Kat's journey with laser therapy (XTRAC)

[Kat]

Here's a picture from today. Behind the ear (At least it's a pic the OTHER ear  )



Not sure you can tell, but if I run my fingers across that area it feels very rough.


And yes I know, I said I wouldn't be doing pictures, but I didn't think this would happen and I feel it helps show it better than I can explain it.

[jiml]

Thanks Kat that's a great explanation of where you are with the laser treatment and your thoughts on how to proceed
It seems as if the burn may well have had an effect on your skin hopefully it will begin to settle down and get the laser treatment the way it should be ....unfortunately it might involve even more long trips if you start again
At least the itch is less so you are less likely to tear yourself apart

[Fred]

Interesting. Looking at that last image it reminds me of a scab healing, and as we all know a scab healing is better left alone and it will leave a good result.

But we all have different thoughts and only time will tell.

[KatT]

It does look more like scabs and I don't know how you are able to resist picking at it!  Looks like it is healing which is good!

[Kat]

I agree, I think I have a combination of things going on right now. And the itching is starting .. I think some areas is the psoriasis and some is the healing from being burned. That's the "rough" areas that feel scabby and the skin is thickish and if I absently scratch it pulls from the head but doesn't come loose. Some areas are a bit raw because of that.

I'm trying to leave it alone as I know that is for the best. But I hate having skin have stuck on and sticking out. Head is a bit sore overall which is to be expected I guess. Anyway, not much of an update but with how it is now I'm thinking I won't be ready to try anything by Monday. I could be wrong but don't think so.

[Kat]

The scaling (psoriasis and/or scabs) is much improved!

However, it's still quite a bit of redness (you can still see solid bright red circles from the laser) so I called and cancelled my afternoon appointment for today. I told her since she would be gone the rest of the week, I'd just wait until she's back.

So, no laser therapy this week. I'll talk with her next week and let you all know what's going on. I think I'll continue, but I'm undecided at this time.

[jiml]

I would keep it going and do as you said stick with the one nurse to apply it ....good idea to rest your scalp a bit longer before starting again in my opinion

[KatT]

It's great that it's improving   

I also agree with Jim.  You made the right call.  Looking forward to your next update!

[Kat]

Back to therapy today.

Not much to report. Scalp still had a little "peeling" from the burn, but other than that things have healed up nicely. I was worried that the skin damage might cause me to have a flare, but I could tell some of the scaling was actually more scabby and the peeling was a sunburn type peel of thin strips and of course there was still some scaling from psoriasis, but after all this time I could differentiate between the "3" and the psoriasis does not seem to be worse than it was so that's good news.

She lowered the strength of the laser due to the burn and also going one week without therapy, but I'd rather be safe than get another burn. I will say that due to psoriasis plus the "healing" I have been itchy this week and after my treatment today, I feel less so. I noticed before that after the first few times the itchiness was less so I hope that indicates it's working.

It will be a few weeks before I can probably give any more information than I have already. The burn issue threw things off a bit but I should know soon if it's really helping or not. And I guess it's obvious by this post that I have chosen to continue (at least for now)

[jiml]

Good that you are giving it another go and a good idea starting on a low dose again if nothing else Kat it's keeping the itching down which will stop you tearing lumps out
Look forward to hearing it's working well I'll keep my fingers crossed