I developed psoriasis on my scalp quite recently, and the doctor gave me a prescription for a shampoo and a lotion. They worked very well, but now I’ve finished them and it’s just coming back. Particularly scary: I got a tiny patch on my cheek. First I thought it was just dry skin, so I put cream on it. That didn’t help. Then I put the last few drops of the lotion on it and it was gone, so: shit, I don’t want scaly crusty cheeks!! :eek:
I’d like some tips for dealing with this every day. The prescription (I could probably go and find out what it was, but I can’t remember just now) was only meant for a certain amount of time. I don’t really understand that: as soon as you stop the treatment it comes back. I understand you can’t cure psoriasis, but is there something to keep it under control all the time? Is there anything I can do to keep it from going elsewhere? I really, really don’t want to turn into a scaly monster!
My husband uses tea tree oil mixed into his head and shoulders shampoo. This has really helped his scalp. You have to leave it in for at least five minutes and it takes a few weeks, but it has kept his scalp in much better shape.
Is that just regular Head and Shoulders? I looked at the label, and it said dandruff, but not psoriasis specifically, so I presumed it wasn’t meant for that.
Love the tea tree tip though, I make my own tea tree oil cream with E45, just because I like it strong for minor scrapes and after shaving. I could easily put some in shampoo! Tea tree oil is an astringent. Does that make sense for psoriasis?
Tea Tree helps some people with their psoriasis, but it’s far too irritating and drying for others. So YMMV. Lavender, Bergamot, Calendula and German Chamomile are better for those who can’t tolerate Tea Tree. Of course, all essential oils should be properly diluted in a carrier oil or shampoo base. For use on the face, I like to use some of them in a base of jojoba and rose hip seed oil. It makes an intensely rich and easy to spread serum; you only need a couple of drops for your whole face.
Internally, you might want to increase your intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats. Your body needs them to build flexible cell membranes, and psoriasis is a condition in which the cells are dividing too quickly, so you may be straining your resources of these unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are so famous because our bodies can’t make them, so they have to come from our diet.
You might also speak with your doctor about light therapy, aka phototherapy. It’s one of those techniques that started out in the alt med category, but is now used by many physicians.
Very helpful, thanks guys! I’ll ask about Psoriasin. I’ll try tea tree. I might need a supplement for the Omegas. We try to eat enough fish, but it’s fairly expensive. I’m Dutch enough to need some raw herring in the summer though!
On a kind of side note. I developed psoriasis as part of psoriatic arthritis, so if you do notice any sore or swelling joints, do get that checked out.
You really should see a dermatologist. While general practitioners are great at managing a lot of things, skin disorders can be very complex and they just don’t get the training in them that conditions like psoriasis require. It’s not common to have psoriasis on the face, and it could be any number of other conditions. Even if it is psoriasis, a dermatologist has many options for treatment that your GP doesn’t have.
OP, psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder. It can be alleviated in various ways, but it’s incurable. Psoriasis can recur at seemingly random periods after short to fairly long intervals for seemingly no reason. Thirty percent of psoriasis sufferers will get psoriatic arthritis, a treatable, but also incurable condition that attacks your joints and can be disfiguring.
Thanks for all the advice everyone. I’m all right for now, and I’d have nothing to show the dermatologist. That’s why I wanted to have some simple, every day tips, things that have helped other people. Just OTC shampoo or tea tree oil is great. The stuff my GP gave me worked fine, but isn’t an every day thing. I’ll go to a dermatologist if it gives me further trouble.
