Hello,
I've watched this site on and off for a few years now, so figured it was time to introduce myself properly. I've had P for about 10 years on and off, I'm 46 now.
It all started with a bit of redness on a finger and then gradually progressed through the normal knees, elbows, legs etc. In the early days it was really more of an inconvenience than anything else and, starting off with GP care and then being referred to the local dermatology clinic, I progressed through the normal XXXvate's steroid creams, the coal tars, the Dovonex etc. Sometimes it would flare up quite badly but then just disappear again, with the exception of my hands which have gradually got worse over the years. Earlier this year I had a moderately bad flare up, went to see local Derm thinking he would prescribe some magic tablets, but ended up in hospital for 3 weeks - started there on Dermovate, then coal tar (up to 30% but got folliculitis so stopped) then Dovonex, then Dithrocream and then 7 weeks of UV treatment. At the end of the 7 weeks I was practically clear, with the exception of hands, and that lasted for a glorious 5 days. I stopped UV on the Friday and the P started back again the following Thursday, so I was a bit disappointed with the way that went. Anyway I'm currently waiting on another Derm appointment to see what he says this time. While I was in hospital they took bloods so that he could give me Acitretin if required next time so I think that is next on the list. I've been doing a bit of reading up and it sounds like a reasonable treatment to help with my hands hopefully. Anyway, that's me.
Jim.
