From the Editor…
It took almost four months, two dermatologists, and six days in a hospital bed, to be “officially” diagnosed with pityriasis rubra pilaris. It took only four more days for me to conclude that I had embarked on a three to five-year journey that would ultimately end with remission. Fortunately, my journey lasted only 20 months. I was med-free and symptom-free.
Having said that, it has taken me seven years to realize that every PRP journey is unique. I now understand that “med-free and symptom-free” is not the norm. I have also concluded that remission is absolutely in the eye of the beholder. The definition of remission can include “symptom-free with meds”, “remission with remnants”, and the least technnical variation: “I finally have my life back”.
On February 24, 2020, a poll was posted to members of the PRP Facebook Support Group to solicit comments for PRP patients who consider themselves in REMISSION. Here is the response as go February 28.
❋ Members identify themselves as in remission: 106
❋ Once in remission, their PRP did not return: 40
❋ Once in remission, their PRP returned: 26
Whether you are a newly diagnosed PRP patient a seasoned traveler and want to ponder the end of your journey, ponder the journeys of 45 PRP patients. Each one considers themselves to be in remission.
(1) Leanne C, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Diagnosis January 2014. Took two years in total until I felt quite normal. My scalp took the longest to heal. I don’t feel I have the energy I used to have. Maybe just getting older, who knows. So glad I made it to the better side of this dark time.
(2) Gayle F, Palos Verdes Estates, California
Onset: August 2018 at the age of 60. Remission: October 2019 . My skin still is sensitive in some areas (no itching) and original spot is rarely visible. Off all meds (methotrexate and Cosentryx). I thank god, doctors, meds and a positive mindset for the relief from this disease. I do worry sometimes that it will return but chase that away with thoughts that it will never return. God bless you all!
(3) Ric “Ricardo” C, Costa Rica
I have been clear for 10 years now after suffering it for almost 20. When I feel my skin to something, I take the antihistamines for a few days but that is it.
(4) Tonya G, McDonough, Georgia
Started Feb-Mar of 2010 at age 49. Diagnosed in June 2010 after six biopsies. Soriatane got me to remission by April 2011. No meds since then except Vitamin D3, and topicals. I have flare ups that are no fun, but pale in comparison to acute stage. On two occasions my dermatologist has declared that I was no longer in remission. Those setbacks weren’t as bad as the initial acute stage. I still have limited energy, some pain, but I’m not complaining!
(5) Michelle, Dassel, Minnesota
Answering on behalf of my husband. He has been in full remission about 19 years all due to a change in diet change, chiropractic care, and some supplements.
(6) Ed D, Worcestershire, England
100% remission, still itchy scalp , but I’m not bothered about that considering what I went through for two years. All happy now
(7) Trudy M, Shingletown, California
Onset in March 1999. Remission by April 2000. Still in remission with no meds.
(8) Karen B, North Wales
Onset in 2013 at the age of 62, Still in remission. Still have plaques in my hair, but only a small patch now. Still have broken skin on my upper arms and chest .I Treat with Aveeno cream. Still thankful that i have not suffered a relapse.
(9) Carol T, Swaffham, Norfolk, England, UK
Onset: April 2019 at the age of 68. Remission date: February 2020. I now FEEL positive as I FEEL improvement. My friends SEE improvement because they SEE my positivity. BUT the thickened skin on bottom of feet, hard skin on my palms, course and crinkly skin all over my body requiring constant and lavish moisturising, red and dry blotches all over my legs, shaved head due to scalp shedding, course and crinkly skin on face and ears, gunky eyes and sores in nose – all still present.
This is a voyage of discovery usually made up of one step forward and, occasionally, two steps back which is why I am loathe to tempt fate by daring to believe I am in ‘R’ yet. My Dermatologist stopped the Acitretin because of the effects mentioned. I reckon that when I can wear clothes (without them scuffing my skin and sticking to me because of the moisturizer) I will then dare to believe!!!
(10) Sam D, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Onset: October 2014. Other than a couple of spots of hyperkeratosis (very minor), and skin that cuts easily, I have had zero symptoms since a couple of months before they took me off methotrexate. That was March 16 2017.
(11) Brian H, Dallastown, Pennsylvania
I would say total remission, my PRP was active from Dec 2014 thru June 2015. It totally cleared by July 2015. No issues since then.
(12) Linda U, West Newton, Pennsylvania
Onset: January 2015 at the age of 65. Humira was the medication that began my remission. My journey lasted about two years. I am happy with my health and thankful that I am In remission.
(13) Sean L, The Woodlands, Texas
Onset: May 2015 at the age of 48. Full remission, duration 23 months. Type was Type 1 Adult Onset. I took 25 and 50 mg acitretin for 5 months til I could no longer stand the side effects. Took supplements and still do. Drank LOTS of water and still do. Was released from the doctor as I chose the no medication route. Holdouts are that my scalp is itchy sometimes when I wake up, and I get random tiny whiteheads that start out as larger painful bumps then decrease in size and get a small whitehead, I get these on my legs somewhat frequently and on my abdomen less frequently. Glad the beast has departed. Living with it was sheer Hell!
(14) Jack B, Colonie, New York,
Onset: November 205 at these of 66. Remission date: June, 2016. I consider myself in remission although fortunately I did not get full blown PRP.
(15) Suzanne S, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Onset: October 2015 at the age of 56. Remission date: May 2016.I’m doing really well now. My onset came on fast and hard. It took 4 to 5 months and a trip out of state to a doctor that diagnosed PRP. The dermatologist prescribed methotrexate that I reacted very well to. I was probably on the meds for 4-6 months, and then continued to improve.
(16) David O, Worthing, West Sussex
My PRP symptoms started in February 2016, started to clear October 2017. Back to work December 2016. Completely clear March 2017. Tapered off Acetretin January 2017 to May 2017. Last visit to the Dermatologist July 2017. I considered myself cured/free/back to normal July 2017.
(17) Kendra H, Stockton, California
Onset: December 2015 at the age of 70. Remission date: April, 2017. I remain in remission. Every itchy bump worries me, but they are just itchy bumps that go away. Humira was the treatment that worked for me.
(18) Vincenzo M, Taranto, Italy
My onset/diagnosis was in February 2017 at the age of 44 with remission in November 2017. My dermatologist told me it was a very light form. I did paleo and homeopathy for five months. Maybe this helped me. I did the biopsy to rule out cancer. It wasn’t specific to prp… but the dermatologist told me it was it.
(19) Richard L, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Onset July 2016. Remission August 2019. Some very minor recurring residual itch issues – inner elbows and upper thighs, ankles sometimes. Considered non PRP. Only treat with hydrocortisone cream when needed. Still daily moisturizer after shower. Looking forward to more heat and humidity in better weather. Fully normal activities and sleeping for some time now.
(21) Nick S, Aberdeen, Scotland
Onset: September 2015 at the age of 48. Remission date: November 2016. I consider myself in remission and have for a few years now, but couple of things have changed in my body that make me wonder if it will ever return. First one is, after showering, I get an incredibly itchy scalp for around five minutes or so. Second is that my skin doesn’t seem as resilient as it once was, an example being, if I have my elbows on a table (sorry mum, all that training in manners went to waste) for any length of time the skin will just rub away leaving them tender for a few days. I also seem to get sore joints, hips and legs mostly, that there appears to be no reason for or at least any tests I have in regard to the pain comes up clear. I’ve been free from all medication for several years now. I may just be getting older.
(21) Vibeke K, Arendal, Norway
Onset: September 2016 at the age of 39. Remission date: May 2018. I am in remission.After nearly four years I still struggle with the skin in my face and scalp, and the fatigue is hard to handle.
(22) Murray R, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Onset: August 2016. Remission: January 2020. I’m basically in remission but have lingering effects. Daily naps (never had the need pre-PRP and I don’t like having to take them as it breaks up my day too much). Physical strength almost back to normal but is very slow coming about. And, having had this for almost 48 months I agree with you totally – “I can live like this for a long, long time”.
(23) Wayne M, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Onset: September at the age of 62. I consider myself in remission although I sometimes get an itchy scalp. I have a Stelara injection every 12 weeks but am able to do things I used to before PRP, i.e., golf, walking, a few beers, going to beach, etc.
(24) Pam M, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Onset: October 2016 at the age of 60. Diagnosed January 2017. A few residual areas with no pain or itching. I am so grateful to have my life back but will forever have compassion and deepest of care for all those still struggling and for those yet to come.
(25) Daina B, West Sacramento, California
Onset: June 2016 at the age of 59. Remission date: August 2017. I still get random spots which last 3-4 months and treat with topical only
(26) Robin M, Tucson, Arizona
Onset: July 2003 at the age of 47. Remission date: April, 2004. Still in remission, no meds, since 2008. Permanent damage to toenails and fingernails still troubles me, as does the plantar faciitis in both feet I contracted during 8 months bedfast. I have such compassion for those of us still suffering.
(27) Janell P, Forgan, Oklahoma
Onset: June 2017 at the age of 66. After 2 years, I consider myself in remission. No meds, skin clear.
(28) Roberta K, Sicklerville, New Jersey
Onset: May 2017 at the age of 66. Remission date: December 2019. I consider I was off meds for 3 months and symptoms have not returned.
(29) Mary G, New Hampshire
Onset: August 2017 at the age of 63. Remission date: June 2019. I considered myself in remission June 2019. Thanks for the work you do!
(30) Leslie L, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Onset: May 2017 at the age of 64. Remission date: April 2018. Not sure if I’m in remission. Four months is the longest I’ve gone without an injection. Can’t seem to go longer than 3-4 months without a flare starting up.
(31) Frank G, Fletcher, North Carolina
Onset: October 2017 at the age of 72. Remission date: May 2019. I consider myself in remission. I still have what the dermatologist referred to as the “mother ship,” a visible blotch on my abdomen that was the first sign to appear, but my symptoms and signs have otherwise all disappeared, other than some lingering ugliness in my feet and toenails, which fortunately does not prevent me from hiking. Leg hair has not fully returned, but who needs that? I am grateful and consider myself very lucky.
(32) Sam H, Morning Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
July 2017 at the age of 72. Remission date: June 2019. Humira was the only thing that worked for my elderly mother. She has been it full remission for a year now. The side effect she had from the Humira was a reduced immune system. Her derm put it down to the Humira. She’s better than she has been for years. At 78 years old she’s loving every day without PRP
(33) Mark W, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
Onset: February 2018 at the age of 66. Remission date: February 2019. I continue to get easily tired and naps have thus become part of my routine; and I do not have the strength I had pre-PRP. I’m convinced that taking meds that effectively suppressed my immune system has made me more susceptible to other physical/medical issues. But I’m back golfing regularly, enjoying wine with friends, and raising hell with the grandkids! I can live like this for a long, long time.
(34) Trevor J, Stockton-on-Teeside, England, UK
Onset : April 2018 at the age of 54. Remission date: August 2019. Took methotrexate until December 2019. Remission for me was when I felt normal.
(35) Cristina H, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Onset: May 2018 at the age of 51. Remission: November 2018. Classic onset after Maui vacation May 2018. 25 mg Acitretin followed by 4 injections of Tremfya. Started to go into remission Nov 2018. Stopped all meds Dec 2018 except CBD oil and Hair Force vitamins. I have 10 small 1cm spots that are just a non issue compared to where I was.
(36) Ron O, Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, USA
Onset: May 2018 at the age of 65. Remission date: February 2019. I have been in remission for over a year. It just seems like a bad dream now until I come across some of my photos of redness and swelled up like the ( hulk). I slowly weened myself off the meds that was probably the reason I came out of this mess, or maybe it just went into remission, who knows . Methotrexate and Humira were the ones that seemed to work best for me. Also along this trip of PRP at the same time I had prostrate cancer, with 28 radition treatments . In Jan of 2019 was determined cancer free. I often wonder if these two conditions were related. The only advice I can give is to never give up !
(37) Diane F, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
Onset: August 2018 at the age of 58. Remission date: January 2020. I consider myself in remission because I am no longer covered from head to toe as I was for one year and off my meds for six months. Still have it on my right palm. Can live with that.
(38) Synthia L, Jackson, Michigan
Onset: October 2012 at the age of 57. Remission date: 2019. Med-free in June 2017. Symptom free:2019.
(39) Sandy B, Imperial Beach, California, USA
Onset: March 2016 at the age of 64. Remission date: October, 2018. I am not sure what I would call my status. I am much better that I have been, though. I have never been as severely affected as many others. There are no new eruptions, but several lingering red, itchy blotches on my arms and shoulders that are better overall, but still flare up.
(40) Mitch M, Novato, California
Onset at age 60 in August, 2011. Remission in March, 2013. One minor patch of red spots in 2017 for about two days on the center of the chest.
(41) David K, New York City, New York
Onset: September 2018 at the age of 63. Remission: April 2019. Found the right drug. Three months on Stelara–with diminishing dosages and I haven’t had any symptoms since last June.
(42) Linda Bryant Smith Cartersville, Virginia
Onset: July 2011 at the age of 58. Remission date: April 2013. 2015 small flare. Basically in total Remission. Fairly sensitive to direct sunshine, so use extreme caution (mow grass after 5pm all summer). My overall skin condition never returned to perfectly normal, but close enough for me to feel healthy.
(43) Barbara B, Anaheim, California
Onset: August 1993 at the age of 43. Remission date: December 1995. John A. has never had a full body bloom since his remission. Only patchy flares like on forehead that last less than a month. He feels very lucky. His skin however has remained very thin and gets abraded easily,
(44) Honora B, Liverpool, England, UK
Onset: July 1973 at the age of 14. Remission date: 1983. Remission from age 14 to 24 was followed by an acute outbreak. Remission for another 10 years from age 27 (1986 to 1996). A few much smaller outbreaks over the last 24 years lasting just a few weeks. Most of the time I have small areas threatening.
(45) Lindsay S, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Onset: December 2001 at the age of 11. Remission date: December 2006. Accutane to “treat.”First remission at 14. 2nd flare at 15.5, 2nd round of Accutane. Asked to be taken off about six months later. Stress management, lifestyle changes, more homeopathic treatments like cbd lotion, Aquaphor and glove use, etc.
Editor’s Note: Cathy C (location unknown) posted the following question on behalf of her husband (onset on July 23, 2020 at the age of 60):
How long does it take to go into remission?
Here is the response.
Gail C, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
Pam A, Tavistock, Devon, England, UK
Steven O, Manchester England, UK
Barbara W, Macungoie, Pennsylvania, USA
Carol L, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Pitha M, Aberdeen, Idaho, USA
Azucena R, California, USA
Kathy F, St. Antony, Idaho, USA
Teri S, Lombard, Illinois
Dennis D, San Diego California, USA
Verner H, North Yorkshire, England, UK
Carol T, Swaffham, Norfolk, England, UKHow long is a piece of string!!!!! It differs from person to person.
Rachel W, Paigton, England, UK
Mine never has started nov 2005 diagnosed 2006
Bill M, Plano, Texas
Jerri B, Nathalie, Virginia
Kent P, Mission Viejo, California