Psoriasis - How did you cope?

[Catherine Sarah]

Hello all you gorgeous people who have gotten this far. Congratulations.

Now, is there any of you who have been 'blessed' with this marvellous affliction? Specifically I'm talking about the scrotal skin graft that forms the vaginal vestibule. Mine comes and goes as it pleases. Nothing including the kitchen sink (dropped one on myself in 'that' place while remodelling the kitchen  ) will cure it of course. Fortunately it behaved itself until I was 6 weeks post. My surgeon nearly had a stroke when she saw what it could do. It did impede recovery slightly.

Has anyone had to deal with it while dilating? If so how did you cope? What topical preparation eased the traumatised skin and stopped it weeping?

There is nothing like a little extra pain on top of everything else to make us aware of just how lucky and blessed we are to have had the opportunity to have surgery is there. Thank you in anticipation.

Love
Catherine

[Vicky]

I have not had psoriasis as such in the scrotal area, but I have had centuries (it seems) of eczema on other body parts with the scaling and weeping.  OTC cortisone in petrolatum salve was helpful in many cases where the skin with the rash moved over joints or was subject to stretching.  Put the salve on before using any water based lubricants and you should get some relief. Check with your doctor, because for me that was first aid. 

[JenSquid]

My psoriasis is largely concentrated in my scalp, and it gets really itchy if I'm not diligent about washing it daily. Doing so is rough on my hair, but it's far better than the itchy, bloody, scaly mess that occurs if I don't. I know I also get psoriasis around my face (eyebrows, temples, ears), which isn't too comfortable either. I was doing some research on inverse psoriasis the other night, and I suspect that some nasty, persistent rashes I've had may have in fact been psoriasis as well. Lovely condition, isn't it?

As for scrotal tissue, years ago I had some bad itching and scaling down there, with very raw tissue beneath said scales. I didn't know what it was at the time, so I just kept the area clean and waited for it to go away. Wasn't fun, but that's what I did.
I'm still pre-everything, so I can't say much about psoriasis in one's vagina save for "eegh. That doesn't sound pleasant." You might want to talk to your dermatologist about that.

[BlonT]

My psoriasis is largely concentrated on my feet ,and nose looks like a drunk
It come and go on hands and less on other parts.
I use a hormone salve and that helps,also to apply olive oil to stop the skin from drying helps to avoid the rash. And yes it come and go except on my feet.
Psoriasis down there looks a disaster to me ,the itching and dry skin will make it a menace and hard to cope with. I would inform with my doctor on using olive oil as lubricant, and how to clean up.

Hope it stay away  huggs  BlonT

[Maris]

I never knew it could occur there!!!

I had it on my scalp and neck for a decade and suddenly this year it just stopped. I am scare of it returning but I really can understand how you may feel.
Stress is supposed to be a large factor but I assume you already know this.

very sorry to hear

[Catherine Sarah]

Thanks Maris,

Yes, essentially it can happen anywhere. I've been down the stress road. I've been soooo laid back lately I've damn near fallen apart.    The latest I've heard, it's an auto immune response, to what I don't know. Nevertheless, we shall all move on regardless.

Huggs
Catherine

[Catherine Sarah]

OTC cortisone in petrolatum salve was helpful in many cases where the skin with the rash moved over joints or was subject to stretching.  Put the salve on before using any water based lubricants and you should get some relief. Check with your doctor, because for me that was first aid.

Thanks Vicky. Yes the old cortisone trick invariably either does absolutely nothing, or sends it ballistic. I think it's time to go back to the dermatologist again and have another game of darts. I wonder what procedure will come up trumps this time. I must admit, I haven't tried miniature atomic explosions yet.

....... Lovely condition, isn't it?

Absolutely Jen. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. ......... But then again, I could be tempted. 

Do you use shampoo to wash your hair?  When I had it on my scalp, it was about 3-5 mm thick in places. I used neat lavender oil and it shifted it in sheets, and to date has never returned there. Yes, isn't the waiting game fun? I'd sooner watch the grass grow.

I use a hormone salve and that helps,also to apply olive oil to stop the skin from drying helps to avoid the rash.

Psoriasis down there looks a disaster to me ,the itching and dry skin will make it a menace and hard to cope with.
Hope it stay away  huggs  BlonT

What type of hormone cream do you use BlonT? Is it the oestrogen based one? If so, tried that one too. Guess what? I'm now in the market for something else 

The funny part about this breakout is, with the dilation there is more oil down there than is in your car engine    so at least the skin is not dry and itchy, it's just very red and traumatised from the constant abrasion. Eh! You can't win 'em all 

Thank you every one. I appreciate you thoughts and comments. If the miniature atomic explosions work, I'll let you know so you too, can add that to your already extensive regimes of cure. 

Huggs
Catherine

[Calder Smith]

I'm not MTF or post-op but I thought I'd share that I have Psoriasis under my arms. My mom has it more severe with it covering her arms, legs and other areas. I'm hoping it doesn't spread to other parts of my body. To stop the itching, I just use some lotion.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Mr Hockey,

Thank you for your comments. I hope for your sake it doesn't travel any where else for you. As it appears to be genetic in your case, you'll need to keep a close eye in it. Not that you can do much, except ease the discomfort.

If you are contemplating any surgery, make sure the surgeon is aware of your condition. Mine was and she was particularly watchful the first few weeks post to ensure there were no signs of necrosis.

Hope you're the one who finds a cure.

Huggs
Catherine

[Calder Smith]

Hi Mr Hockey,

Thank you for your comments. I hope for our sake it doesn't travel any where else for you. As it appears to be genetic in your case, you'll need to keep a close eye in it. Not that you can do much, except ease the discomfort.

If you are contemplating any surgery, make sure the surgeon is aware of your condition. Mine was and she was particularly watchful the first few weeks post to ensure there were no signs of necrosis.

Hope you're the one ho finds a cure.

Huggs
Catherine

Thanks.

[BlonT]

Dear Catherine,
the hormone based salve is Triamcinolone acetonide 1mg/gr, it take time to work but remove it nicely, specially the tips off my fingers have patches,feet are totally covered accept the top. Its a cortisone to. The gallons of oil you use are a bit much But the trick is to get moisture in first ! Take a clyster then apply the oil.
To soften the hard patches it could be useful to use a salicylic creme (ask doctor).I know the itching can be unbearable But bad me needed to laugh ,as i picture the scratching.
Huggs BlonT

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I have had eczema since I was born, currently it seems to mainly be on the base and sides of my feet making them look like I have been walking bare foot through a rock quarry all day and crack. Pretty much always have dry hands. I now seem to get a mild rash/dry patch(I assume that is psoriasis) on the back of my left thigh just beneath my left buttock, seem to be getting some now on my right buttock(sorry if TMI) and for the last year have had a similar rash looking patch on the top of my right foot which has never happened before but makes me very uncomfortable with the idea of wearing open footwear. Oh and I get dandruff also.

More reason to hate my body really.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Charley,

Sorry to hear of your out breaks. However there is never a reason to hate your body. It's the only one you'll have. With the recent out breaks own your buttocks, have you seen a dermatologist about it? You may get some relief from using a black light procedure.

I found soap to be a major contributor to my out breaks. Soap less shower gels work OK. Let us know how your coping.

Huggs
Catherine

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I use to see one when I was a kid and the creams rarely did anything, I also spent two weeks in hospital wrapped up like a mummy on and off. Also the dermotologist suggested I go somewhere tropical as the weather is apparently good for it, went to queensland for two weeks(only time I have left the state) when I was 12 like the place and the weather was okay but I haaaaate the heat, also it only did a little bit for my skin.

I just want smooth normal skin is that too much to ask? Further adds to my feelings that I have been screwed over since birth.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Charley,

I know what you mean. It's such an unpredictable scourge. Have you noticed any skin softening/improvement since starting HT?

Huggs
Catherine

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I thought I did when I was on Cyprostat but was taken off it due to higher bad cholesterol levels then my endo liked and then got put on Spiractin three months later coming up on three months on that and I do not really see any change and I swear my hair growth(body wise) has increased again aswell, not as bad as pre-HRT but enough for me to notice.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Charley,

Sounds like a visit to your Endo soon. When you do, remember to discuss this body hair issue. What type of E are you on, and what format is it? Pill, patch, gel, injection, implant.  (Remember no dosages)

Are you on progesterone as well?

Huggs
Catherine

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

Pill = Progynova, AA = Spiractin, AA for hair = Dutasteride.

[Catherine Sarah]

Thanks Charley,

On your next visit to the Endo, discuss alternative delivery of E to take the strain off your liver/kidneys from the Progynova.  Maybe patch or implant. Also discuss the advantages of progesterone.

You may find your skin condition could improve from both the improved liver condition and the progesterone.

Huggs
Catherine

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I remember discussing with her injections(first appointment) and she told me two things they increase T levels(which I believe has been disproven) and that she wasn't sure they would be covered by the PBS and therefore maybe out of my budget, she has also moved me two appointments once every three months and from what I have read about injections that doesn't leave room for how often I would need to have them. As for patches and implants(I assume different to injections) I have been thinking about asking her when I see her in two weeks.