Did you get a diagnosis for what it is?  Sounds like a type of psoriasis that is associated with strep, but it can't be diagnosed without actually seeing it and I'm not capable of doing that!

I had to google it - it's the guttate form.

Hi Chemgal!

Yes the derm doc said it was psoriasis.  My friend Google diagnosed it as exactly what you found as well.  Some say online they've had it for life.  :(

I've had psoriasis for a very long time, but only got diagnosed in the last few years.  I've never had that form though.  I think it's one of the ones that's most likely to go away completely.

UV light does treat it for some people.  I've never noticed the sun's made a difference for mine though.  I know someone who had good results with light treatment.

If you're using a steroid cream, it has to be a strong one.  I also have ezcema and that prescription cortisone cream for that does not work for my psoriasis.  I use a combination medication with a vitamin D derivative.  It works well, but it still takes a little while for it to clear.  I find prevention works best for me, but for you it sounds like you need to get a treatment that works to get it to go away!

Let's hope you are right that it'll go away.

I went outside in my bikini top but it was rather chilly: ha ha.

I'm currently using Dovobet.  At first it was over $100 a tube but eventually my insurance company agreed to cover it for me.  It stains my clothes though.

What do you do for prevention?

I tend to get it the worst on my hands and elbows.  I find when they get chapped or dry I get more.  Also, damaging my hands causes spots to show up.  I avoid wringing out a dishcloth, using my index finger when opening a plastic twist top, and those sorts of things.  I have also thrown out clothes that my elbows seemed to react to.  I find they show up in my scalp randomly, no prevention there!

You have a different form though, you might have to do what you can to avoid getting sick.  I use the same topical medication as you.

I am not one to promote tanning, but some people just use a tanning salon for the light treatment.  I would consider it if I had it all over my body!

I found this site to be useful:

http://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types

Good to hear you went to see a dermatologist - but it doesn't sound like the recommendations were very useful.  From what I read, this reaction should be settling down by now.  Since it's not, I'd definitely go back.  Did they biopsy or swab any of the areas for culture?  Did you or family members have any history of psoriasis or other skin conditions?   Sometimes a rash is triggered by something, but continues for other reasons - so other options/differential diagnosis might need to be explored if it's not clearing up. 

I think you've written before Sterton that you have food sensitivities - so we know therefore your system is sensitive, and possibly hyper-reactive.  Is it possible that your skin is responding to other agents (as yet unknown) & this is preventing the psoriasis from clearing up?   Are there other things you've started on or changed within the corresponding time frame?  

In days long gone, some patients with severe skin conditions did get UV light therapy at a hospital - but that's no longer available.  I wonder if UV tanning beds are ever helpful in such a situation?  I think it's UV-B rays you need for skin conditions, but I'm not sure. & I'm not sure if tanning beds deliver that.  Can you see submitting tanning receipts as medical expense on your income tax?? haha. 

Must seem like a really socially limiting thing - hopefully you will soon find some relief and remission as 'shorts & sleevelss weather' comes upon us. 

Carolla, they might not be in hospitals anymore, but don't some clinics offer the UV treatments?  I never looked into it, but it wasn't too long ago I knew someone who went for them.

The tanning beds are helpful, many people in the US use them because they can't afford the clinics.  UVA rays are also used with medication.

Chemgal: yes my family doctor said to use a tanning booth for four minutes at a time.  I was there tonight.  I feel like a hypocrite as I’m against tanning.

Sorry you have it bad as well L  My hair is the worse problem for me.  Thanks for the link: I’ll check it out.

Carolla: I’m in contact with my derm doc every month and no, no samples were taken.  My dad has psoriasis. 

Yes perhaps something else is causing the continuation of it.  I’ll have to think what is different in my life: good point.  I was tested again for strep but thankfully it’s gone.

The dermatologist says I can go daily to the special light therapy at the hospital but that’s over a two hour drive round trip and I can’t swing that.  Yes I could submit travel etc. for taxes but I find right now I don’t spend enough on GF food to count towards medical expenses as it is (even including dental & medicine).

Yes it’s really hard on my social life (ie self esteem).  I couldn’t find a guy to date me before so definitely no one wants me now: ha ha ha. 

Sterton

I'm here so I just want to say I'm sorry you're having such a really rough time. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a miracle. I hope you wake up early one morning and discover that your  spots are gone!

Thanks Stardust!!! 

Contrary to what you are saying, humidity clears CrazyDad's but unfortunately we live where it is very dry.

Gee Sterton - that IS a bummer!  Sorry you have this to cope with - docs sometimes seem so uncaring about the feelings that would go with being covered in spots.  Hope you get it controlled quickly.  I hadn't heard of this type of psoriasis.

Our local hospital has a UV booth but I haven't heard of anyone using it for a while (of course, I don't hear everything that goes on).  My family has a history of psoriasis - but it is only quite recently that I have shown some mild signs of it.  So far, my kids are clear.

Sterton, mine is definitely not that bad!  The spots on my hand hurt at times, especially if it's on my index finger and I had it on my elbows bad enough that it was interrupting my sleep that lead to the diagnosis but otherwise it's more of a nuisance.  Right now I only have a few pink spots on my hands and elbows where it's gone away but the marks haven't faded a few spots on my head.

I do have dovonex for my scalp in a solution.  It's easier to get through to the scalp.  With the few spots though, I usually just use the dovobet as it works better and the other one is pretty drying.  With the amount that you have, it might be worth considering although maybe you need something else totally different.  When it gets really itchy I like to put cold coconut oil on it.  I also use jojoba oil, it helps the dry skin come off which needs to be done to get the medication to the skin that causes the problem (or at least I find it needs to be).

I love Rocky Mountain Soap Company and their Honey Oatmeal soap.  I've used it on my scalp a few times when it was bad.  It took the itching down which was worth the flat looking hair.  It's not a miracle cure or anything, I just find it soothes the skin a bit.  I haven't tried any of the coal tar shampoos

Don't feel bad about that tanning!!!  I think most anti-tanners would make an exception for a medical condition.  Even if you were going for the clinical treatments it still increases the risk of cancer.  Going a few times when you're covered is worth that risk IMO.  I really hope it works for you!

I agree with Carolla, you might want to look at other causes.  Foods and some medications are triggers for some people.  In addition to gluten, which you don't eat anyway, dairy is a common trigger, as are NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

I hope yours goes away soon!

Forgot to add- when I was first diagnosed my dermatogist gave me a few free samples of dovobet to try it out to see if it worked.  Like most drugs, one thing doesn't work for everyone.  I would go back and see if you could get some samples of other medications.  You should be seeing some improvement after a few days if something is working for you.

Thanks everyone for your help and support! 

Hi again Sterton...You mean to say my wished for miracle hasn't arrived yet...?....gosh.....dang.....where is it.....:( ...hey..wait one doggone minute....I've been diggin'....its gotta be somewhere in all these forums...don't you just  think so....!!!! Of course the opinions are contradictory like most health issues are. I'm sure avoiding stress is key but how would one do that...?....go and live in a cave...?

  You will get better......love is waiting around the corner for you!  I said so....!!!

See next post for the big CURE......

Hi Stardust,

Thanks for the support and kind words

I'm already dairy & gluten free so avoiding meat wouldn't be a biggy and eggs aren't my friend anyway.

I'll check out your links for some info / encouragement.

As to stress, I have about 30 more work days until vacation.

I actually wore a sleeveless shirt Thursday night among adult company for the first time since December and nothing bad happened of course. 

Things can only get better!

Sterton, I'm glad you felt confident enough to go without sleeves!

If anyone does treat you a little oddly, it's usually just because they need to be reassured it's not contagious.

Have things improved at all for you?  Hopefully spring will be a good season for you!

Things are almost worse...could be stress and the lack of sunlight where I live.

Here's hoping to better days :)

might be all the spring pollens flying around - activating your histamine systems and creating general havoc.  Hope you feel somewhat better soon Sterton. 

Thanks Carolla!

I actually broke out in January and still have them in June so let's hope the sunny weather will help.  :)

Hi all,

I have had mild-to-severe eczema for most of my life, which is very much like psoriasis.  In fact, I just had to switch colitis medication because the stuff I was on caused a flare-up worse than anything I have experienced.

About the tanning beds - not the best option.  Tanning salons use broadband UVA light, which can certainly contribute to skin cancers.  The safest way to treat skin issues with light is by UVB narrowband. 

Of course, finding clinics or hospitals with this is a challenge unto themselves, but it is worth it.  It's the best thing I've ever found to stop myself from being dependent on steroid creams and other meds.  Or, if you're desperate like I was, you can always cave and buy yourself your own light box. 

If you're interested, Wondermessage me and we can talk!

Cheers,

Fae

I didn't know light was good for eczema too!  I'm stuck with both

UGH!  I feel your pain.

I am lucky though, both fall within the mild-moderate range.  Sometimes it becomes difficult to tell which is which.  I went to the doctor once, concerned as I had a bunch of little spots around my ear.  I didn't want to just go slapping steroid creams on when it was close to my face.  The doctor's answer was to try both medications and see which one worked, because he couldn't tell either lol

Now if I owned a tanning salon ... I'd certainly put in at least ONE special bed for UVB narrowband - I bet with good advertising, it would be busy constantly!!

Hi Faerenach,

That's neat about your own light box! :D

Just don't ask how much it cost. *horror-filled silence*

You'll have to charge people to use it to recoup some of the cost :)

Any updates?

My belly is coming but my back / head are still bad.  More spots on my legs are appearing.

I returned to the derm and got two new meds.  But one costs $200 / 2 weeks so I won't be buying that one: ha ha.

My order of Rocky Mountain Soap arrived and my first bar is almost gone.  I like the product.

You need a guy to scrub your back up with that soap! 

Glad to hear there are at least some improvements.

Sterton, be a little discriminating when it comes to meds from the dermatologist. They wave around some scary stuff sometimes.

Last time I was in, I was prescribed one of those expensive medicines, a $150 tube, which I took from the pharmacist, because my extended health covers 85% of it. When I looked at the side effects, I was horrified enough to do some research. It's black-boxed in the U.S. because of some suspected side effects, like skin cancer and lymphoma. Certainly not something I'm going to mess with. And certainly not something the aging, bizarrely overbooked and overworked dermatologist who saw me for 90 seconds, was going to tell me about.

That's awful BetteTheRed!

My derm doc spends like twenty minutes each appointment so that's nice.  Poor you!

Do you know the name of that tube?

I just wish my skin would return to its former self.  :(

It's called Protopic. Approach with caution. It's an immune suppressant.

I'm very afraid that those of us with skin issues are the canary in the coal mine for the chemical hell we've turned our world into.

Very true Bette - the skin conditions are what we can see; I imagine there's lots more going on in our bodies in places we can't see.

Sterton - glad to hear things are improving a little bit! 

Bette: I use Protopic!!!  Hmmmmmmmm...

Carolla: yes I'm wearing short sleeves to work and sports :)

Sterton here's my 2 cents for all its worth. Eliminate wheat totally from your diet and go and buy a book called "Wheat Belly" by William Davis M.D. Read it and see if it connects to your experience. Psoriasis takes longer to heal (3-4months) He talks about this in the chapter regarding skin rashes which includes psoriasis. No drugs required.

Hi Waterfall: I've been wheat free (gluten-free as I'm Celiac) for about three years now so that's not it :(  I wish it was something like diet affecting me.   Good idea though!

I knew you were gluten free, but are you wheat free? There's a difference. Again just a suggestion.

Just an aside, did you know you can claim buying gluten free products on your income tax as long as you have a medical doctors letter confirming your are celiac?

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns30...

Hi Waterfall,

When I say "gluten", I mean wheat, barley, and rye (and non-GF oats).  Wheat is gluten.  So if someone says they don't eat any gluten that also means they don't touch wheat.  That's what I understand.  I haven't touched wheat for three years.  Am I missing something?  Please do tell :)  I don't play with Play-Dough or use wheat soap or anything either.

Also, with the tax thing: you can claim the difference in pricing.  So if you can buy a cake mix at the dollar store for a buck, but my cake mix is $6.99, I can claim the difference of six bucks towards medical expensives.  However, I don't buy enough GF items to get a credit.  I think I'd have to spend an extra thousand a year to claim (due to my income level).

Oh well!

Not having to watch it for myself to scrutinize every detail, I did think it was like squares and rectangles.

All squares are rectangles, not all rectangles are squares.

All gluten-free food is wheat-free, not all wheat-free food is gluten-free.

Agreed Chemgal!

Probably what I'm trying to say is that all foods that are supposedly "gluten free" are not always gluten free.

http://www.mnn.com/health/allergies/stories/if-i-eat-a-gluten-free-diet-...

I'm sure you know more than I do seeing as you have been following a gluten free diet,  I just found the book interesting because he suggests that ALL breads are harmful, even the "healthy grains" variety that aren't wheat. Cornstarch and tapioca (used as a substitute for flour in gluten free foods) as thickeners are no, no's. (cause extravagant sugar rises) No more than 1/2 cup of rice. So he couples carbohydrate intake with wheat free. He is also very concerned with how wheat has been dramatically altered by being hybridized in just the last 50 years. What he says, contradicts the Food Guide.

Alot of what's listed in this gluten free site would not be included as wheat free:

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/gluten-free...

I was surprised that flavoured coffees and some flavoured teas contain wheat. Cheerios, Honey bunches of oat, Rice Krispies, some cheeses (eg blue cheese, some cottage cheeses) require bread mold to ferment, Oatmeal, Oat bran.  I didnt know that lip balm, lipstick, some over the counter and prescription medications ( check out www.glutenfreedrugs.com), play doh and so many other things contain wheat.

Anyway, I wont go on and on. The book was interesting, just thought it might help.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/09/20/on-the-evils-of-wheat-why-it-is-so-ad...

That's kind of like excluding all nuts from a diet and calling it almond-free.

He can call it what he wants, but unless it becomes popular, most people aren't going to consider excluding all those foods if they go wheat-free.  Especially considering there are people who are allergic to a component in wheat, but are able to eat those foods + gluten.