Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online Psoriasis Forum

Vitamin D analogues

The introduction of calcipotriol in the early 90s has provided an alternative to topical steroids, tars and dithranol. Calcipotriol has shown equal or superior efficacy to other agents and is cosmetically more acceptable and generally well tolerated.

Local irritation does occur; however these agents are not associated with the cutaneous atrophy of corticosteroids or the messiness of tars and dithranol.

DOVONEX (Calcipotriol) Leo Laboratories

Dovonex is the Tradename of three products which are manufactured from a derivative of Vitamin D. There is a Scalp Application, a Cream and an Ointment for the body.

The makers say it is NOT suitable for the treatment of the facial area (or other tender areas of the body), as it might have an irritant effect on some people in these areas.

It is also not indicated for Pustular Psoriasis - the type that presents as blisters under the skin, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is obtainable on prescription only, and cannot be bought over-the- counter.

Discontinuation of Dovonex Ointment
LEO pharma UK have announced that they are discontinuing the supply of the ointment formulation of Dovonex on 16th April 2007. In view of current and future availability of alternative products for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis, the clinical usefulness and commercial viability of this product is judged to be too limited to justify its continued supply by LEO Pharma. Alternative formulations such as Dovonex Cream and Scalp Solution will continue to be available. The discontinuation has not resulted from any safety or quality concerns.

CURATODERM (Taealcitol) Crookes Pharmaceutical

This product for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis was launched in 1996. It is on prescription only. It is the first Vitamin D treatment for Psoriasis that has a once daily application. A single application - preferably at night time - lasts up to 24 hours. This treatment can be used safely on the face and on soft areas of the body.

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BBC TWO's Grow Your Own Drugs
is looking for people to take part in a new series and would love to hear from people who have psoriasis.

If you would like to try a plant based remedy to help soothe your ailments please get in contact now.

Please e-mail us providing as much information about your ailment as you can at: therese.byrne@silverriver.tv
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PHO were involved in a recent Times newspaper supplement related to Psoraiasis

If you were unable to get hold of a copy of the World Psoriasis Day Psoriasis Supplement in the Times newspaper, 29/10/07, please download it from this link.

http://psoriasis-help.org.uk/remository/startdown/14.html

Many thanks to all those PHO members who contributed to the supplement and Mediaplanet for allowing PHO to make it available in this format online.

Welcome to the Psoriasis Help Organisation, otherwise know as PHO. This is a web site dedicated to helping people suffering from the Chronic Skin Disease Psoriasis. This site contains information about Treatments, Handy Tips for living with the Psoriasis and other topics. This is a privately owned site (not a charity), run and administered by psoriasis sufferers, for psoriasis sufferers. We are not medical professionals, just enthusiastic amateurs, with a goal to provide an informative and friendly environment to learn about Psoriasis and discuss topics with others in similar situations. The primary idea for this site is to provide a discussion forum. A place where fellow Psoriasis sufferers can exchange views and advice on how to live with and treat Psoriasis.

There are many types of psoriasis including Guttate, Plaque, Pustular, Psoriatic Arthritis and Flexural Psoriasis which can affect most areas of the body including the Scalp, Genitals and Nails, both fingernails and toenails. We have some Pictures of Psoriasis which show most of the different types of psoriasis and locations on the body which it can appear. See the menu link on the left.

We also have information on many different types of treatment, Including PUVA, UVA, UVB, Biological, Systemic, Steroid and Non-Steroid based psoriasis treatments.  Many of these psoriasis treatments are discussed in greater detail in the Psoriasis Help Forum.
 

Click on "The Forum" Link on the left hand menu to enter the forum

GrenzlBucky rays are a form of very mild radiation with low penetration power: half of the rays are absorbed in the first half millimeter of the skin. 

It is used to calm down inflammation of the skin and will not cause damage as seen with prolonged use of corticosteroids. 

A typical course of Grenz/Bucky treatment consists of weekly or biweekly treatments over three or four sessions.