I'm 21/m student at Michigan State University. I've had Psoriasis since I was about 17. Nobody in my family has/had it but I had surgery as a young child and my liver isnt quite up to par, which I've read may be a contributing factor. I was really surprised when it suddenly arrived as a small spot at 17 and has evolved to something that continues to worsen. I'm still getting used to the idea of living with it and thought that maybe it would help if I talked about it with other people that understand(somehow I've been able to keep it from everyone except 3 relatives. However, it has seemed to get progressively worse, spreading primarily over my arms, legs, back. Many of the spots are not as large and severe as before, but there are many more spots overall that are appearing in places that are more easily visible like my right forearm. My insurance really isnt that great so many of these ointments and cremes that I'm perscribed range from $40-$90, often times I choose just to buy the perscribed moisturizer and hold off on the others for as long as I can. Its getting worse lately, mostly due to the cold weather, and I'm definately going to have to drop 80 some dollars on this clobex spray that my dr. perscribed.
At this point, my philosophy is to go as long as I can without buying these expensive perscriptions, holding off until I feel that my psoriasis is getting pretty visible. I live in Michigan and its the winter so I'm pretty much wearing long sleeves, pants, which makes it easier to deal with the more severe breakouts that come with the cold, dry winter air. However, I do have a g/f that I've been seeing for about 5 mos. and she doesnt know, mostly because we only "do stuff" in the dark and my psoriasis doesnt really feel that dry or anything, at least I don't think so. I'm sure she wouldn't have a problem with it if I told her, but I really don't want to tell her. Its just really tough hiding it from all of my friends and stuff, hell sometimes I just hide it from myself by not treating it for a couple of days but obviously that does more harm that good.
I've tried a ton of perscription ointments and cremes, with some success, but ultimately it comes back worse after I cease use of the medication. I'm at the point where if the p stays pretty bad when it gets warmer out, I might result to something stronger than these medications, but the expenses may be too high, so we'll see.
I don't usually complain or do stuff like this but I really felt the need to get it out. Like I said, none of my friends know I have it and I don't really want to tell them. Is anyone else in this situation? Basically I would just like to say that I am open to talking and listening to anyone about psoriasis or anything. I know that being this age can be tough enough as it is, but psoriasis seems to complicate everything. I'd definitely like to chat sometime tho, so reply or something and I'll get back to you.
Thanks All
Matt

Hi Matt,
Welcome to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. You've come to a very special place. A lot of nice and helpful people post here. More important, it's great to FINALLY be able to ask questions, vent, exchange infro and maybe even share some laughs with people who truly understand.
I'm getting ready to leave for work, so I'm going to have to keep this brief.
You're not alone -- unless I'm in the mood, I don't like to talk about my psoriasis either. I very rarely wear shorts -- even in the hottest weather. "I'm fine! Really! It's not that hot!" is something that people often hear me say. I had a friend -- since kindergarten -- who died last year. She was 48 and never saw me in shorts. She used to joke about it.
One good way to cut down on medication related expenses is to ask your doctor for some samples of whatever he or she is prescribing. You also might want to check out some of the assistance programs that have been discussed here on the board. We don't know very much about them, but it still can't hurt to check them out. Links and information about these programs can be found in this thread: .
There's also some over the counter treatments that you can try. These include:

• MG217 (www.mg217.com) makes a lotion, an ointment and a shampoo that have coal tar in them. Coal tar has been used to treat psoriasis for many, many years. They also make an ointment that has salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid is one of the few doctor approved methods for removing scales. (You have to be careful when you use any product with salicylic acid. I burnt myself when I used the salicylic acid version of MG217 for too many days in a row.) Here in New Jersey, the coal tar version of MG217 ointment and MG217 shampoo is available at just about every chain type drug stores. The shampoo is almost always located with the other dandruff shampoos. The ointment is sometimes with the other creams and lotions, and sometimes with the first aid stuff and sometimes in a special psoriasis section. Ask if you can't find it. Walgreen's is the only store around here that sells the salicylic acid version of MG217 ointment.
• Dermarest (www.dermarest.com) makes a lotion and shampoo that has salicylic acid in it.
• Psoriasin makes several products that you can also try. I've seen them at Walgreen's. Here's a link for some additional info: http://www.alva-amco.com/pages/psoriasin.php. And here's a link to a some previous discussions about Psoriasin products: ;
  ; .
• You can also try taking a bath with a product like Aveeno Oatmeal Soak. It will help soften the scales and relieve the itch. Here's a link to some additional information about it: http://www.aveeno.com/detailAction.do?id=3689. Cheaper store brands are available.
• You can also try taking a bath with Balnetar. Balnetar is an over the counter product that is available only by special order at most drug stores. As it's name implies, Balnetar is coal tar based. Because it is coal tar based, it stains everything and the stains can be hard to get out. Scub the tub immediately after use and use old towels and wear old clothes when you use it. Despite these problems, it can be a highly effective weapon in the war against psoriasis. I've never been able to find a website for Balnetar, so I'm going to give you a link to a site that sells it online. I've NEVER ordered anything from them, so I have no idea how reliable they are. I'm giving you the link because their description of Balnetar is a good one. Here's the link: http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/br...2746DB41D 0%7D.

I find the dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets tend to irritate and dry out my psoiasis and make it even itcher then it already is. I've had similar problems with antibacterial and deoderant soaps. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And, here's a link to some previous discussions about psoriasis and soap: and. I also find that it helps to keep things moist. Especially in the winter time. You rally can't overdo it when it comes to putting on moisturizer. I put on some moisturizer several times a day. (For example, I have psoriasis on my hands and I put on moisturizer everytime that I wash my hands.) Which moisturzer to use is a matter of trial and error and personal preference. I find that it helps to rotate brands. I also find that it helps to use only those moisturizers that are labled "fragrance free", "non-irritating" and/or "for sensitive skin".
More then a few people have posted here that either their psoriasis or their child's psoriasis either flares or is triggered by some sort of infection. (Strep is the usual culprit, but just about any infection can trigger a psoriasis outbreak.) Many of these same people have posted that the psoriasis outbreak is often the only sign that they (or their) child had an infection because they were asymptomatic for the infection. (I.E., No sore throat or fever in the case of strep throat.) To further complicate things, they also report that the psoriasis won't respond to treatment until the underlying infection is taken care of. Based on their experience, you might wanted to get tested for strep. Insist on a culture because the so called "quick test" is often unreliable. Some people have to get a blood test, called an ASO blood test, to confirm the presence of strep. Here's a link to some previous discussions about psoriasis and infections:
;
;
; and
. (The ASO blood test is discussed in this thread.)
For the awful itch that often accompanies psoriasis, you can try:

• Corn Starch;
• Ice packs;
• Benadryl; and
• Anti-itch powders creams and lotions such as Gold Bond. (I usually buy store brands.) Another person who posts here gave me some samples of Eucerin Itch-Relief Moisturizing Spray. I like it a lot. It's easy to apply because it's a spray and it really does help to relieve the itch. Here's a link for some additional information about it: http://www.eucerinus.com/medicalsit.../anti-itch.html. You can also Neutrogena Anti-Itch Moisturizer (http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails_36.asp). It has lidocaine in it.

I'm sorry that this turned into such a novel. You're probably suffering from information overload. :rolleyes: I hope that it helps in some small way. Good luck. Keep us posted and please don't be a stranger.
Mike

I grew up close to you... I grew up in Charlotte. Char-tucky for those who love it dearly. I spent many of my high school nights out on MSU's campus partying - all with P. In fact, I would venture to guess the Dollar & Sparties still have my DNA somewhere in there (as they are not the cleanest establishments) ;)
Mike had a great suggestion on getting samples from your Dr. Depending on your insurance situation, you might want to see if you can put money (pre-tax) aside for paying for your prescriptions during the year. I am guessing you might still be on your parents policy (as I was during my college years) & you asking for a Flex Spend account.
Also, I would highly recommend you seek out Dr. Mark Hatcher. He is located in Lansing, and fantastic. He is a real p Derm, but he is also sensible on treatments in relation to the patients age. (like he did not put me on MTX as a teen, b/c I was not severe enough & he knew I would get worse later in life - needing the heavy hitters at that point)
Last, I highly recommend you check out the tanning salons. Try it for a month to see if it works then decide if you want to invest in a long term package (some long-term packages are only $20/month).
Oh, one last thing, as I am trying to conceive my first child now I am slacking to eliminating my topicals. I have very wide-spread coverage. First, I would say your gf def. knows because it does feel different. So please take some stress off you & be up front & tell her. Second, Johnson & Johnson baby oil gel (available in the baby care aisle) is fantastic at helping keep you skin moist. By applying it in the shower, you will find a lot of the excess rinses off...
Good Luck!

Matt, the cost to treat P is crazy I have a four yr old son with severe P. His medications which include topicals and soriatane pill is $1,200.00 a month. I get help but am losing medical card in March. I have sacrificed alot to get him well, I work now to help pay for medical, most of my salary goes toward paying doctors and perscriptions. Your not alone!!
Jen

hey livoniaguy,
- GO GREEN! I go to MSU too...im a 20/m, business major...from Troy, MI. Im not too far from you, maybe we can get together and have a drink...lets talk about how psoriasis is so psexy!

lol, yea for sure man. Sounds good.

Hi Matt,
Greetings from another Michigander. I live in Orion Twp. near the Palace of Auburn Hills. I haven't been around much lately, but I wanted to say Welcome!
I've had psoriasis since I was 9 (50 now), and kept it covered and to myself for most of that time, explaining it only if people noticed it and asked. That changed when I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a couple years ago, and pretty freaked out. I'm with Mike, it's really helped me to interact with the folks around here who really know what it's like. I've found it very powerful and liberating.
Again, welcome. Good luck, and please keep us posted.
Doug

Ha the "do stuff in the dark" struck a cord.
i feel you on that, for the longest time i was like "ehhh"
but i realize that if someone really loves you and cares about you, that means they care about you, the TRUE you.
trust me if its someone you are really serious with you should tell them, because it would have been a lot easier if i would have told my finacee when we first started dating, then waiting like i did, because i realize that you can't change who you are, and it made me realize how much he really did love me, regaurdless of my skin condition.
also always messing around in the dark, or asking for the light off, can build insecurities on your partner's side, and might result in them taking it as you think they are unattractive, etc.

Greetings!
First of all...I really liked the use of the word psexy...hilarious whoever said that.
Second, I've heard more than once that the longer you don't treat your psoriasis, the longer it will take to clear up once you do decide to treat it. Better put, the sooner you start the faster it will go away. Yes, it will probably come back once you stop but I have had instances where it's been clear for almost a year. Those were scantilly clad times my friend!
Regarding general comfort, baby oil is amazing. I always put it on right out of the shower before toweling off and then pat dry. Some people aren't into the smell though. I'm sure you can find some non-babybutt-smelling oil that works for you. I have also tried bathing in olive oil. It's not such a femmy smell. Also, when times were really bad and I didn't have insurance or topicals I often found myself lathering up in Vaseline which was unpleasant during sleep but when I woke up in the morning, my skin wasn't flaking and cracking. Vaseline can leave a weird petroleum smell though.
These days I find myself also using Cetaphil lotion during the day or when I don't have time to let the oil dry. Putting more on definitely makes a difference. I am big fan of putting loads on, tossing on my bathrobe, and letting it sit for about ten minutes while I do my hair and face. It soaks in pretty quickly.
Also, I understand not wanting to tell your lover because I was in the same boat. I always told him that it was just a stress rash. Not telling him made me very self concious and I think that definitely contributed to the shortened length of our relations. He did say something rather simple to me but it left a lasting impression on my attitude towards intimacy. He said, "So what Kelley. No one has a perfect body." That is true. Even people not suffering from p have insecurities of their own and would probably consider them to be as detrimental as we often consider our psoriasis to be.
Just my two cents. I hope you find a system that works for you. Unfortunately it is very true that managing your p is all about trial and error which, when added together, equal time and lots of it.
Stay warm and mosturized this winter. Man it gets cold in Michigan.
Kelley