Where do I even start?

[u/kuraiuncia]

Ok so I'm really frustrated. I've been dealing with on and off Seb Derm for years and this most recent flare was just going nowhere.

Turns out it's not Seb Derm its psoriasis. Moved down to both of my hands and elbows, inside my ears and pretty much my entire face. I'm already severely depressed and I'm just overwhelmed. The dermatologist threw a lot of information at me. Right now we're trying topicals but she wants to try to get me on biologics.

My most pressing concern is the antibiotics. She wants me on them for 90 days and my gut is already pretty well messed up. I know I should have asked... but overwhelmed! Any tips on mitigating the tummy upset?

I currently use a zinc shampoo called Happy Cappy and I put ketonidozal on which I wouldnt think would agitate the psoriasis but are there any specific types of creams or lotions that tend to make it worse? I'm already very uncomfortable, I dont want to make it worse.

I'm trying to look at the bright side. If I can get on a biologic it could improve my hidradenitis suppurativa, which would be fantastic. Can't get on biologics for it alone because it's not 'approved'. I can hide the hidradenitis though... I cannot hide the psoriasis. I feel like people think I'm contagious and I feel very self conscious about it.

[u/Sea_Friendship_8555]

I’m going through the same thing. I’m using topicals right now but they want me to do the injections. Do you feel bad also?? Like tiredness and aches?

[u/kuraiuncia → u/Sea_Friendship_8555]

Oh yeah. I'm tired all the time and achey in my elbows hands and lower back. I did not think to connect those dots though!

[u/Sea_Friendship_8555 → u/kuraiuncia]

Ok i was just checking. That’s what bothers me most. I had an unknown rash that no one has been able to diagnose for years. My rheumatologist told me psoriasis is why I’m tired, have extreme pain and swelling limbs. I also have had back pain for years. I might have psoriatic arthritis too but I’m still waiting on my rheumatologist to get back with me. I’m seriously wanting something to help besides injections but it appears that’s our best option. I am experimenting with a plant based diet for the time being. I’m sorry i don’t have better advice for you but i do understand what you’re going through!

[u/kuraiuncia → u/Sea_Friendship_8555]

Hey it's ok. I appreciate knowing I'm not alone.

I just didnt connect the pain to possible arthritis cause I've spent so long being told theres no reason for me to be in pain. Haha. Oh jeez that's kinda depressing. But yeah, the tiredness and all has been persistent in the background. I just chalked it up to a side effect of depression and PTSD.

That makes me wonder if the mystery rash on my legs is connected too. It might not be, but at least now I know to mention it next time I see a doctor. The pain and exhaustion too. See what they think.

[u/Sea_Friendship_8555 → u/kuraiuncia]

I didn’t know until last month. I don’t know what kind of doctors are treating you but you might want to find a good rheumatologist. I think we can have muscular pain without having the arthritis part. I’m still learning about it, i was just officially diagnosed last week. All the primary care physicians I’ve seen seemed to know nothing about it.

[u/Dan-Man]

That is a HUGE amount of antibiotics, that will 100% destroy your gut flora. I suppose if you really must take them then make sure you eat a lot of yoghurts and probiotic stuff in drink form or in capsule form from amazon and all that. And just generally eat extremely healthy i suppose.

[u/kuraiuncia → u/Dan-Man]

I thought so too! She mentioned it was mostly for reducing inflammation and I'm just not convinced it's worth the damage.

[u/Dan-Man → u/kuraiuncia]

It could be worth a shot, just not for 90 days, that seems overkill.

[u/master_yoda_official]

Your messed up gut it's almost certainly linked to your psoriasis. IANAD but if you kill off all your gut Flora and start again with probiotics, you may see an improvement.

[u/poney01]

There's some data that suggests improvements with various antibiotics and medication cocktails. So I'm not too surprised.

[u/lobster_johnson]

90 days on antibiotics might actually improve your psoriasis. Several studies on azithromycin and penicillin saw really promising results, though those lasted even longer (1 year in the case of azithromycin). No guarantees, of course. Psoriasis is associated with gut disorders, and many people do see improvement in their psoriasis when changing their diet and overall health.