So I had a MAJOR flare up in November when I quit my job. The stress got to me so bad that I had the WORST P that I have ever had. The only place that I didn't have it was on my fingers, toes and face. Although, I did get even a patch on my cheek (never had it on my face before!!). So I have a phototherapy unit at home that had me about 80% clear in the summer. So I decided to jump back on the schedule of using that. Well being not all that smart I started on a time that I was used to in the Summer and not now. I should have started at about 20 seconds and not the 2 and a half minutes that I did. Long story short I completely burned myself head to toe. (BAD!!). I was in sooo much pain that I went to the doctor thinking it was just a burn on my P. They informed me that I had a deep skin infection called cellulitis and needed to go to the hospital that night. I was given IV antibiotics for the night and was sent home.
So I got in to see my Dermatologist and he prescribed Stelara. Great. That will only take forever to get. So I did what I did 5 years ago that got me completely (yes 100%) clear. I started taking baths in Epsom Salts every day. I was bed ridden and my skin hurt sooo bad that the only place that I felt any kind of relief was in the tub. So I decided to start adding the salts and baby oil...thats it. It didn't start working right away. It has been about 3 1/2 weeks of taking a bath every day and my skin is clearing. I no longer have it on my neck, chest, shoulders and upper arms. My legs have always been the tough ones to clear even with phototherapy. So I will continue to use the salts in my bath on them. At this rate though they are clearing and I can even get around now so I may not even take the Stelara injection. I would rather clear naturally then take any more biologics (Embrel, Remicade previously).
I am going to take pictures of my legs (I wish I had taken some of my arms!). I will take pictures of what is left on my arms but my legs still look a mess (much better than they used to though!). I use about 3 cups of Epsom Salt in each bath and soak for at least an hour. Hope this helps!
