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Why does psoriasis treatment suck?

Psoriasis sucks. Truly, it is such a frustrating condition to manage. Even the treatment can be a nuisance! What treatments are you using? Are they a pain?

This is a safe space to let it out! Vent away about all the ways that psoriasis treatments can suck!

  1. , it's so true that psoriasis treatments can be a nuisance! I'm currently using Dovonex ointment and a moisturiser. I also use a coal tar shampoo occasionally and I'm on methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis. I think the part of my treatment routine that I find the most irritating is the moisturising. I get that we're supposed to stay moisturised and dryness isn't helpful or comfortable, but I just don't get enough payoff from moisturising to make it feel worth it. It doesn't actually do anything for my psoriasis. I feel like it just wastes my time and energy, and makes me feel sticky. I know if I didn't moisturise I'd probably regret it but ugh... Can you tell I've been needing to rant about this for some time?! 😅 Interested to hear others' perspectives on this! -Catherine, Community Moderator

    1. I feel the same way you do. There are so many other things I could be doing with my time instead of using creams and moisturizers that do absolutely nothing for my psoriasis. However, that is exactly what my doctor harps on every time I go see her. I feel like psoriasis takes up enough of my life as it is without having to spend all the wasted time on moisturizers. Rant over lol. Vickie W., Team Member

    2. , I'm glad it's not just me (although sorry you can relate)! You're so right about psoriasis being time-consuming enough already.


      Is there anything else about your treatment regimen that you find annoying? Thinking about it, I don't like that I have to take six methotrexate tablets every week. I wish they could put the whole dose in to one pill! Also, when I had a guttate psoriasis flare I was prescribed a steroid ointment - trying to dot an ointment on over 100 tiny spots of psoriasis (and trying to avoid the unaffected skin) felt completely ridiculous and exhausting. Thankfully, I was able to go for UVB phototherapy which helped with the guttate flare. Of course, THAT was a pain because I had to drive 20 minutes each way to the hospital to only spend under 1 minute in the light booth. Argh! Psoriasis treatments certainly give us a lot to contend with. Hugs 💖 -Catherine, Community Moderator

  2. I find that just a combination of olive oil and coconut oil so far with me has worked the best.
    When it got bad I tried Ammonium cream 12% sometimes works but I believe natural topicals work better for me. I try to stay away from ingredients that I can’t spell or pronounce not helpful. Lol

    1. there are several in our community that has had luck with coconut oil. Not sure I have heard of anyone using olive oil with it though. Do you combine the two and then rub them on the plaques? I'm sure others would be interested to know as well. Vickie W., team member

  3. It’s just me again. I should have said I have been dealing with plaque psoriasis for the past about 10 years or a bit longer. I try not to scratch it but just rub it with my hand and spread the coconut and olive oil frequently. I do not believe there is a cure for this yet. Most ointments have long lists of chemicals. I believe if I can’t pronounce it I don’t use it. It is scary looking at the large paragraphs the ingredients takes to tell me what’s in it.

    1. you would be correct in that there is no cure for psoriasis currently. I do believe there will be one day but when that day will come is anyone's guess. I do know research is being doing toward this area. Vickie W., Team Member

    2. , you're definitely not alone in preferring more natural remedies! I thought you might be interested to read the following article on natural treatment options for psoriasis: https://plaquepsoriasis.com/living/natural-ideas-treatment - you'll see coconut oil mentioned there 🙂 I use coconut oil on my feet but I tend to go for almond oil elsewhere. I'll have to give the olive oil a go! -Catherine, Community Moderator

  4. My dermatologist doesn't seem to take it seriously and doesn't seem that well informed. For example, she said that the hair loss was due to aging because scalp psoriasis doesn't cause hair loss. Time to find a new doc, I think.

    1. I have a good friend with scalp psoriasis that can show that doctor that psoriasis does cause hair loss. I agree with you in that you need to run not walk. Vickie W., Team Member

    2. , it's terribly frustrating when doctors are dismissive and don't give out the correct information. As Vickie mentions, scalp psoriasis can, unfortunately, cause hair loss. Here's an article on the topic of hair loss and psoriasis: https://plaquepsoriasis.com/symptoms-affect-body/hair-loss-scalp-flaking Hoping your search for a new doctor goes as smoothly as possible. Please keep us updated and feel welcome to stop by here anytime you need support or information. Warmest wishes, -Catherine, Community Moderator

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