Psoriasis

naturallycontrary

I've had moderate to severe psoriasis for the last 15 years. Before getting pregnant, I had it under control with Enbrel. I stopped taking that while TTC, and had to stop using topical steroids once I conceived. Now it's flaring up like crazy, and I'm at a loss for what to do to control it, or at least control the itching. Does anyone else have this? How do you deal with it? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Airmans Wife

I personally don't have psoriasis, but my grandma does. She swears buy this lotion that she puts on it starts with a E, I seriously can't remember the whole name of it, but I always remember it smelling 'plain' no fragrance to it. Also this could just a be a crazy grandma thing, but she would always put scotch tape on her psoriasis whenever they were flaring up. She said it controlled it. Again could be two things my crazy grandma does but thought I'd let you know! Hopefully you can get it under control! 

Mc_Newlywed

Talk to your dr.  My daughter has eczema and they do have non-steroid options available that are effective.  I'm not sure if they are safe during pregnancy.  But I suspect they are if I could use them when she was a baby.  

mediagurl

Mine is out of control! I plan to talk to my Dr. About it next week. I've been using a topical but try not to use it much - it's hard.

writerinNYC

My psoriasis out of control as well. I found Eczema lotion at CVS that didn't seem to have any bad ingredients in it (I think it's by Eucerin) and I've been using that but honestly, it's not doing much except stopping the itch. My OB approved the lotion. 

The weird part is my psoriasis broke out on my elbows, which is a spot I've never had it before. I've always had it on my scalp, and my scalp remains under control. I've only ever used topical shampoos to treat it (but have not used it during pregnancy).

jlgregory75

I have psoriasis as well but it's always been small patches, nothing I would classify as moderate to severe. I use Psoriasin gel and Neutrogena t-gel shampoo for patches behind my ears and upper back. I haven't used either one since conceiving but if they are safe, I plan to start again as they've just started to flare up a little.

naturallycontrary

Thank you everyone. I had my first appointment with my doctor today. She thinks I should be safe to use the topicals for my face and scalp (as needed, not all the time), and the shampoo with salicylic acid in it. I think I can tolerate the rest on my body if I can keep my face and scalp under control, so that was reassuring.

I may look for a good lotion to try to keep the itching down. I probably wouldn't use T-Gel shampoo, though, since that has tar in it. My dermatologist did not think that using tar during pregnancy was a good idea, and I'm inclined to trust him on that one.

12PinkBeach

I had mild psoriasis before pregnancy and once pregnant stopped everything but lotion for dry skin. My skin got really bad post pregnancy but I decided to breast feed and I'm dealing with the itching and patches. It's now worse but I refuse to stop nreast feeding. I see it like I can only do this for my son now and can cover up. I haven't worn my hair in a pony tail in public in over a year and avoided a swim suit this summer. Once bfing is done I'll start meds up again and then decide when Ttc. Just wanted to share my info on here and see what alternative treatment options moms were using. 

mnemone

I've got moderate plaque psoriasis (it has been severe, but I'm thankfully in the midst of a semi-remission state) and I've stopped using all prescription meds (I've done all the topicals, plus both Enbrel and Humira).  What I use now for the spots on my back and feet is an organic salve I bought in Seattle called "The Fay Farm Healing Hemp Salve."  It really makes a big difference in my psoriasis when I use it as directed (apply 2 x daily) and it helps a lot with the itching as well.  I know they've got an online store as well, it's at

https://shop.thefayfarm.com/product.sc;jsessionid=7B29DA5FC56043BA89174B88D23B4137.qscstrfrnt05?productId=36&categoryId=2

I've had the same tub of it for about 4 months, so it's pretty cost effective too.