Psoriasis

See also: Dermatologists

Parent Q&A

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  • Dry, flaky scalp help!

    Feb 28, 2017

    Since giving birth almost five years ago, I have struggled with really dry, flaky scalp, particularly in the front, by my hairline/forehead. It is embarrassing. I have tried coconut and jojoba oil, and several other shampoos and treatments for dry hair/scalp, but nothing seems to work. I would love to hear if there are others out there who are struggling with the same thing and how you have dealt with it. Sometimes it itches as well. Thank you.

    I had the same problem for years, tried antifungal shampoos, steroids to no avail.

    Finally hit on a great scalp moisturizer that I put in each morning after washing my hair, and it really worked.  

    It's called OGX hair butter.  I would just try to apply it to the scalp directly and leave it on.  It took a few weeks but the problem is gone.

    https://jet.com/product/detail/dea1c10eb2d74e9da8fd199c70506f9b?jcmp=pl…

    Good luck.

    I have always had very sensitive skin and as an adult developed psoriasis (mild). I have it on my scalp and knees. Even prior to the psoriasis, I have long used a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo. There are several good ones on the market. (I use Traite by Mastey) It keeps my scalp happy. But, when I have flair-ups: winter, too much sun, high stress, hair coloring (I no longer color my hair though) the itching and flakiness increase. It may be worth a visit to your doctor to determine if you have psoriasis on your scalp. There are medicated shampoos that may be helpful for you. Psoriasis or no, I would suggest a good quality sulfate-free shampoo.

    I've been dealing with what sounds like a similar situation.  My doctor prescribed a steroid shampoo (fluocinolone acetonide scalp oil), which you have to cover with a shower cap and leave in overnight.  It's a pain, but it does seem to help when the problem's at its worst.

    Otherwise, I alternate between DHS Zinc Shampoo and Nizoral, both available over-the-counter at drugstores.  The combination, recommended by my cousin who also had a similar problem, seems to keep the situation pretty well under control.  I notice a difference (in a bad way) when I use other shampoos even for a few days.

    Good luck.

    I recommend a visit to a dermatologist. You may have a fungal infection or seborrhea, both easily fixed. At the least, they may have access to products not available OTC. Good luck!

    I'd talk to a dermatologist. Personally I wash my hair a few times a week and use 0.05% solution of Lidex, a corticosteroid. My dry scalp is not pregnancy related.

    Possibly psoriasis of the scalp, have you seen a dermatologist? They may be able to diagnose your problem.

    Hi there,

    You may want to check with your doctor to see if you have psoriasis. I never had it until after my son was born and it is on my scalp and itches sometimes and flakes. My dr sent me to a dermatologist who gave me a medicated shampoo and some topical ointment.  Hope this helps.

    V.

    If over the counter solutions are not working then it's time to see a dermatologist.  I had the same issue and no success with otc products.  One dr visit, one prescription and the problem was resolved.   No more itching.  

    I had the same thing several years ago and have been treating with apple cider vinegar before shampooing.  I just pour a few tablespoons on the affected areas, rub it around a little and let it sit for 3 minutes. Then rinse and shampoo with a mild kids  shampoo that works for me.  Nothing else seemed to beat it and Kaiser just kept trying to get me to use steroid ointment on the areas, which caused more problems.  

    Be careful with your eyes -- don't want to get the vinegar in them.

    I know it is working, because if I stop with the vinegar for a week or so, the problem definitely comes back and takes a few weeks to go away again.

    You may want to ask your doctor if it could be psoriasis. My scalp is often itchy and flaky because of psoriasis and there are treatments and diet changes that can help. Dairy is a common trigger (and it is for me) and not resisting getting a latte this morning has left me scratching my head all day. For me it's the right side of my head near the hairline above my ear. Took years to get this diagnosed so be sure you bring it up since many doctors don't seem to recognize psoriasis symptoms. Good luck.

    Hi. I have also suffered from this. I tried to look at it as a problem with internal balance, instead  of applying external remedies. The things that seemed to work for me were less sugar, and including more fats in my diet. I had been on a low fat diet for a long time, and my body seemed to be low in some of the healthy fats. I focused on coconut oil 1-2 tablespoons daily, omega 3's (fish oil) and a whole saturated fat (ghee). Over time, my body seems replenished and I no longer have a dry scalp. 

    I've had similar problems in the past and now stick to certain shampoos that I know won't irritate my scalp. Unfortunately they tend to be expensive, and I haven't found any drug store shampoos that don't give me trouble. Currently I am using Davines "award winning well being" shampoo every other day, which keeps me dandruff free most of the time. If my scalp starts feeling itchy or flaky, I'll use their "purifying" shampoo to nip it in the bud (once a month or less). 

    Hope you find something that works for you. Dandruff sucks. 

    Try treating your scalp with jojoba oil infused with tea tree essential oil. 

    I used to have psoriasis on my scalp (it was bad, and there was a lot of it). I still have a little on elbows, knees, ears, but none on scalp. I attribute this to daily Vitamin D supplements (I take 5000 IU), and topically, using hair products with the shortest ingredients lists, no 'cones, SLS. Dr. Hauschka scalp and hair revitalizing tonic may have helped. A friend says she prefers the Aveda scalp product. Over the many years before Vit D, the tar and other medicated shampoos never worked for me. Finally, after some months on D, Elocon lotion worked (it hadn't in the past) in a week or so. That was ~7 years ago. I still color my hair with nary a flare up and no derm rx products on scalp. Also try a Fish oil supplement, taken with D, if you're not already. That works for someone I know who's had some itchy (arm) skin since pregnancy. Good luck!

  • I'm switching out of Kaiser to a PPO and I'm looking for a great medical dermatologist who can advise me on my lifelong psoriasis and the latest treatments. (Not looking for a cosmetic derm.) Any recommendations? 

    I have Aetna PPO and see Dr. Littman in Oakland. My psoriasis is treated using Enbrel (biologic/injectable). Prior to having children, I was on it for about 5 years with no issues. I took a 5 year break for babies and breastfeeding and just started it again. Good luck!

    I go to Jennifer Krasnoff in Pinole. It's a drive but you can get an appointment quickly and parking is free.

    Dr. Robert Greenberg has two only medical dermatology offices.  One is located in San Ramon and the other is in Livermore.  He is the Director of the East Bay Psoriasis Treatment Center and I cannot urge you to see him more.

    Look up the website for Inspire.com, which is a forum about eczema but includes psoriasis.

    David Pasin in Oakland has been helpful. It's been a challenge for me to find a medical dermatologist in the berkeley area as most practice cosmetic dermatology. 

    Pasin is a bit scattered, but knowledgeable. There are a couple of other dermatologists in the practice whom are also good. 

    I love Jason Fung in Oakland.   Solid practice and not heavy on the cosmetic - at all.   Just a solid caring and knowledgeable doctor/dermatologist.   Young - probably late 40's.   

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Questions

Psoriasis trigger factors

Nov 2011

I have a specific question about psoriasis and triggers. I know the long history about this disease and genetic factors, triggers, treatments and whatnot. But I have reason to suspect that something in the environment or my diet may play a role. My doctor thinks so too.

If you have psoriasis, have you been able to identify any triggers or factors that effect the ebb and flow of the disease THAT YOU COULD CONTROL? Allergens or foods or drinks or sleep or whatever. I would be very curious to hear about what you discovered.

I'm on my own investigative trail and error quest. Thanks!
it's out there somewhere


Hi, I have had psoriasis now for over a year. I have gone to a holistic doctor in Marin who ordered food allergy tests for me as he suspected that gluten causes this. It turns out that I am sensitive to gluten and apparently there is a correlation between Celiac disease and a dermatitis form that looks like Psoriasis. I also went to a dermatologist. She took a biopsy and the results concluded that it is indeed Psoriasis, when I told her about the Gluten connection, she didn't seem to buy it. Cutting off Gluten has definitely helped but also the strong creams prescribed helped too. It wouldn't hurt to get tested for food allergies. The holistic MD that I went to is in Greenbrae and his name is Dr Martin Rothman. Good luck T


I've had psoriasis for more than 20 years (large, symmetrical patches on my arms, legs, back, buttocks).

The worst triggers for me have always been stress and dry weather, followed closely by hotel sheets (!). One night on industrially-washed sheets that you might find at a Holiday Inn, and I wake up with a big flare-up and burning sensations on my skin. At home I use an unscented detergent (one of the eco-friendly ones) and scented dryer sheets (Bounce), and I'm just fine. I don't consider myself to be chemically sensitive or anything like that, but it's amazing to watch what one night in contact with those sheets will do.

In general, I've been able to avoid using medication since moving to the Bay Area from the Midwest because the air out here is so much more humid. Dry winter air makes it so much worse. I usually flare up after a few days in Tahoe. Nowadays I still have the large visible patches, but they're not usually painful to the point of requiring prescription creams. Being diligent about moisturizing with a serious (urea-based) cream after showering also helps a great deal, as does avoiding most soaps. Switching to mild Aveeno unscented bath gel with a pouf instead of using any kind of bar soap has made a big difference and leaves my skin more hydrated and less itchy which helps the plaques.

Hardly worth mentioning since I'm sure you already know this, but stress management is key.

Lastly: the only time in my adult life that I haven't had psoriasis is right now. The reason? I'm 30 weeks pregnant. As soon as I got pregnant, all of my patches disappeared completely. I'm sure they'll return, but for now I'm enjoying having smooth skin for once in my life! anon


Hello, After having psoriasis for a long time, i decided to try nutrition to heal it..and it worked! My chiropractor, Dr Jennifer Lanett in Berkeley, did a test to see how i was digesting my foods (she's also an digestive health specialist)... as it turned out I couldn't digest fats well. And by increasing the kind of fats that she told me about, i was able to get rid of my psoriasis altogether! I had to use a pre-emulsified form of fats, but it works very well. So I think you should look for diet and nutrition as a way to get rid of it too. happily rid of Psoriasis!


Tomato is a trigger for me (and for others). Try taking night shades (tomato, pepper, paprika, and potatoes) out of your diet for a few weeks and see if you notice a change. Hope you get some relief! anon


Guttate Psoriasis

May 2010

I've just been diagnosed with guttate psoriasis which came on when I got strep throat last month. I'm completely devastated. I'm covered head to to in the red patches and it's starting to make me depressed since no one seems to know how long it will last, how to effectively treat it, and whether it will ever go away. My sister has had it since she got strep at age 11; my mom also had it her whole life. We think the rare form of cancer my mom died from at age 67 was caused by methatrexate, one of the drugs you can take to control psoriasis. I'm overwhelmed by all the homeopathic and Western treatments available. It feels like this is going to be a full time job, figuring out which treatments or combo of treatments will make it go away. My sister said she was shocked it took me this long to get it, given our family history. I'm 36 and made it this long before getting it. My immune system has been deeply compromised the 6 months leading up to it (3 stomach flus, pink eye, bronchitis, etc) - and I recently lost my job. So the stress and the preceding illnesses probably led to me finally getting this. If anyone knows of a support group (ideally online), effective treatments, recommended health care providers (western or alternative), I'd be so grateful for your suggestions. I feel like a leper and like I'll never wear shorts or skirts or a dress or bathing suit again. Even though my husband is very supportive - I can see how repulsed he is by my skin and needless to say, our sex life is suffering. I honestly don't know if I can live like this. Anyone who can shed light/share experiences - I'd love to hear from you. thank you!

Suffering with psoriasis


I've been in your shoes twice! I'm 51 now but i was 44 and 48 when it hit and both times were after a bout of strep. As you alrady said, psoriasis runs in families. The first time I had g.p. I felt exactly like you but please don't despair. It does go away, you will have to be patient and miss a summer of wearing shorts. The legs seem to be the last to clear.

The National Psoriasis Fdn. (psoriasis.org) was a godsend. Sign up there right away, and go on the message board. You'll find a virtual support community there. As for treatments, I didn't find anything that worked as well as time. A dermatologist might recommend light treatment. i tried that but it didn't help. I also took curcumin supplements which i thought helped but it might just have been time for the lesions to recede. With my second bout, I did nothing and the time for it to go away was about the same. I could write much more about my experience but will leave my email address for you to contact me if you'd like. kb


A few ideas: there's an expensive probiotic: called: VSL #3, I take it whenever I am sick, and it seems to help the immune system. (I took and gave it to my son when we had H1N1, and it only lasted 24 hours). Supplement with vitamin d3, and maybe take Epsom salt baths if they don't irritate your skin. I find the baths, because of the magnesium, help me sleep better. I am sure there is a lot of information about psoriasis, but I would do what I could to treat the immune system, i.e. try to calm down the stressors, or if that's not possible, try to react to them differently. If you can afford acupuncture, it might help. Also walking daily is a great way to help with stress and calm the immune system. In the summer, you can take your family for a drive in the evening to a nice place to walk. Good healing


Psoriasis: Are you cured?

Oct 2007

I've had psoriasis for several years now. A little bit everywhere, not the large patches, but the ''rains drops''. Using my current steroid topical meds twice daily it remains mostly under control, especially in the sun of summer. But I know there are side effects of long term usage of steroid meds and I can already see it. I'm only in my 30's!

I know that psoriasis cannot be cured, but it does go away in some people (it runs in my family and most have had it go away). Did it go away for you? If so, could you tie it in with any lifestyle changes or other impacts? I live a mostly moderate life, but stress and lack of sleep aggravate my psoriasis and I try to control these. I don't smoke, I drink moderately, and I generally eat richly (working on that one but I love food!).

I'd love to get it under control without meds to reduce the side effects of them. Any success stories appreciated! Thanks Will this go on forever


I know they say one is never ''cured'' with psoriasis but i'm about as close as it gets. For years I had the guttate variety you described but it was never that bad. UNTIL, one day I broke out all over my entire body. It was the most traumatic thing I've ever lived through. It eventually went away and my normal skin pigmentation came back. I decided I would try changing my diet in hopes of ridding myself of this nasty affliction. I was already a vegetarian but I consumed a lot of dairy. For a number of months I eliminated all dairy. Now I eat a limited amount but have permanently switched to soy milk and never overconsume cheese. Everyone has different triggers but dairy turned out to be mine. I haven't had one tiny spot in over three years. When I was in the middle of the horrible outbreak I began taking curcumin, but whether I would have cleared despite that is anyone's guess. It couldn't hurt to add curcumin as a supplement but be aware that it takes a month or two to start working.

You might also want to check out the forum board at npf.org. I got good information from other sufferers there. P-Free


Although there's a genetic component to psoriasis, it is exacerbated by obesity, and losing weight generally improves it. Psoriasis is also linked to cardiovascular problems, so there is a double reason to lose weight.

Google on the words ''obesity'' and ''psoriasis'' for links to published studies. Homeopathy and acupuncture are not effective in reducing outbreaks of psoriasis. No Meds for Me


I had horrible psoriasis on my ankles and arms. It was so bad that I would get asked if I had been in an accident. It was like that for maybe 10 years. I started seeing an accupuncturist for a different matter. I might not be recalling this correctly, but basically she said that there is a hierarchy in the body - nutrients go first to your brain, heart, etc. Organs, such as the skin, are further down on the hierarchy so if you aren't getting enough protein, lesser functions (such as skin and fertility) suffer. She told me to take Omega oils every day (I think I was taking double the usual amount for a while). More important was eating 60 grams of protein a day. Once I started writing down how much protein I was eating, I realized it took some effort at first to get to that amount. But doing these two things brought remarkable change. At each week's appointment the psoriasis areas had diminished considerably. I think in about 2 months they were GONE. I still take fish oils daily, and my protein intake fluctuates, but I have not had a reoccurance in going on two years. At firs the psoriasis free areas were lighter in color, but now they match the rest of my skin tone. It can be done! Psoriasis free


i sent your question to my father, who has suffered from the 'heartbreak' for as long as i can remember. here is his response:

i am a 72 year old man, and i have had psoriasis for over 50 years. the good news is that my case is mild. the bad news is that i have met many others who have severe, arthritic psoriasis. this is a nasty, and very debilitating disease. psoriasis and arthritis are linked.

being from the, ''old school'', i sought dermatologists who had psoriasis. i have had two. my current dermatologist is david laub in mill valley. i have been with him for over 15 years. he has psoriasis.

after my morning shower, i apply clobex. 5 or so minutes later, i apply taclonex. my psoriasis is under control. it's my hobby.

everyone is different, and will respond differently to the various, ''treatments''. find the one that suits you, and be religious about it. good luck!


Psoriasis - unrelenting!

Oct 2006

I have had psoriasis on my scalp since my mid-20s (in my late 30s now). At one point, it went into 'remission' for several years, but returned when I got pregnant with my son more than 4 years ago. I have seen so many dermatologists and tried so many topical medications, cortisone shots in my scalp, etc. If anyone has had any success with a particular dermatologist or treatment, I would love to hear about it. I'll try just about anything to get rid of this horrible itching and embarrassing flakiness Tired of scratching and shedding


My husband has psoriasis. After everything else failed he tried methotrexate. It works unbelievably well. Dr. Paslin in Alameda/Oakland is in charge of his care, as it is a highly regulated drug. You will need to get liver biopsies with this treatment. Good luck cj


Oh boy, can I ever relate to THAT! I'm 66, and have had psoriasis in my scalp since I was 14. So dreadfully embarassing, when people--even strangers!--come up and brush the flakes off your shoulders. But recently my wonderful primary care physician Dr. Jo-Marie Munnich (NOT my dermatologist, who has seemed clueless!) prescribed a new medication called Olux, which is a foam. It's helped enormously, and it's not greasy or oily. For me, it's been a godsend--first thing that's helped in lo! these 52 years! anon


You can try my dermatologist, Dr. William Ting, who is an excellent dermatologist who really listen to his patients. He is experienced in Psoriasis and will be able to give you advice on how to approach your problem with different treatment options. His contact information can be found on his website: http://drwilliamting.com/. Good luck. Flora


Breastfeeding & psoriasis

Aug 2006

I have a moderate case of psoriasis and have had it for most of my life. Over the years I've tried many treatments including acupuncture, supplements, various salves, but the only thing I’ve found to work in my case is the topical medication dovonex. I quit using the dovonex when I became pregnant a year ago, and, wonderfully, the suppression of my immune system due to the pregnancy calmed my psoriasis as well as any medication ever has. Unfortunately, as soon as I gave birth it flared up like crazy! The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends staying clear of all psoriasis medications while breastfeeding except for phototherapy. Since the frequent office visits required for light therapy are completely impractical with a baby (as is regular sunbathing), I’m ready to try alternative treatments again. My next stop: homeopathy. Can anyone recommend treatments of any kind and/or specific practitioners? anon


Psoriasis in 6 yo

Feb 2003

My 6 yo son was just diagnosed with psoriasis. It is located in his groin and rectal area. He has only had it about six weeks and so far it is mild but I understand that he may be in for a life long problem especially having it in such a sensitive area. The doctor recommended hydrocortisone but long term use can create other problems. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on preventative/ controlling measures. Also any alternative therapies like homeopathy that anyone has had success with? What about diet and supplements like fish oils? Does keeping the area dry make a difference (he is quite active and sweats a lot)? Any thing else you can think of that would be helpful? Thanks so much. anon


I am giving flax seed oil to my son for his excema. I do think it is helping but it's only been a short while. The flax seed is supposed to help with many conditions including the skin. Not expensive and easy to add to the diet as well. karen


Psoriasis has been linked to a metabolic deficiency of essential fatty acids (fish oil), lecithin (this is a miracle supplement which helps with a ton of different things), and vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids (present in the white skin of citrus). Get a book at the health food store and learn more about it. I know about this condition from my own research for I had also psoriasis for a couple of years. Going the conventional route of allopathic medicine led me nowhere. Cortisone creams are only topical and supressive therapy, which does not deal with the underlying causes of psoriasis. A good book to check out is ''Nutritional Healing'' by Phyllis A. Balch. It is possible to heal this...but you must deal with it internally adressing metabolic deficiencies with diet and nutritional supplements Good luck anon


Not sure if this is any help. My son kept having a rash in his groin when he was younger also. I found if I use Neutrogena Body Oil(light sesame formula) after he has a bath- rubbed on the wet body- that it seems to seal his skin and prevent the problem. Fortunately they make it in an unscented formula also. anon