High blood platelets

Hi Vikster, I just joined the forum because of your post. I was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis in May 2016 after a sudden acute inflammation of hives and rash on my arms and legs. At the same time, my platelet levels also suddenly shot up well past the normal range. I have since been able to get my hives well under control, with only minor new hives. I am not using any of the dermatologist's prescriptions, just moisturizer and plenty of TLC. However, my platelet level has increased even further, and I am now under the care of a hematologist who has offered a preliminary diagnosis of Essential Thrombocythemia, pending further tests. She has put me on Hydroxyurea and low-dosage aspirin, both of which reduce risk of blood clots. I have asked my primary care physician, hematologist, and dermatologist if they see any correlation between the hives and the high platelets, and all of them say that there is no connection between the two phenomena. This is frustrating, since what we read about guttate psoriasis, as well as other skin inflammation conditions, is that they can lead to increased platelets. I'd be very interested to hear if you have had any change in your condition, or have learned anything about a possible connection between these two issues. Thank you!

Hi Ogami, Thank you for your reply. I still have the psoriasis but it is on its way out at the moment about the same as your sounds. I still have raised platelets, now I am anaemic and b12 anaemic. They were testing me for an MPN ET. The Heamo literately could not be bothered he was just short of kicking me out of the door he was so uninterested in me I was triple negative for Jak2 etc. He put the whole blood thing down to psoriasis. However I have seen two separate dermatologists and I asked both if there is any correlation between psoriasis and raised blood platelets and both said they had never heard of such a thing! Also I dont know if you are part of the MPNvoice forum especially set up for MPNS. The lovely lady Maz whos runs it asked Professor Harrison (specialist at Guys hospital for MPNs) and she said she has never heard of any correlation either. I have to go back to the doctor next Friday as my blood is still out of sorts with raised platelets. So I really am no further forward at the moment. I am concerned as I have hip and rib pain, and fatigue. Do you have any other symptoms, are you positive to any mutations, its very frustrating?

Hi Vikster, I'm sorry to hear that you're getting the run-around. It is frustrating, isn't it? I'm Jak2 and BCR negative; they just ran the CALR mutation test but won't know results for another few weeks. If I'm negative for that as well, the hematologist may recommend a bone marrow biopsy. I don't think I have any symptoms. That is, I've had migraines since adolescence, and because I'm tall, I sometimes get dizzy when I get up from sitting or laying down. But now, of course, whenever I get dizzy or tired, my immediate thought is that it's to do with the platelets. Sometimes I think I'm sore where my spleen is, but then it goes away, and I'm contending just as much with my imagination as anything concrete. I'm also in doubt as to the guttate psoriasis diagnosis - maybe it's just hives. Are you taking aspiring or anything else for the platelets? Hang in there - it's comforting for me to know that I'm not the only one with the mystery diagnosis!

Hi Ogami, I see I didnt have a BCR test so that maybe worth a go. I am not on medication as the heamo told me it was not an MPN causing the platelets but the Guttate Psoriasis. I am in limbo really. Its interesting to me that you are the first to respond to my message on the forum which suggests it is not normal to have the platelet issue with psoriasis as you would expect loads to have the same problem as us! It looks like we are both in the same boat. Hopefully I will find out next week whats to happen next, I am happy I am not the only one as well. Let me know how you get on.

Hi there I have the same issue. I have had psoriasis all my life from my scalp, elbows, ears and fingers. My platelets are always between 500-600,sometimes a bit higher than that. However my white blood cells are always slightly high as well. These tests are going back to 2009. Crp (infection level) is sometimes high but not always. Been for the first bone marrow and it's all negative from Jak to essential thrombocytocis. Im going for my second one tomorrow in two years. I have a very high allergy count as well. I'm also obese, have pcos and thalassemia minor. Recently I developed PR as well but platelet level is still the same as before. I confuse almost every haem I meet. Anyways I may have had this for years but don't feel any different except for a low immune system and tiredness. I really don't know if psoriasis can cause all of this but considering I had psoriasis most of my life and these blood results it could be a reason. BTW I also have the glad behind the ear and one on my neck that has come back as lymph nodes, nothing more.

Hi there, I am sorry you are still in limbo. I am the same platelets are always high. They wont even refer me to a haematologist. I have only seen one once!. My psoriasis started 6 years ago. I still have high white blood count, high platlets. Low iron often. I am diabetic type 2 now and have moderate coronary artery disease. I hope you get some answers soon. Keep in touch. I have given up and hope I dont get a blood clot!

Hello Vikster, I was wondering how you were doing and if you ever received a diagnosis? I too have psoriasis, elevated platelets and rib pain.

Sorry no. I still have elevated blood counts last time I had a blood test. Platelets, white blood cells. I haven't been to the doctor since pre lock down so dont have any further information I am afraid. Hope you get some answers.

Hi, My daughter has high platelet count . We found out 1 year ago. She used to have very dry skin on her scalp which was later diagnosed as psoriasis. Her skin cleared after a few years of constant flairs. After, she never had any dry skin or inflammation. Suddenly after so many years her blood test came out and her platelet was high. She was referred to a haematologist who said it is due to low blood count. Today her blood test shows absolutely great blood count but her platelet count is at 500. I’m very worried. Doctor will see her after a month. Any advice?