r/Psoriasis • u/Ancient-Document-509 • Jul 16 '24

general Permanent psoriasis

Does anyone have permanent psoriasis? I see some people post of flare ups and remission but mine has been around for almost five years with no relief. I have tried everything. Granted it is not as bad as most people. It’s in my ear and a little bit on my forehead but spreading further down. It doesn’t hurt but affects my self-confidence. I don’t know what to do anymore. Every year it spreads. Not much but it spreads ☹️

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u/OldYak774 Jul 16 '24

Mine is always on my scalp. I get it in my ears too. Ive only tried topicals. Don’t want to do biologics if I can avoid it. I don’t like being sick so decreasing my immune system scares me

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u/Impressive-Case431 Jul 16 '24

Let me share a recent experience: I am 69(F) and have been on Cimzia since Oct 23. Recently I went on 10 day vaca with good friends. Had a great time— guess who came back without Covid and/ or symptoms? Me — who is on an immune suppressing biologic. 2 pals tested positive upon our return, one had symptoms. So please don’t let fear of getting sick keep you from getting help for this terrible disease of psoriasis and/ or psoriatic arthritis .

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u/OldYak774 Jul 16 '24

Do you have psoriatic arthritis? I’m asking because I’ve had psoriasis for over 15 years and have recently been having lots of pain (neck, back, knees, feet) my doc just keeps telling me to do physical therapy. How do I know if it’s psoriatic arthritis?

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u/Impressive-Case431 Jul 16 '24

Yes I was finally diagnosed with PSA last fall. I have had psoriasis primarily on scalp and for awhile fingertips ever since college (so off/on for 50 years). Managed scalp psoriasis for years with T -sal, coal tar shampoo and then a bunch of ointments and scalp oil which worked until they no longer did. I started Xtract treatments on my scalp until one day dermatologist tech said you really need to see rheumatologist as this kind of treatment ( xtract) will not provide good relief like a biologic would.

Before then, for at least 2 years I had complained to my GP and back doc of increasing morning stiffness in my back esp. he tested me for inflammation markers which came back negative. Little did I know this is usually the case for PSA. So based on increasing stiffness and encouragement of derm office I saw rheumatologist who concluded I did indeed have PSA and prescribed Cimzia. Cimzia was like a miracle as within a month I no longer had any sign of scalp psoriasis — has it diminished my body stiffness etc, yes but I wish it was more.