Psoriasis vs Pityriasis

In 2007 I got a pretty big dry patch of skin on my back with several little ones in random places. My doctor made sure it wasn't a worm or anything else. He said it was Pityriasis. They don't know what causes it, but he said it usually shows up after getting over a virus. I had just gotten over being sick, so it made sense. I had one other outbreak in 2008, and haven't had another until now. Sad thing is, all you can really do is wait for them to go away (usually 6 weeks).

Well I've had a really weird bumpy, dry patch start on my elbow. I thought it was warts initially, but the at home treatment didn't work. So I finally went to the doctor, she took one look and decided it was psoriasis. I got two different creams for it, one of which is a steroid, and it seems to be helping my elbow. I also got another large patch of dry skin on my hip. She decided it was psoriasis too. I don't think this doctor has dealt with pityriasis before, and she's a dermatologist. Because the big patch shows up and then a week or two later, little pea size ones show up everywhere. I researched both and I really think both doctors are right. I think my elbow really is psoriasis, but the rest is pityriasis. Just the way they are both behaving is what makes me think that. The little patches aren't reacting to the creams for the psoriasis on my elbow.

I've had to change some of my shower habits because of the psoriasis so it doesn't get worse, and it's rather annoying. I like to just shower, get out and go about my day. I changed to Dove body wash (because it's recommended for it's moisturizing qualities). No more Bath & Body for me. I love their scents! Dove isn't bad, but it's no "PS I love you." I'm now using Olay In Shower Lotion. It makes my bathtub pretty slick which means it needs to be cleaned a lot more often. :b After the shower, I also add Olay Quench Deep Moisture Lotion. It's not helping the pityriasis at all, which I knew it wouldn't. That's just how it works. I have to wait it out. It's actually getting worse, and I think it's because I've been fighting something for like a week. Here's hoping for a future of healthy skin!