When Failed Treatments Trigger an Insomnia Flair

Psoriasis is such a tough condition to manage, it is truly unpredictable and has so many faces. Things can change on the daily, and one never really knows what to expect from your day, or even from a new treatment. It is an endless search for me - looking to find something that works to bring me some relief.

For those of you who do not know, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. There are many symptoms, and it has a far reaching affect. The symptoms for me include, but are not limited to, itchy, inflamed and painful skin lesions. From my head to my toes, with the main flare this year being my scalp, face, arms, and legs. Psoriasis affects many parts of my life, not just my skin, it also affects my mental health, my joints (psoriatic arthritis), and last but certainly not least psoriasis affects my sleep.

When my insomnia is out of hand, my psoriasis flares, and when my psoriasis is out of hand, my insomnia is more prevalent. The bonus to this being when I try a new treatment and it bombs out. It also affects my sleep.

Failed treatments and triggers

With psoriasis, I am always looking for something new to try, as my body is quick to build up a tolerance for a new topical creams, powders, and ointments.

Not so long ago I tried a new ointment which came with big promises. I had checked the ingredients and they were all safe to use for me, most of them I had used in one way shape or form before. I purchased a tub, did a patch test, and once I had the all clear, I had a lovely shower and lathered my skin in ointment.

Initially there was a cooling relief, and I continued to apply it to my arms, legs, and everything in between feeling most chuffed with myself, and very hopeful it would be working. I crawled into bed.

A literal rude awakening

I had been going through a pretty good sleeping time for about 2 weeks when this happened. I was getting to sleep easily, and with a solid 5 or 6 hours a night.

Less than 3 hours after going to bed, I woke up and it felt as though someone had set fire to my skin. My skin was swollen, excessively itchy, and I was in so much pain. My skin had flared so horribly from this new cream.

It was one of the most intense things I have felt. Off to the shower I went to try wash any remnants, but, with it being ointment, this proved nearly pointless. I spent the night having cool showers and soaking in oat baths to try and calm my skin down.

Psoriasis and sleep problems

Not only did this affect my insomnia that night, but the it triggered my insomnia to start playing up again. That was all it took - one bad night, one failed psoriasis treatment and I was back to minimal sleep and issues falling asleep again due to a few nights of incredibly sore skin. I ended up battling an insomnia flare that lasted a good couple of months. I cannot help but wonder if I had not had this failed treatment. Maybe I would still be sleeping a bit better? How long would it have lasted?

I was angry with myself for so long. Why did I not just leave it?! I was getting some sleep. The thing is that a person quickly forgets how far reaching other symptoms can be.  Have you had a failed treatment for one thing trigger your insomnia before?