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Child with severe psoriasis
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amother
White


 

Post Tue, Apr 02 2019, 10:07 pm
My child has had psoriasis from the age of 1, but it was very mild and confined to one small area. Now, she is 8, and has had a severe flare, and it has spread all over her - plus she has associated joint pain.

Last Fall, she had a cut on her ankle (which developed a discolored ring around the ankle bone, but was not a fungal infection); and at the same time as the cut, was also inadvertently exposed to strep. Shortly after this, the psoriasis began to spread; and I think this had to do with it.

The first dermatologist said these events were irrelevant, but referred me to a pediatric dermatologist. We just went to ped derm at the Children's Hospital, who also confirmed severe psoriasis, but said that the ankle cut and strep events were indeed very relevant.

The problem now is, the pediatric derm specialist wants to put her on some very powerful meds for a few months, which they say will clear it up. In the past, applying Dovenex and exposing affected area to the sun cleared it, but now does not work. So we tried using steroid cream, but that does not work either. (We've tried *many* things, from essential oils to Rx, and nothing will clear it). Now, doc wants to use methotrexate to clear it, then taper off, and then maintain it with the Dovenex and sun.

I am concerned about using the methotrexate (although given Rx folic acid to balance blood cell reduction) on my little girl. Does anyone have experience with this immune suppressant being used with a child?
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amother
Black


 

Post Tue, Apr 02 2019, 10:13 pm
Psoriasis is autoimmune. I wouldnt suggest using anything listed here. Best to detox/heal gut and use natural creams. Summer will help too.
This is not the easy way out but the other options can be detrimental.

Did she receive any vaccines before the flare up?
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amother
White


 

Post Tue, Apr 02 2019, 10:27 pm
I know that psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder (which is why they want to use an immune suppressant). I am *very* familiar with psoriasis, as several people in my family have had it and/or other skin conditions.

We have tried all the creams - from "natural" to Rx - and it will not clear. My brother has had to use an immunosuppresant med to clear his; but I am just concerned about using it on a child - so wanting to know if anyone else may have experience with this drug use with a child?

And vaccines have absolutely nothing to do with it, nor does the gut.
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amother
Lemon


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 4:29 am
amother wrote:
My child has had psoriasis from the age of 1, but it was very mild and confined to one small area. Now, she is 8, and has had a severe flare, and it has spread all over her - plus she has associated joint pain.

Last Fall, she had a cut on her ankle (which developed a discolored ring around the ankle bone, but was not a fungal infection); and at the same time as the cut, was also inadvertently exposed to strep. Shortly after this, the psoriasis began to spread; and I think this had to do with it.

The first dermatologist said these events were irrelevant, but referred me to a pediatric dermatologist. We just went to ped derm at the Children's Hospital, who also confirmed severe psoriasis, but said that the ankle cut and strep events were indeed very relevant.

The problem now is, the pediatric derm specialist wants to put her on some very powerful meds for a few months, which they say will clear it up. In the past, applying Dovenex and exposing affected area to the sun cleared it, but now does not work. So we tried using steroid cream, but that does not work either. (We've tried *many* things, from essential oils to Rx, and nothing will clear it). Now, doc wants to use methotrexate to clear it, then taper off, and then maintain it with the Dovenex and sun.

I am concerned about using the methotrexate (although given Rx folic acid to balance blood cell reduction) on my little girl. Does anyone have experience with this immune suppressant being used with a child?


I have a lot to say on this

Psoriasis if unchecked can and will lead to psoriatic arthritis when other stressful factors are introduced to the body

And with her disposition to these, a thyroid disorder (already common in most women) or additional autoimmune disease is not far behind

If she was taking abx for strep without probiotics (even with) then yes her gut flora was further damaged which is why you saw more autoimmune symptoms

You can say vaccines have nothing to do with this, I'm personally not sure (perhaps this was the stress that induced it in the first place) but let's not go there

Gut has EVERYTHING to do with this. even if your entire family has psoriasis. Even if you refuse to believe in natural medicine. I'm happy to refer you to further reading. It's taken me years to find enough of it.

Re the drug itself, I have neither personal experience (my Dr wouldn't prescribe it bc it kills fetuses and I was ttc) nor for children but it is heavy stuff. If you need it for short term use to heal what's going on then do so.

ABSOLUTELY start feeding her a gut healing diet. Avoiding: dairy, gluten, sugar
Introducing: fermented foods like sauerkraut, tons of bone broth, and tons of veggies like 9-12 cups daily
Not easy for a kid. I feel for her. If she feels this bad now I can only imagine how much worse she will feel in the coming years

Signed
A young woman with 3 autoimmune diseases including psoriasis who is on all the meds and knows the difference diet makes
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notshanarishona




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 4:51 am
I didn't take it as a kid but have taken similar meds as an adult. For a short time to control a flare up there should be very little to worry about. I would he hesitant to do it long term in a child.
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amother
White


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 4:58 am
amother wrote:


If she was taking abx for strep without probiotics (even with) then yes her gut flora was further damaged which is why you saw more autoimmune symptoms...

Avoiding: dairy, gluten, sugar
Introducing: fermented foods like sauerkraut, tons of bone broth, and tons of veggies like 9-12 cups daily


She did NOT take any antibiotics. She was exposed to someone who had strep [but did not know it], at the same time as the ankle injury. She has not had antibiotics in years, and only perhaps 2 or 3 times in her life; and then I gave probiotics.

She actually has always eaten healthy - lots of assorted veggies (her favorite foods are raw spinach and asparagus), and loves broth too. She will not touch sauerkraut, but eats other fermented foods; and she has already done the avoidance of dairy, gluten, sugar.

This flare does not have to do with her gut, because already that is cared for; but just seems to have been the "perfect storm" of incidents that caused it. As I said, I just am concerned about the heavy-duty med doc is wanting to use to clear it.
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saw50st8




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 5:04 am
Have you tried diet alterations? My boss doesn't eat grains or nightshades and it has helped tremendously. But he is also on heavy drugs in addition.
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amother
Cobalt


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 5:07 am
As soon as she is old enough, take her for light therapy. It’s expensive but cures psoriasis about 85%. Most cases just need to use a natural mud cream 1-2 x a week after light therapy treatment.
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Ruchel




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 5:32 am
Gut healing is a trend. It works for some but isn't the cause of most issues on this planet. Especially if you deem whole groups of foods bad for everyone.
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amother
Lemon


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 6:38 am
Ruchel wrote:
Gut healing is a trend. It works for some but isn't the cause of most issues on this planet. Especially if you deem whole groups of foods bad for everyone.


This comment is so ignorant I can't even.

It's a trend bc mainstream doctors prefer drugs over food.
It works for those who have issues caused by it ie anything autoimmune.
Whole groups of foods are indeed very bad for some types of people like those with autoimmune diseases (and actually some foods like processed wheat in USA are bad for everybody).

Op I'm glad it's just a flare but bc you mentioned joint pain make sure to go to a rheumatologist to check for psoriatic arthritis. That's a whole other ball game - one I hope you never have to play.
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amother
Lemon


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 6:38 am
Double post for some reason
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amother
Olive


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 6:46 am
I have a mild/moderate case of psoriasis. I have family with severe cases. One member isolated herself throughout her preteen and teen years during to her condition.

If your child is having joint pain, I'd suggest you take them to a juvenile RA. (I apologize if you already are. I just dont want to assume anything. )

My relative with the really severe case was one of the "lucky" ones where light exposure actually made it worse. Her psoriasis covered majority of her body and scalp, and she had joint pain. She saw significant relief and improvement when going on the psoriasis diet. Her hair grew in, she was able to wear nude stockings... Before, she was taking daily baking soda baths. I think it can take up to 3 months to see the diet work.

It might be worth asking your doctor about the diet. Maybe you can do a trial run in conjunction with mild drugs before using heavy drugs. I have relatives whose doctors recommended it.
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amother
White


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 7:10 am
saw50st8 wrote:
Have you tried diet alterations? My boss doesn't eat grains or nightshades and it has helped tremendously. But he is also on heavy drugs in addition.

Yes. It has not helped either.
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amother
White


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 7:11 am
amother wrote:
As soon as she is old enough, take her for light therapy. It’s expensive but cures psoriasis about 85%. Most cases just need to use a natural mud cream 1-2 x a week after light therapy treatment.

Yes, my brother has had a lot of success with the PUVA lights. The problem with that is in order to do so, we have to travel a full day's drive to get to where the treatment can be done, so just not feasible.
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amother
White


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 7:19 am
amother wrote:
...Her psoriasis covered majority of her body and scalp, and she had joint pain. She saw significant relief and improvement when going on the psoriasis diet.

...with mild drugs before using heavy drugs.


This flare is most of her body and scalp, with intermittent joint pain - all of which can likely be cleared up with this drug.
The issue with the diet is that, the foods to avoid vary greatly with each individual, so, just as in an allergy elimination diet, it is trial and error... and we have tried the more mild drugs without success. My inclination is to do the new drug, but I'm just really concerned since it is heavy-duty.
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amother
Lemon


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 7:52 am
amother wrote:
This flare is most of her body and scalp, with intermittent joint pain - all of which can likely be cleared up with this drug.
The issue with the diet is that, the foods to avoid vary greatly with each individual, so, just as in an allergy elimination diet, it is trial and error... and we have tried the more mild drugs without success. My inclination is to do the new drug, but I'm just really concerned since it is heavy-duty.


I'm sorry I can't advise you re the drug. I've taken other heavy stuff. I have a friend who was still single when taking methadroxate (for arthritis) and a whole other cocktail too bc that wasn't enough for her pain.

Re diets, the only one I would really recommend is AIP autoimmune paleo but it's hard to stick to. It's elimination and 90% seem to have great success. There's also a very supportive and knowledgeable Facebook group for it.
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too tired




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 8:11 am
I know someone who has psoriasis, she is an adult but started at I think age 12. She has spoken to many psoriasis sufferers over the phone in the past and she is glad to speak to. She has no medical background but is a computer head BH and also when doctors talk about a medicine for her she asks a lot of questions and reads about it. (Don't worry she will not send you to homeopathy) . If you PM me I can give you her phone number.
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amother
Cobalt


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 8:16 am
amother wrote:
Yes, my brother has had a lot of success with the PUVA lights. The problem with that is in order to do so, we have to travel a full day's drive to get to where the treatment can be done, so just not feasible.


I’m not sure where the light treatment is available but I know of a place in Queens and in Manhattan.
Obviously if you live in South Carolina this won’t help you...
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amother
Burlywood


 

Post Wed, Apr 03 2019, 9:20 am
I dont know anything about psoriasis, but I just want to comment on the ankle cut and the exposure to strep.

My son had a mosquito bite (!!!) that he scratched and bled at the same time we had strep in the house, the strep got into the tiny cut and became impetigo and spread. he needed a lot of antibiotics (oral and cream) to cure it.

just putting it there in case its relevant for you.
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amother
Bronze


 

Post Thu, Apr 04 2019, 1:07 am
Following this thread.
My daughter started with psoriasis At the age of 7/8. No history in the family. For the first few yrs it was just a patch here and there and I wasn’t even aware that is psoriasis. Only Much later did I put the two together that it all started after a year that she was plagued with constant strep. since she was my oldest I was still ignorant and prob did not give any probiotic.

Now she is 12yrs and her scalp is terrible, and her body steadily getting worse too. Ive only gone down the natural route thus far, but I’m afraid we’ve reached an impasse. I so wanted to avoid medicating her and she had the most beautiful, silky skin up until this all happened. I’m so sad for her.
At what age is it considered ok to do the light therapy?
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