Pustular P on Feet Threatens Wedding on Beach
from Katy

Hello.  I came across FlakeHQ while doing a search on Psoriasis.  I was told about 6 months ago that the horrible rash on my hands and feet is Psoriasis. I have tried a few different treatments but none have improved my condition.  I was given 3 different creams the most recent of which was Tazorac.  Another one was Colchicine. 

I developed Psoriasis about a year ago, at first it was only on my feet and I thought it was athlete’s foot, so I treated myself for that, with no change. I then went to my doctor, he treated me for the same thing.  Still no change. I went to another doctor. She referred me to a Derm, that's when I was told that it was Pustular Psoriasis.  Since then I have also developed it on my hands.  My hands are not bad, but my feet are terrible.  Some days I can hardly walk my feet are so sore. 

Next Spring I am getting married in Jamaica at a resort at which we will be staying for our honeymoon.  The ceremony is going to be very simple just us, the officiate and the beach.  It is what I have always wanted.  Now the only thing I can think about is how much walking on that sand is going to hurt.

I hope by then I will find something that will help.

If you can offer any advise I would greatly appreciate it. At the present time I am not using anything but lotion. 

Thanks, -Katy

*****

Ed’s Response:  It sounds like you need to keep pressuring your derm for more treatments.  It’s not unusual for any of us, Katy, to try a number of things before we find something that works. 

In your case you are also concerned about timing.  You definitely want your feet to be at their best for your beach wedding.  That’s why you need to try as much as you can now, learn what works and how long it takes to work, then make a note on your calendar to start that treatment (again) at the appropriate time before your wedding.

You may want to ask your derm about some of the systemic (oral) medications.  Soriatane, methotrexate and cyclosporine are all used to combat pustular P.  Most docs and patients don’t like to be on these meds for years on end because they can have rather nasty side effects (liver and kidney damage to name two), but if you try them and learn that one works, it may be just what you need to “back time” and use before your wedding — or use until your wedding is over.

Being properly diagnosed was an important achievement, Katy.  At least now you and your doctors know what they are combating.  Share your goal with them — to be free of pustular P on your feed for your wedding — and encourage them to be aggressive about trying the different therapies available.  When they recommend something, ask how long it should take before you see results.  If that time comes and goes and you’re not satisfied, try something else.  That’s what I would do.

Good luck and let us know how the wedding goes! (It sounds marvelously romantic.)  -Ed

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