Newly diagnosed and about to start Acitretin

[jiml]

Oooh dear what a shame KP I agree about contacting dermatology as the wax could be a side effect of acetretin and well worth a phone call to dermatology telling them the effect it’s having, but do it now don’t wait for your next appointment. With the ear problem and the face not clearing it might be time for change

I do hope you can get something that helps, as I’m sure that would lift your spirits

[JohnB]

Not posted for a while as I've been feeling very low. My psoriasis is getting better although scalp and face still causing a problem but my hearing has got worse. My perforated ear drum not healed yet and seems to have fluid collected in it. The other ear keeps getting blocked it seems  since starting Aciteritin I have too much ear wax. It's really affecting my job as I can't keep up in meetings and I don't feel like going out socially because I have a red peeling face and can't hold a proper conversation anywhere crowded. The ENT consultant said not to put anything in my ears as my left ear was perforated. He said the wax was nothing to do with psoriasis but I've never had this problem before I started taking Acitretin and I noticed people in this group have commented on ear wax. Thinking of stopping the medication and will speak too dermatologist next week.

Hi KP
Yep your ENT bod is most certainly correct in his statement that the earwax is nothing to do with the PS. It is however most definitely one of those  pleasant surprises that Acitretin throws up .
I have had to have mine truck washed twice. With your perforated drum I'm guessing this will not be an option. Fortunately mine are slowly returning to normal.

I hate to say it but I think that your time on Acitretin is probably coming to an end. With the Perf ear drum and wax you could be heading for a nasty ear infection. I would be on to your Dermy asap to discuss your options. I'm afraid I may not have been much help in lifting you mood, but we are always hear if you  want to let off some steam.

John

[Grizzly Bear]

Oh KP, you poor lady you.

To have a perforated ear drum must be terrible for you.

I know how you feel, my right ear is damaged because of a couple of explosions. I have a hearing aid in the ear and I put a tiny bit of coconut oil in both ears, nothing to excessive and it keeps the psoriasis at bay thankfully.

Let’s hope that you get to see your dermatologist KP

Good luck KP

[Kentpatient]

Hello All and thanks as usual for the advice. 
Have seen my dermatologist and ENT and aciteretin has given me raised cholesterol and white count low so doubt will be on it much longer. Still have psoriasis on my face and scalp. Hearing bit better but eardrum not completely healed yet. Anyway just waiting for something to change !

[jiml]

Hello All and thanks as usual for the advice. 
Have seen my dermatologist and ENT and aciteretin has given me raised cholesterol and white count low so doubt will be on it much longer. Still have psoriasis on my face and scalp. Hearing bit better but eardrum not completely healed yet. Anyway just waiting for something to change !

Hopefully they will put you on something effective that can give lasting clearance

I’m not saying that you should try what I’m on but if I had my time again I would ask for it earlier, it’s given me over 6 years clear and doesn’t seem to be losing ground ... it’s wirth the side effects at the start that I had for such a long clearance...
I would mention Fumaderm or Skilarence ( both very similar ) it might just work for you

[JohnB]

Hello All and thanks as usual for the advice. 
Have seen my dermatologist and ENT and aciteretin has given me raised cholesterol and white count low so doubt will be on it much longer. Still have psoriasis on my face and scalp. Hearing bit better but eardrum not completely healed yet. Anyway just waiting for something to change !

Yep, raised cholesterol is another joy from the drug that just keeps giving. My Dermy got me to see my GP when mine went up, he did a quick look up on one of his charts and told me it was nothing to worry about. The low white is another matter  and sadly I don't know enough to say wether wts the Acitretin or not causing it. Good to hear your hearing is improving.

[Kentpatient]

Thanks both. My dermatologist said he's not experienced in drugs like fumaderm and is keen on methotrexate.

[JohnB]

Thanks both. My dermatologist said he's not experienced in drugs like fumaderm and is keen on methotrexate.

If you have a white count issue on Acitretin I would argue he shouldn't be thinking of putting you on Mtx.
Mine is adamant I cant have Mtx and he is highly reluctant to allow me on Fumaderm due to me having had a nasty infection nearly 10 years ago and doesn't want to risk anything. It is sort of odd your Dermy does not seem to want to expand his experience if you are willingto experiment. Don't forget Skilarence very few people have experience with this and it is similar to Fumaderm.

[Kentpatient]

Thanks both. My dermatologist said he's not experienced in drugs like fumaderm and is keen on methotrexate.

If you have a white count issue on Acitretin I would argue he shouldn't be thinking of putting you on Mtx.
Mine is adamant I cant have Mtx and he is highly reluctant to allow me on Fumaderm due to me having had a nasty infection nearly 10 years ago and doesn't want to risk anything. It is sort of odd your Dermy does not seem to want to expand his experience if you are willingto experiment. Don't forget Skilarence very few people have experience with this and it is similar to Fumaderm.

I thought that about the white count: I was a nurse at the beginning of my working life and I thought mtx would also lower my white count. I will see. What my next blood results are.

[jiml]

Thanks both. My dermatologist said he's not experienced in drugs like fumaderm and is keen on methotrexate.

What a shame Fumaderm/ Skilarence are super drugs and in Germany are first line oral treatment and have a 70% chance of it working and giving long term clearance and if it affects your lymphocyte count reducing the dose soon reverses the action and clearance continues
It’s a shame as it’s a lot less harsh on your organs than methotrexate is

Good luck with whatever you get though