At around my 5th month of pregnancy I developed horrible psoriasis (very itchy, very, very flaky scalp). It goes way beyond dandruff! My daughter is now 14 months old! I keep thinking it's temporary, but obviously it's not. I have tried several shampoos (including T-Gel) and even a prescription shampoo. I went to a dermatologist who put me on a steroid shampoo, but you can only use it for 3 weeks and it didn't work! It's a very embarassing condition! I love natural cures and love the healthfood store, I am going to go there tonight. I would love some ideas on what to do - has anyone ever had this condition?
Do you have family members who have had psoriasis? My daughter began breaking out when she was 15. It started around her hairline and eventually her whole body was overcome with it. She was diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis. Her entire scalp turned completely white and she was given a liquid medicine that we had to put on her scalp everynight and then cover it with a plastic head wrap. That worked as long as she kept at it every night. Well as you can imagine that got old real quick. We went to a couple of different dermatologists who gave us every cream and lotion you could think of and another wanted to give her ultra violet treaments. We finally went to Dr Pappenfuss and he started her out on Raptiva which is a weekly injection. She gave them to herself. After a year or so that wasn't working so well for her any more and he put her on Enbrel which is also an injection she gives herself twice a week. She has been on that for about a year now and it works wonderfully for her. I felt so bad for her because all through her high school years she had to go to school with red scaly patches all over her. She was such a trooper about it. The only evidence of psoriasis she has now is a few small white bumps on her elbows an knees. Nothing on her face or scalp or other parts of her body. We have been told that this is something she will have to do for the rest of her life. I don't know of any natural rememdies that work, although I have heard that dead sea salts can be effective on psoriasis. Just research it on the internet, and I am sure you will find something.
Hi Lisa,
I, too have psoriasis of the scalp (and guttate p. all over my body) so I can relate--it's a horrible disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for p., so all you can do is try your best to get into remission.
To help my scalp, I use the T-Gel shampoo you mentioned, plus a solution from the dermatologist--it's called Lidex (or Fluocinonide is the generic term). A little greasy, but I just sleep with an old pillowcase on nights that I use it. Also, I know there are different solutions of T-Gel--the higher the coal tar content, the better. I use the T-Gel Therapeutic with I think 15% or something like that. It says right on the bottle it's for psoriasis. I get mine at Target; it's in a clear bottle and the shampoo looks a little like Hershey's syrup (but doesn't taste as good.:) It doesn't discolor your hair, but after you use it, if you condition, be sure to avoid the conditioner right on your scalp or you deactivate the shampoo.
I am also doing narrow-band UVB treatments through my dermatologist. They're a nuisance, but SOOOO helpful. It's sort of like tanning, but with different light (and you don't really get a tan from it). It has less risk of cancer than tanning, and is done under the care of a dermatologist. The type of light from this treatment helps your body produce Vitamine D, and basically help rebalance your immune system. (P. is an autoimmune disorder, so it can be flared by things that trigger your immune system.) I use an all-body unit, but they have little hand-held models attached to a comb specifically for scalp p. I would highly recommend this treatment because it's not invasive and has little or no side effects.
I would imagine being pregnant is a flare trigger for you, so this may get better after you have the baby. In the meantime, I would stay away from biologics (like Enbrel, Humira, etc.) There are some serious side effects associated with them even if you're not pregnant. My derm is trying everything possible to keep me off them. BUT, they can be extremely effective.
If you haven't already, check out the message boards at the National Psoriasis Foundation--they have been an incredible resource for me and the people are amazing. http://www.psoriasis.org/home/
Best of luck to you...it's an incky condition, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!
Simone
Lisa,
My mother has it very bad in her scalp, they gave her a lot of different stuff for her scalp. What have you tried, jsut the t-gel and the steroid shampoo? If not happy with the derm or not getting good relief see another derm-however know that the scalp is the hardest to treat. Otherwise your other option is to see a rheumatologist to see if they have any options for you. hope this helps. I work in Rheumatology and the biologics truly have their place, they WORK!! instance of lymphoma which is what most are worried about is like 2-3% with Enbrel. The studies on the drugs are out there.
I don't know if you're familiar with Arbonne products, but they are botanically-based and people have seen relief from psoriasis. If you'd like more info or would like to try some shampoo and conditioner, let me know!
Hi Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your condition. I am an Arbonne independent consultant which is a health and wellness line formulated in Switzerland. We have a line that has many testimonials for psorasis. I can get you samples to try for free. Check out Arbonne.com and contact me if you would like to give it a shot.
Lori Faber
605-351-1729
Lisa,
I completely understand what you are going through. Mine is extremely itchy and raw while under stress. I have tried the shampoos and dermatologists don't seem to know what to do with me. But my sister who has suffered from the same thing - used an ointment. It helps tremendously. I believe it is perscription only: Alclometason 0.05% ointment. It's the only thing that has successfully helped me.
Hi Lisa-
I'm a wellness coach- Brenda.
Also a 47yo med. prof and mom of almost 7 yo twins.
I work with the largest nutrition co. in the world- and we do have some things that people use for psoriasis.
You'll have to email me- not supposed to put websites on here I guess.
My email is [email protected]
Check out our Aloe concentrate, herbal aloe conditioner and shampoo, the nutrition itself- might just be that if you're developing it as an immune burst, and our Garden 7.
I'll look for your email and if you give me a phone number I can call you back.
Brenda J
verizon cell 612-210-9753
Hi Lisa
It is so strange the changes that take place after a pregnacy. Have you heard of Reliv? It is a health food taken as a supplement. No side effects and no warning labels. I know a few people that had results with psoriasis using Reliv. It never ceases to amaze me how our bodies can heal themselves when given the right nutrition. We have to thank God for such a gift.
You can email or call if you would like more information about Reliv.
Blessings,
Lisa
612-716-1565
Psoriasis is a Ph problem that comes from colon and liver impurities. There is an easy way out at first:
Basic H from Shaklee is a neutral Ph soap (not shampoo although it is liquid). Go to Shaklee on-line. Washing your hair exclusively with it, adding no other commercial products generally, will make it go away quickly. Commercial hair products contain petroleum products that damage the scalp and coat it - essentially suffocating it.
Long term, take Acidophilus capsules every day (according to the bottle) consistently until the symptoms appear to not return. Or now and then when they do.
Soothing to the scalp: Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda rinse - makes the itching stop and also neutralizes the Ph temporarily (take a cup of 1/2 c. cider vinegar, 1/2 c. water and just before you pour it through your scalp put in one heaping teaspoon of baking soda - it will foam instantly so be ready to pour).
Also, avoid trans fats, corn syrup and corn syrup solids, corn flour, artificial sweeteners, beer and wine, yeasted bread and very sweet foods in general.
Psoriasis is your body asking you to pay closer attention to what you put in it Lisa. Everyone has a way their body screams at them -yours just happens to be on your head. My daughter has chronic psoriasis and lots of luscious, black hair. When she watches her diet, takes acidophilus and washes her hair with Basic H, her scalp is fine. When she goes back to the standard American diet, it comes back.
A naturepath will tell you that the condition can be treated completely by introducing Essential Fatty Acids into your diet (flax seed oil, borage oil or fish oil) in addition to these other things I mention above. I would recommend EFA's as well.
Welcome to the journey that motherhood brings to you - your body will never be the same... but it actually will be better because you will pay closer attention to it from now on :o)
I also have psoriasis and I've found that the only thing that works is Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo. It might take a week or so, but it is wonderful. I also have psoriasis on my body and have found that body washes that contain Shea butter help enormously. Right now, I have no spots at all.
;) Chris
Hi Lisa,
I have developed a similar problem but unrelated to pregnancy. About 6 years ago, out of the blue I developed psoriasis on my scalp. The first dermatologist prescribed a shampoo and an oil that was horrible. Not only was it a mess but my hair started to fall out. I went to a second, wonderful dermatologist who prescribed "Olux". It is a steroid foam that goes on your scalp just like a hair mousse. No mess, you can style your hair normally and never know it's there. this cleared it up right away with no side affects. Maybe once or twice a year my psoriasis will come back but I use the foam for a couple days and it clears right up. Everyone is different but perhaps this will work for you. Good Luck!
Sad to say this problem will not be easy to get rid of ,if ever. My problem also started with the scalp and then spread to other parts of the body. It did go away when I was taking chemo for breast cancer but returned later. Sunshine does wonders for me but does'nt make it go away. I use Head and shoulders and that seems to do as much good as the other psoriasis shampoos. Stress also is a factor with me. I am 65 years young and have lived with this for 30 some years. It is also hereditary so look back to your family.
I had the same thing happen and during my last pregnancy it got so bad that I wore a baseball cap if I had to go out in public because it was so bad :( It still flares up and I have tried everything under the sun, prescription and not. I have found for me that selsan blue works the best, but only if that is all I use. I gave up with the doctors because nothing they suggested worked and they didn't seem to care. Try being a woman with itchy, red, sometimes bleeding scalp and see how you feel! I swear sometimes I was tempted to shave my head because it itched and hurt so bad. I wish I had better info for you.
Lisa - I know of a product line that has helped some people with psoriasis, and many other conditions, it might help you too. If you would like more information you can go to www.betterhealthinfo.net/calm.
I have the exact same thing! It is just on my scalp. It started back in middle school for me, and I was teased a lot because everyone thought I had bad dandruff. I have a prescription for Clobetasol Propionate Topical Solution .05%, and it really really works! It is a liquid - not a cream which can be hard to put on the scalp and makes hair greasy - and it comes in a little squeeze bottle that you squeeze on the affected area. If your psoriasis is really bad right now, it might take a week or two to clear up. But right now I only have 1 or 2 flare ups a year and I just use this for a few days and it goes away. I would really really recommend going to a dermatologist with a list of prescriptions that other moms have listed, and see what they think would work best for you. I think going the all-natural route is great, but if you are looking for some immediate relief, I would get a prescription and also work on improving diet, etc.
I have this same problem, so I am not going to be any help. I would like to hear of some options, also.
Joan T.
I am a married 40-ish mother of two adult children and a twelve year old and nine year old daughters.
I recommend a product called "skin cap" you can order it online at www.beautyworks.com. Skin Cap is the solution for psoriasis treatment, dandruff, seborrhea dermatitis, flakes and itching. My son had a bad case of ecsema and mullosks contagiousum. It only too a few days and he was clear. He still breaks out now and then, but after a few applications he's all clear! It works great! My sister has psoriasis and it works great for her too. Give it a try. You won't be sorry!
Kimberly
Hi -
I've been using a great product line from Melaleuca, the Wellness Company, for the past 5 years. I've had great success in helping people with psoriasis, eczema, and other skin issues. Plus you get the added benefit of detoxifying your house of harmful chemicals! Email me at [email protected] or call me at 763-639-5925, I'd love to help you out :)
I would try massaging something like baby oil or vitamin e on your scalp. Hair product will dry out your scalp even more...and washing your hair daily will as well. Should wash it every other day sometimes wait two days.