I am trying to find out if this is possibly related to the CIDP or the IVIG treatment.
I have developed some annoying psoriasis that I never had before in my life. Fortunately it is not very itchy, but extremely unsightly and flaky. Have not started any topical therapy or other therapy yet. May try some mild light/sunlight therapy soon, as Summer is just coming on here.
I'm trying to determine if it is related to the CIDP or if it's just a random coincidence that I suddenly developed the psoriasis problems. The particular type of psoriasis I have developed is called "inverse psoriasis," which develops in skin folds, specifically around my waist and in my pelvic area. Fortunately, not much itching, or I believe I would go crazy. The flaky areas seem to grow worst around my waist, and it's quite unsightly.
I have not been to the dermatologist yet. I guess that's the next step. I asked my neuro about it, but he just shrugged.
I had sudden onset of CIDP symptoms in November 2011 and began receiving IVIG treatments in January 2012. I have what I believe to be a very mild case of CIDP and my neuro says he is amazed by my progress under the IVIG therapy. I started out at every 2 weeks and now I am at every 6 weeks. I am 61 years old.
Any other CIDP patients with similar or other dermatology symptoms that you have learned are related to the condition?
I had psorisis on my left elbow for a number of years, but was confined to just the actual elbow. i pretty much ignored it.
just before the onset of CIDP it flared up and began to make its way down from elbow towards the wrist, but for only around 4 or 5 inches.
i am Not certain of this but suspect that it is true, when my CIDP flares (it tends to come in bouts) then the psorisis becomess worse and tge skin flakes and will stand up from the arm creating sharp shards of dry skin. when the CIDP wanes, these skin shards then flatten against the rest of the skin
I notice that my psoriasis goes into remission when I am on IVIG and comes back with a vengeance when I haven't had it in a while. I developed psoriasis about 5 months after getting three 1000mg methylprednisolone infusions three days in a row. When I went to the derm to find out what the blisters were covering my hands and feet, he told me palmo plantar pustular psoriasis and that it is not uncommon to get it after large steroidal infusions. I was using a $400 tube of ointment on it, but it was messy and caused my feet to dry out. So then, my derm gave me light therapy which helped a lot, but it's expensive.
Thanks so much for the feedback. I will schedule an appointment with my dermatologist soon. I started out with IVIG infusions every two weeks, then every three weeks, then every four weeks, and now on every six weeks. I have had IVIG since January 2012, but the psoriasis did not come on until I was changed to IVIG every six weeks, so I wonder if the change in IVIG frequency had anything to do with it. You can be sure that I will ask the dermatologist that question. My neuro did not seem to take my complaint very seriously. Otherwise, I like him very much and have been very happy with my treatment.
Again, thanks for all the feedback and encouragement.