C.J. is a 79 year-old Caucasian male. In 1950, C.J. first
noticed the odd scaly dime-size patch on his thighs. This was treated with
an application of Mercurochrome, which seemed to clear it up. Around 1953,
after more lesions appeared, Dr. Elder diagnosed the lesions as psoriasis
and said that there was very little that could be done for it. C.J. tried
topical coal tar preparation with UVB exposure. This treatment proved to
have little or no effect.
By 1960 it had spread to the calves of his legs. In 1961, we moved to
Toronto and our new family doctor, Jones sent him to Dr. Goodman (a
professor of dermatology at U. of T.) and a practicing dermatologist.
During the period between 1961 and 1964, C.J. underwent a number of
different treatments. C.J. then tried shallow x-ray for seconds at a time;
however, although it cleared it up for a few weeks, it returned with a
vengeance. In late 1963 or early 1964, C.J. was prescribed Methotrexate to
reduce white blood cells. During this treatment, C.J. was required to have
his blood count checked weekly. This treatment provided limited success.
C.J. expressed concerns to Dr. Goodman about the risk of continued use
versus the benefits and elected to discontinue this treatment.
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In late 1964, C.J. began using Synalar, a cortisone cream that was not
approved in Canada but available on black market from U.S. for $10.00 per
half ounce. This was applied to skin, covered with saran wrap and Scotch
tape. It proved to bring temporary success but was a real pain for all
concerned. In the early 70’s, C.J. was prescribed Betnovate ointment,
which proved reasonably effective. C.J. continued this treatment through
to the 90’s. C.J. tried various OTC remedies from time to time. One such
treatment was Oxipor, which helped a little but burned the skin
surrounding the lesions as well as leaving the treated areas extremely
photosensitive. The most recent treatment used in the mid to late 90’s was
Celestoderm. This treatment produced about the same results as betnovate.
Finally, in 1999, C.J. tried Miraderm® Psoriasis Cream with excellent
results. However, some scarring remains from 50 years of psoriasis. An
occasional relapse is easily stopped by reapplication of the Miraderm®
product.
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