new diagnosis, treatment question
Hello, I just recently received a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, 2 weeks ago, so this is all new to me. Well, reading others' stories, finding out I'm not alone, and getting treatment is new, but I've had the symptoms for a while now.
Anyway, I have one question for now--I am using Clobetasol spray, and it has really helped prevent new scales from forming, but the skin underneath the scales is very pink (slightly sunburnt looking, and I'm a very pale skinned person), and the pinkness hasn't gone away. (To be clear, the spray has not caused the pinkness, it's there with the psoriasis).
I'm not sure if I should keep using the spray twice a day on areas where the scaling has cleared until the skin color returns to normal, or if the spray doesn't help with that. I don't want to waste my medication on areas where I don't need it. My doc told me to use the spray on areas that need it, until the area clears up. But I didn't think to ask "What does 'cleared up' mean? Scales gone, or scales and pink color BOTH gone?"
It takes weeks to get an appt. with my doc so I'm very grateful for any advice you can give.
Hi
, thanks so much for reaching out and sharing here.
It's great to hear that the clobetasol spray has helped with the scaling! I can totally appreciate why you're unsure about your doctor's instructions - they really should have been more specific. Are you able to give them a call? Or even contact your local pharmacy to see if they can clarify?
We're not able to give medical advice, for your safety, but I can share my personal experience with you. It's been a very long time since I last used topical steroids, but from what I remember I was instructed to use my ointment for x number of weeks and then take a break for y amount of time (I can't remember exactly how long). So I used it on the area regardless of whether there were scales present or not. However, that's just my personal experience (based on a hazy memory!), we're all different, and the research/recommendations may have changed over the 12 years since I last used steroid creams. If you can get hold of someone to ask I think that would be best. Hopefully we have someone here who has used topical steroids more recently, who can stop by to share their personal experiences with you.
We do have some general information on topical steroids, which I thought may be of interest: https://plaquepsoriasis.com/treatment/medications-corticosteroids-how-well-works-side-effects
Were you prescribed anything for the psoriatic arthritis? -Catherine, Community Moderator
Hello
, It has been years since I have used clobetasol spray. I do remember that it worked very well for me. My doctor told me at the time that I couldn't use it long term and had to wean myself off of it. You might need to call your doctor for better directions. I notice you said you have psoriatic arthritis, how are they treating that? Keep in touch and let us know what is going on. Diane, Team Member
