Alphosyl

[Elspeth]

As a sufferer from psoriasis I have kept it under control with Alphosyl cream and regular use of shampoo etc. However I have run out and was amazed to discover that the cream was withdrawn in November 2003. Has anyone found a substitute that works? My psoriasis is confined to my scalp and the alphosyl controlled (mostly) the itching.

[Joe_the_Lion]

I suffer from a dry scalp (not believed to be psoriasis) and Cocois does wonders. It says leave it on for an hour, but I leave it on all night and wash it in the morning. It basically brings all the scales up to the surface and loosens them.

It is about �25 a tube but why not get it on prescription?

As for shampoo, T-Gel is a waste of money. Go for Poly-Tar.

[nic2006]

You can still get Alphosyl shampoo in Boots. Also I use aqueous cream (on my hands anyway) to keeo the itching and redness at bay.

[Elspeth]

Thank you for the help folks. I think I may have to go back to the doctor (haven't seen him for many years). I get free prescriptions so that may be the way to go.

[luckyeight]

Hi Elspeth.. Do you know why it has been withdrawn? I think the effective ingredient is hydrocortisone, so you could easily get a replacement type of cream from your GP.

[bird_81]

I suffer with psoriasis mainly on my scalp and tried all the lotions and potions that the doctor prescribed over many years. Most things prescribed, including cocois, didn't work until i tried a combination of dovonex scalp treatment prescribed by doctor and head and shoulders shampoo. Worked a treat. I now use only head and shoulders and my scalp has been fine for about a year, although the minute I use conditioner it comes back.
Hope this helps as I know psoriasis is horrible to have.

[Elspeth]

Hi luckyeight - thanks for your reply. The Alphosyl I used was not the hydrocortisone cream - it was just a lubricating cream prescribed by my doctor many years ago. When he stopped my prescription (for unknown reasons) I continued to buy it at the chemist. This cream is now considered to be carcinogenic, hence its withdrawal. I'm not happy about using hydrocortisone and would have to go back to the doctor again which I hoped I wouldn't have to do. I have been mostly trouble free for some years but husband became sick and I had a lot of stress which I think was responsible for the flareup.

[Elspeth]

Hi bird 81, thank you for the advice. I am willing to give it a go and see how I get on. Cheers.

[luckyeight]

Hi Elspeth - oh I see - I have used the hydrocortisone version before for clearing up allergy rashes, and didn't realise there were different 'versions'. Totally agree that steroid creams are not ideal to use... I hope your GP is helpful if you do go back to see her/him, and I hope you find something that's effective for you. All the best.

[Elspeth]

Cheers luckyeight.

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