I've had psoriasis for years. Originally it was confined to my scalp but in recent years it has started to show up in other places like my back, chest, arms, and legs. I'm just curious, are there other members who have psoriasis as well?

[lenjan]

O, lucky me -- I get psoriasis on my scalp and eczema on my legs! Sucks.

Does it run in your family? I have other family members with psoriasis, but I seem to be the only one who's come down with eczema, too.

I'm not aware of any family history, but of course that doesn't mean it isn't there.

How do you treat your psoriasis? Do you see a specialist? I see a dermatologist and treat with topical medications and shampoos. We've talked about trying something systemic but haven't done that yet.

I've been attemping to self-treat with the tanning booth in addition to my prescriptions. It's maybe not the best option, but it works for me.

[lenjan]

I see a dermatologist and use whatever he gives me :-) -- same stuff as you, pretty much. I hadn't heard of the tanning bed idea, but might be worth a try!

My sis has psoriasis covering 90 percent of her body. She saw a dermatologist and they gave her meds to clear it up but she could not continue them because they were much money. She has no health coverage. I am into the all natural healing approach and have been trying to help my sis. Like you she does the tanning bed. She has also found chlorene in swimming pools helps dry it out. She is experimenting with flax seed oil right now. It does not seem to help but her healthy skin is softer. She also uses tea tree oil. You can buy shampoos with it in it for your scalp, or in the pure form. You will have to go to one of the natural stores. They are knowledeable, but kinda pricy. I have small spots of psoriasis on my elbows, I find that aquaphor cream or aquaphor calming cream helps. I sometimes use petrolium jelly, and tea tree oil as well. I hope this helps.

90%? Wow, that must be difficult to deal with especially with no access to health coverage. Psoriasis meds can be mighty expensive. What a horrible situation to be in.

I've found tee tree shampoo to be very soothing. I don't think it has cleared my psoriasis at all, but it feels good.

[allthegirls6]

Im a sufferer. I have it on my legs, chest, back, face, ears and scalp.

I hate it. Im limited in what I wear as it looks awful so i have to keep covered up.

The sun helps but you dont get much of that in Scotland

[January]

I have a form of it. The Dermatologist prescribed fluocinonide 0.05% and cordran 0.05%. The fluocinonide worked great on my face and eye brows, but it burnt my scalp. I haven't tried the new one yet, but I can let you know when I do.

The best all around lotion I've found is Curel Ultra Healing. It comes in a blue tube and has red/orange and pinkish stripes on it.

I've had psoriasis since I was nine years old. It flares up with stress. I get injections (it really just pricks the skin a bit) of Kenalog right into the site. It usually lasts 3 months but this past one has lasted 6.

Also, be careful if anyone is on Lithium. It can aggravate psoriasis and make it worse.

http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/expl..._psoriasis.jsp

[jacq10]

My brother has bad psoriasis on his scalp too ... me i just have pretty bad exzema (sp?) on my arms and hands. And boy can i tell you that hockey gear does not help matters!!

[AAAAA]

Two of my children have it, one on her elbow, flares up in the winter, although she's been tanning and it has not been a problem this year. And my son gets it on a spot above his ankle (also flares up in the winter) and on scalp. He uses the Tar shampoo on scalp, and there is an Rx ointment for skin. (Rx from family doctor).

The spots on the skin can be managed without an Rx if you apply Cetaphil (The really thick lotion in a tub is better than bottle) IMMEDIATELY upon leaving the shower. Doctor said literally, before you do anything else, pat that spot dry and apply the lotion (must be within seconds, something about locking moisture in).

[evildouble102]

I have psoriasis in my scalp and the skin near my hairline

[HunterShowGirl]

have have it in a tiny cirlce on my knees. it used to be on my ankles too but i use elecon. its a cream and i rub it on teh spots and after a few weeks its gone. i hope it helps.

[evildouble102]

sedulex dandruff shampoo and dermasmoothe is what I use. the dermasmoothe is an oil that you wet your hair and put the oil stuff on ur scalp and put on a shower cap for 4 hours then the next morning I use the shampoo. It works great but the shampoo is no longer a script needed and is like 10 or 12 dollars for a bottle and is ordered thru the pharmacy

[January]

I wash my hair and know it's clean and it looks like I've got dandruff. It makes wearing dark clothing a pain. I've been putting medicine on it, but so far, nothing.