Acitrecin - week 1

[jiml]

Hi folks. Wanted to give you an update on my progress since starting Acitretin some 7 mos ago. I remain clear with the occasional stray spot or two here and there, but the spots are no bigger than the size of an eraser head and if I get one or two a month that's it.  My doctor has reduced my dosage from 25 mg a day to 20 mg a day (about a month ago). I've had no problems with my cholesterol and no side effects to speak of after adjusting to initially being on this medication. It's been phenomenal being flake free, having a clear scalp, clear legs clear torso clear arms and even the white spots are beginning to fade. I'm confident that I will be able to wear shorts sleeves again come spring and summer.

Looking back, I am very glad I made the decision to stop topical steroids as I do think they were making the condition worse. I haven't used any topical creams of any kind steroid or other wise since I stopped using topicals a few months ago.  As for my diet, I pretty much eat everything and anything I want. I don't restrict my consumption of alcohol and I can't say that I see flares after eating any particular food. The medication is doing it's job.  I realize that I will probably be on this medication for the rest of my life but given my side effects were very minimal and I've had good, albeit, slow progress there's no reason for me to stop.

Psoriasis really did a number on me mentally and emotionally in terms of my self-worth given that I had it extensively including on my face. It is hard for me to even imagine going back to having the coverage I had and being as uncomfortable as I was constantly. The flakes are just a memory. the burning raised patches that covered my entire torso are just a memory. Spending hours scratching peeling bleeding digging out my scalp, I'll just a memory. Seems like it was someone else's life and not mine.

Would love to hear from others on this medication Long term. Kat, how's it going for you?

Great news Kelly.... I'm so glad the acetretin is doing its job on you. You certainly sound a lot more positive and I'm glad you are back to eating and drinking normally. Yes psoriasis can have a terrible effect on our self esteem, a fact a lot of dermatologists don't seem to take into account
And yes the topicals in hindsight were a big mistake .... One you won't make again,
I think you are wise not to think of stopping the treatment. Psoriasis is  always lurking, I would not dare stop my treatment either
Thanks for the update it's great to see you back