When I first began my journey with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the road to finding effective treatments felt overwhelming. From topical creams to lifestyle changes, I tried various options, hoping to find something that would offer relief. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences with different treatments, highlighting what helped, what didn’t, and what I learned along the way.

Initial Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment Options

After my diagnosis, I found myself faced with a range of treatment recommendations from my healthcare provider. At first, I felt hopeful yet uncertain about where to start. Some of the prescriptions which I tried included:

• Topical treatments: Creams, ointments, oil, spray and lotions designed to soothe the skin and reduce scaling.

• Fluocininolone (a scalp oil)

• Betamethasone Valerate (cream)

• Clobetasol spray for my scalp

• Tacrolimus ointment

• Clobetasol lotion

• Triamcinolone Acetonide

• Clobetasol scalp solution

• Medications: Oral medications or injectables aimed at reducing inflammation and managing symptoms.

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

• Apremilast/ Otezla

• Skyrixi (injection)

• Lifestyle changes: Adjustments to diet, stress management techniques, and incorporating physical activity.

Reflecting on those early days, I realize how much I had to learn about trial and error with treatment approaches.

What Worked: Finding Relief and Stability

Through trial and error, I discovered some treatments that truly helped in managing my symptoms. Here are a few approaches that made a positive impact:

1. Topical Solutions that Worked

   • Clobetasol spray and solution for my scalp, Tacrolimus ointment)

2. Medications That Eased Symptoms

   • Skyrizi injection was the only one that really cleared my skin. Though there are still some scars left but very very minimal and light pink in color)

3. Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

   • I slowly take out junk food in my diet, very notably chips. Since I have a sweet tooth, it was difficult for me to avoid pastries and the like. I started researching where to buy gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free baked goods. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s has gluten-free ones. I also found a bakery that caters for people with diabetes. If you’re in Las Vegas visit: Mrs. Williams Diabetic Delights!

   • My Time w/ The Lord (meditation, Bible scriptures reading, novena) and listening to Catholic Mass songs calm me. Epsom Salt Bath relaxes me too.

   • Daily Zumba and walking at parks and around the neighborhood on weekends are my go-to exercises.

   • Caress soap bars leave my skin soft and moisturized. We have hard water here in Las Vegas. We got water softener installed that removes unwanted minerals from the water.

What Didn’t Work: Lessons Learned from Trial and Error

Not every treatment I tried worked as hoped. Some options either didn’t bring relief or even exacerbated my symptoms. Here’s what I discovered:

1. Ineffective Topicals or Side Effects

   • Certain creams or treatments may have worsened my symptoms or provided minimal relief. The over-the-counter anti-itch cream Cortizone and the prescribed Betamethasone Valerate did not relieve itchiness. The scalp oil Fluocinolone only made my scalp reddish and hot. Other drugstore oils and creams/ lotions did not do any magic - I tried all recommendations and those lovingly sent by friends but to no avail.

2. Medication Challenges

   • Some medications might have had side effects or not delivered expected results. Cetirizine/ Zyrtec did not do anything to the itchiness I felt. Otezla’s side effects were terrible. I had severe diarrhea, fatigue, body pain and nausea for two weeks!

Learning to Listen to My Body and Seek Support

Navigating treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis taught me the importance of listening to my body and seeking guidance. Through each setback, I learned:

• The Value of Patience: Some treatments take time to work, and it’s crucial to allow for adjustment periods.

• The Power of a Support Network: Connecting with others who understand my journey was incredibly empowering.

• Knowing When to Move On: Not every treatment will work, and it’s okay to let go of what isn’t effective.

Conclusion

My experiences with treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis continue to evolve. Some therapies have offered relief, while others taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of tailored care. While this journey can be unpredictable, I’ve come to embrace it as a process, always open to exploring new paths to well-being.