This step-by-step guide was provided to me by a chronic sufferer, who had 90% coverage of psoriasis. Thankfully, the sufferer is now clear of the condition, and frankly the transformation is nothing short of amazing. It seems as though modern treatments can do something to allieviate the condition, although your local doctor may not be aware of current best-practice. That's hopefully where this guide helps.
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Important Disclaimer: this guide has been
written from personal experience and is not the opinion of a medical
doctor, rather a sufferer. Do not use this guide without seeking medical
advice, rather as a set of questions to ask your doctor.
Treating Psoriasis
"Catch it early and you'll have no problem..."
Emmolients
In bath use 6 or 7 capfuls of Diprobath, Oilatum
or Belneum. I prefer Diprobath - it works best for me - but they're
all good. Don't use anything perfumed (e.g. bubblebath, soap). Bathe
every day - can use in the shower but I've found not nearly as effective.
Long soak to soften and moisten.
Moisturisers
Epaderm - which you can use as bath emmolient
and/or moisturiser. When in bath, rub into affected areas. Let it rest
on these for at least 20 minutes. Water as hot as possible - not lukewarm!
Can use on uninfected areas as soap, very pure.
Diprobase - Oil-based. Try to apply to psoriatic
areas 3 or 4 times per day.
Aqueous Cream - Water based, same as for Diprobase.
Equally as good, but dries in quicker, so more convenient in the morning
before dressing.
I would use these soley for a week before using anthing
"active". You can't moisturise enough!!
The above treatment with "set up" your patches
for active treatment, Although when you start using the active creams,
the bathing and moisturising precedes.
Active Creams & Ointments
Ointments are purer but more messy. You don't have to
let the moisturiser dry in before application of the following, in fact
works better if skin is still moist. Try both the following (i.e. [1]
and [2]+[3] ), but not at the same time.
[1] Eumovate. One sparing application at night
on affected areas. It is a steroid but very mild, so mild you can you
on face - e.g. hairline, skin crevices and private areas!
[2] Alphosyl H.C. (tar based) - Rub into infected
areas fairly liberally onto moisturised patches in the morning after
bath etc. Very occasionally some people react to the tar, i.e. makes
more inflamed - but is very rare. Tar-based topical treatment is still
the most effective, been used since victorian times.
[3] Dovonex - Apply twice a day. Rub into infected
areas straight on top o moisturiser and Alphosyl H.C. in the morning,
then on its own at night after moisturising.
[2] and [3] are more fiddly, but I've found very good.
So is [1] (Eumovate) but it is a steroid even if only a very mild one.
I would start with Eumovate for 1 to 2 weeks, may be clear by this time.
If not, move onto treatment [2]+[3]. N.B. Start with [2]+[3] is not
happing using Eumovate.
What next?
When you patches disappear keep the bath emmolients and
moisturising going - this will keep the psoriasis at bay. If you're
itching badly, ask you doctor for Vallegram 10 mg tablets. They
help the itch but make you slightly drowsy, so take one at night. They
also stop you from scratching, which obviously makes the psoriasis worse.
Only take when absolutely necessary.
If neither [1] or [2]+[3] treamtments don't work, don't
worry, you doctor might prescribe Dithro Cream (Dithranol).
This is also very effective for small areas. And if he suggests using
drugs (very unlikely) with non-chronic coverage, be very wary, they
do carry adverse side effects, sometimes very serious. I've been in
hospital with guys who have been put on them. Don't touch them with
a bargepole!!
You may come across dermovate, the strongest steroid.
Don't consider unless given in hospital by a consultant. Anyway, only
now rarely used for severe chronic conditions.
Light treatment! Very good to hold and stabilise!
Also be wary of ointments like Betnovate (strong steroid), or Betnovate 1 -in-4 diluted version. You've got to be weaned off
these gradually by replacement treatments, i.e. monitored as described
above. They think the skin, and although clear, if not used properly,
psoriasis will return with a vengeance!
Scalp
Rub olive oil into the scalp 3 - 4 days to msoiturise.
Then rub in Cocois, and leave overnight. Don't need to use both
together.
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