Health Boards
Tue-29-08-2017, 14:02 PM
Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with psoriasis 10 years ago and, before that, I struggled on and off with eczema since I was a child. In addition to using Daivobet, my dermatologist suggested one round of PUVA treatment, which worked amazingly and I was more or less psoriasis free for 3-4 years.
My psoriasis returned in full-force after the birth of both of my children. After my first child, I did another round of PUVA therapy, which was moderately successful. The psoriasis cleared up, but I had returning small patches which I would treat with Daivobet.
After my second child, I did a third and much longer round of PUVA therapy, but the psoriasis returned the moment I stopped. My dermatologist had said that PUVA was my last option, so I pretty much gave up on treatment altogether and decided I would wear long-sleeves and long pants for the rest of my life. It was so time-consuming to visit the dermatologist 3 times a week for light therapy - I was so happy for it to be over!
By coincidence, I went to see a different dermatologist for a different problem, and upon hearing about my continuing battles with psoriasis, she suggested that I try Acitretin/Neotigason. I started with 25mg per day and my psoriasis cleared up completely after 2 weeks!
I have been taking Acitretin/Neotigason 25mg for 3 months now, and my skin looks completely normal, except for some brown patches from the PUVA. Otherwise, I can actually wear a bikini in public which is something I haven't done in over 7 years!
Of course, I have quite a few side effects from using Acitretin/Neotigason 25mg, which is why I wanted to share this post. My side effects include:
* Extremely dry skin. I have to be religious about moisturising day and night, otherwise my dry skin becomes itchy and irritated. If I scratch my skin, it can bleed easily because it is so sensitive now. I use QV Intensive Body Moisturiser (a product from Australia) which I slather on after my shower in the evening. The texture is a bit like Vaseline but it does a remarkable job of moisturising and keeping the skin soft. It's a bit greasy after you apply it, but it absorbs into the skin rather quickly.
* Dry hands and feet. In addition to moisturising my body at least once a day, I have to moisturise my hands constantly throughout the day. I have flaky skin all over my palms and the soles of my feet. I'm a bit self-conscious about my dry hands, especially when I'm at a store and I have to hold out my hand for change and the shop assistant will look alarmed at the sight of my dry hands, but I'm happy to accept this over having plaques all over my body!
* Dry lips. I noticed my dry lips within a few days of starting Acitretin/Neotigason. At first, it was very uncomfortable because no amount of lip balm could make my lips feel normal, but I think I am either used to it now, or it is not as dry as before.
Overall, when I weigh up the side effects to having psoriasis all over my body, I'm happy to put up with the dry skin. My dermatologist wants me to continue for another 2 months before reducing the dosage. I hope the psoriasis will keep at bay for a long time after this because, for once, it is so nice to have clear skin, especially in summer!
I hope my experience above will be helpful to anyone who is considering treatment with Acitretin or Neotigason. I would love to hear about other people's experience also!
I was diagnosed with psoriasis 10 years ago and, before that, I struggled on and off with eczema since I was a child. In addition to using Daivobet, my dermatologist suggested one round of PUVA treatment, which worked amazingly and I was more or less psoriasis free for 3-4 years.
My psoriasis returned in full-force after the birth of both of my children. After my first child, I did another round of PUVA therapy, which was moderately successful. The psoriasis cleared up, but I had returning small patches which I would treat with Daivobet.
After my second child, I did a third and much longer round of PUVA therapy, but the psoriasis returned the moment I stopped. My dermatologist had said that PUVA was my last option, so I pretty much gave up on treatment altogether and decided I would wear long-sleeves and long pants for the rest of my life. It was so time-consuming to visit the dermatologist 3 times a week for light therapy - I was so happy for it to be over!
By coincidence, I went to see a different dermatologist for a different problem, and upon hearing about my continuing battles with psoriasis, she suggested that I try Acitretin/Neotigason. I started with 25mg per day and my psoriasis cleared up completely after 2 weeks!
I have been taking Acitretin/Neotigason 25mg for 3 months now, and my skin looks completely normal, except for some brown patches from the PUVA. Otherwise, I can actually wear a bikini in public which is something I haven't done in over 7 years!
Of course, I have quite a few side effects from using Acitretin/Neotigason 25mg, which is why I wanted to share this post. My side effects include:
* Extremely dry skin. I have to be religious about moisturising day and night, otherwise my dry skin becomes itchy and irritated. If I scratch my skin, it can bleed easily because it is so sensitive now. I use QV Intensive Body Moisturiser (a product from Australia) which I slather on after my shower in the evening. The texture is a bit like Vaseline but it does a remarkable job of moisturising and keeping the skin soft. It's a bit greasy after you apply it, but it absorbs into the skin rather quickly.
* Dry hands and feet. In addition to moisturising my body at least once a day, I have to moisturise my hands constantly throughout the day. I have flaky skin all over my palms and the soles of my feet. I'm a bit self-conscious about my dry hands, especially when I'm at a store and I have to hold out my hand for change and the shop assistant will look alarmed at the sight of my dry hands, but I'm happy to accept this over having plaques all over my body!
* Dry lips. I noticed my dry lips within a few days of starting Acitretin/Neotigason. At first, it was very uncomfortable because no amount of lip balm could make my lips feel normal, but I think I am either used to it now, or it is not as dry as before.
Overall, when I weigh up the side effects to having psoriasis all over my body, I'm happy to put up with the dry skin. My dermatologist wants me to continue for another 2 months before reducing the dosage. I hope the psoriasis will keep at bay for a long time after this because, for once, it is so nice to have clear skin, especially in summer!
I hope my experience above will be helpful to anyone who is considering treatment with Acitretin or Neotigason. I would love to hear about other people's experience also!