (wish I had now!) but I am very careful about my skin. I have moderate plaque and inverse psoriasis on my lower legs and hand. I receive Humira injections which cost €140 a month - dermalex would be cheaper. I try to avoid sulfates, parabens and alcohol but it isn't always possible.

Dermalex isn't expensive so I hope it could work for someone.

Hopeful2016

on_my_oe wrote: »

This is what appears when you enter Dermalex into Google...

http://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/news/dermalex-launch-targets-skin-conditions

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/09/03/omega-pharma-invests-1m-launch-dermalex

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Skin/Caring-for-your-skin/A-breakthrough-skincare-range-20130510

These stories are all from a launch in 2013. This is when I saw it in Boots Dundrum and I paid €20 for the tube. Omega list their study as completed in 2008 (bottom of page) and the ingredients PDF available online was printed in 2011.
http://www.dermalex.co.uk/psoriasis/dermalex/dermalex-psoriasis-cream/

These are the ingredients;
Purified water, Alkaline earth minerals complex optimized for Psoriasis treatment (???), Modified Alumino-Silicates (minerals composed of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen), White petrolatum (effectively Vaseline), Cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol - common in a lot of moisturisers but alcohol can be a flare for sensitive skin), Paraffinum liquidum (mineral 'baby' oil), Polysorbatum 60 (emulsifiers, a mixing agent), Ethyl alcohol (more alcohol), and Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (paraben, also a sensitivity issue).
http://dermalex.mccanndigital.be/psoriasis/en-gb/files/2011/10/DermalexPsoriasis-leaflet1.pdf

After listening to my consultant I looked at the ingredients and understood why it did nothing for mine. I didn't do chemistry at school (wish I had now!) but I am very careful about my skin. I have moderate plaque and inverse psoriasis on my lower legs and hand. I receive Humira injections which cost €140 a month - dermalex would be cheaper. I try to avoid sulfates, parabens and alcohol but it isn't always possible.

Dermalex isn't expensive so I hope it could work for someone.

I didn't delve in to the ingredients, once I read the advisory for pregnant ladies I was out. I wouldn't risk it no matter how small the risk. These things are worth a try especially when they are relatively cheap, that's why I posted it, what doesn't work for you or I, may work for someone else. Especially the misery of scalp psoriasis which I find can be very hard to get under control. The only thing I find helpful is going to the sun. I've been in extended holidays in hot climates both summer of 2014 and summer of 2015 and it's the only thing which help my scalp. Have rarely had to treat my scalp in the last few months after coming back from hols. I know well how expensive the treatments are and they terrible state they leave your skin in over time which is why I'd be keen to find something steroid free.

Seems odd that it's currently being advertised as new unless maybe they reformulated it or something.