Psoriasis support - Newbie question about Clobex

Author

Newbie question about Clobex

Liam

2006-02-25, 8:15 pm

Hello there,
In the last month I have what the Derm says is psoriasis on my arms. I
have had some over the years on my elbows, nothing major. Then all of
a sudden these red blotches on my arms then after a while the red color
fades to pink and then start peeling.

Anyhow the derm gave me some samples of clobex lotion, to put twice a
day.
She said (the derm) to put it on for a month and then go see her again.

Now whats bugging me is that I'm looking on the net for this clobex,
and I find that its a potent steroid that should be taken for a couple
a weeks and then stopped. She said 4 weeks, I'm also
wondering....don't they start you with a weaker steroid? This is the
first time I see this derm and now I'm wondering....could it be that
maybe shes not that competent?
I'm asking my self all these questions..........you know, your head
starts wondering.

Anybuddy can give me some feedback?

thanks kindly
Liam

Tom Trevathan

2006-02-25, 8:15 pm

Physicians vary in their agressive use of treatments. Some start with the
weakest possible treatment, then work through more treatments until they
find something that works for you.
Sounds like your derm went for something that works from her experience.
GP's do this too.
Don't worry too much. You are paying her for her expertise and experience.
Follow her directions, unless you really see a bad outcome; then call her at
once.
Tom

Liam wrote:
> Hello there,
> In the last month I have what the Derm says is psoriasis on my arms. I
> have had some over the years on my elbows, nothing major. Then all of
> a sudden these red blotches on my arms then after a while the red
> color fades to pink and then start peeling.
>
> Anyhow the derm gave me some samples of clobex lotion, to put twice a
> day.
> She said (the derm) to put it on for a month and then go see her
> again.
>
> Now whats bugging me is that I'm looking on the net for this clobex,
> and I find that its a potent steroid that should be taken for a couple
> a weeks and then stopped. She said 4 weeks, I'm also
> wondering....don't they start you with a weaker steroid? This is the
> first time I see this derm and now I'm wondering....could it be that
> maybe shes not that competent?
> I'm asking my self all these questions..........you know, your head
> starts wondering.
>
> Anybuddy can give me some feedback?
>
> thanks kindly
> Liam

emo603

2006-02-25, 8:15 pm

You may want to try coal tar first.

There is a good chance it will work, for awhile at least.

I use Cutar. You can get it from a pharmacy in 8 oz. for under $20
(not sure how much less than that).

You can also get larger sizes online at Sumers lab. A gallon is about
$100.

There are other coal tar products but I'm not sure what they are.

I think it is a good idea to avoid steriods, if possible. Derms seem
to forget to try coal tar but when I mention it they say, "Oh yeah,
that could be effective". Maybe related to no kickback from
Pharmas...?

JXStern

2006-02-25, 8:15 pm

On 17 Feb 2006 10:19:10 -0800, "Liam" <wallydiver_19@hotmail.com>
wrote:
>Anyhow the derm gave me some samples of clobex lotion, to put twice a
>day.
>She said (the derm) to put it on for a month and then go see her again.
>
>Now whats bugging me is that I'm looking on the net for this clobex,
>and I find that its a potent steroid that should be taken for a couple
>a weeks and then stopped. She said 4 weeks, I'm also
>wondering....don't they start you with a weaker steroid? This is the
>first time I see this derm and now I'm wondering....could it be that
>maybe shes not that competent?

Very common to start with this stuff as specified.

Long-term, you probably don't want to use it continuously, though some
still do even that, but a couple of days on, a day off, a couple of
weeks on, a week off, kinds of patterns are better if you go beyond a
month or two.

People also vary in their reactions to any drug. With luck this will
fix you up. Otherwise, there are a dozen other things to try, from
topicals to UV to injections.

Best wishes,
J.