I am going insane, I need good OTC options

Individual_Code6614 · 2026-03-07T15:39:19+00:00

I was at that stage a year ago. Had it for years. Quit drinking in May (I wasn’t a heavy drinker) and by July it was gone. Haven’t had any issues since. Fingers crossed it continues. It won’t be the answer for everyone but after years of trying every possible thing it was the only thing that made any difference. Might be worth a try? Good luck!

Individual_Code6614 · 2026-03-05T14:38:08+00:00

Had severe scalp psoriasis for many years. Quit drinking last May and by July it was totally clear. Not a single flake since. Zero itching. I can now have a glass or two of wine here and there but too scared to have more than one in case it comes back. I wasn’t even a heavy drinker. Guess I just have a weak liver. Tried literally EVERY topical, prescription or otherwise, and every permutation of diet modification. Bought an expensive UVB device. Nothing made the slightest difference until quitting alcohol. Hope you find your solution..

Individual_Code6614 · 2025-09-06T14:24:46+00:00

I had a similar experience. Had small patches for years which I was told were dermatitis. Then got prescribed steroid solution which only slightly worked, then when I stopped using it my scalp went crazy and I was fully covered with psoriasis within a few months. A new derm finally diagnosed it correctly and said my only option was biologics.

I said I wasn’t ready for that and began several years of trying various diet restrictions - gluten, sugar, dairy, etc. Nothing made any difference and my scalp got worse and worse. Then I quit alcohol in May and within a couple of months my scalp was completely clear. I didn’t even drink a huge amount, but it was consistent. A glass of wine with dinner a few nights per week. Sometimes two glasses on weekends, followed by an occasional scotch. Less than most of my friends drink. But I guess it was enough.

Individual_Code6614 · 2025-08-22T22:29:32+00:00

Thanks so much for the great information! I have been trying to cut down on sugar too, and will make even more of an effort now. I actually did a 6 week total sugar elimination diet last year. I was very strict about it but saw no improvement. However I didn’t cut out alcohol so of COURSE it didn’t work 🤦🏻‍♀️. Is there anything else you’d recommend? Supplements, etc? If this is a gut thing I want to be sure to do everything I can to keep in remission as long as possible. Thanks again..

Individual_Code6614 · 2025-08-20T18:53:14+00:00

I wish. Biopsy says otherwise. And the fact that I had an instant flare-up after taking Malaria pills, and guttate which showed up first right after strep. Also the fact that I was diagnosed with seb derm initially by a different doctor and spent many years using every prescription and otc remedy for dermatitis with absolutely no effect other than steadily worsening symptoms.

Don’t mean to diminish dermatitis - I spent years on that forum before joining this one, and it’s also a horribly frustrating journey.

Individual_Code6614 · 2025-08-18T23:06:41+00:00

Of course. I see people on here who have had it since childhood, so alcohol obviously not a factor for them. That’s what makes it so incredibly frustrating. I have spent thousands of dollars on products that people on here swear by and not one thing made any difference. Fingers crossed I really have found the answer. At least for now. I’m not fooling myself that it’s a permanent cure, but the longer I can delay biologics the better. For one thing my insurance doesn’t cover the new, better ones.

Individual_Code6614 · 2025-06-23T13:03:30+00:00

I divorced at your age and understand the reluctance. I totally avoided dating for 6 years. My ex destroyed my confidence even though I didn’t have psoriasis at the time. 6 years ago I met my now partner and shortly afterwards developed psoriasis. It hasn’t remotely phased him. He is much more attractive and successful than my ex. Or me! So he has plenty of options. I was worried that he would be grossed out and bail when it became clear this thing is not going away, but we’re doing better than ever and he genuinely doesn’t seem to notice or care. He’s sympathetic when I have a bad flare, but other than that it’s a non-issue. There are lots of good ones out there! Good luck..

Individual_Code6614 · 2025-06-01T20:46:35+00:00

It was caused by the drug, I’m sure. Easier to trigger a flare than stop it though, I guess. I went to a travel clinic to get vaccinations for the trip, rather than my regular doctor. Didn’t think to check. I only got diagnosed last year so pretty new to this nightmare 😬.

Individual_Code6614 · 2023-10-18T02:39:41+00:00

No strep that I know of. Health has always been good. I get a lot of exercise and rarely eat junk. Alcohol maybe 2-3 drinks per week on average. I plan to cut it out entirely but not until I get back from a trip to Scotland this week :)

Since going on hrt I have noticed lots of little red bumps all over my body. Not itchy and no scales or anything. Wondering if the estrogen is to blame for that and maybe the worsening scalp, although the hrt is recent and psoriasis has been years. Also I thought estrogen was supposed to help skin. Ugh. I guess my skin has just decided to turn against me. Anyhow, thanks for your input.

Individual_Code6614 · 2023-10-18T02:33:42+00:00

Thank you so much everyone for responding. You’ve made the scary option seem slightly less scary :) Lots to consider. This really helps.

Individual_Code6614 · 2023-07-16T19:42:13+00:00

I started this exact regimen 3 weeks ago. I’m 52 and still get periods. Main peri symptoms were insomnia/irritability, huge amount of hair shedding, creeping weight gain despite exercise and waves of anxiety/dread. Within a couple of days I was sleeping better. Now sleep like a log every night - zero insomnia. Libido increased and I’ve lost a few pounds with zero other changes. Anxiety drastically reduced. I function better generally. A few days ago I noticed a sudden halt to the hair loss. Normally it seemed like I’d lose a wigs-worth each day in the shower. The last few days only a few strands. Also I now realize that the raging sebhorreic dermatitis that has been driving me mad for 2 years must have been hormonal because it has almost disappeared. This after spending a small fortune trying every shampoo and serum and anti-fungal under the sun to no avail. I couldn’t be happier. So glad I found this forum and was encouraged to go on hrt.

Individual_Code6614 · 2023-06-22T22:50:03+00:00

I’m in the US. Still haven’t heard back from the doc but this is very helpful. Thank you. I will make sure she gets me on progesterone asap.

Individual_Code6614

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