Finding it tough to deal with ...

Hi is__b. As you said it wasn't a great year to get help for any condition never mind psoriasis, because of the corona virus. I would try ringing and see if your dermatology department is operating again. I think i would be trying a different GP, if i was treated the way you where, don't think you could get any worse. Is there no one close you can talk too about your condition and help with the depression. Contact Amber forum Admin they might be-able too help you. When i read about some of the stories about GPs on this forum, plus what some say about my own GP, i can only count my self lucky in having had a great relationship with my GP.

Hey, i hope all is well. Im 16 and have been diagnosed with psoriasis for the last 5 years. I can really relate to your issues with it on the scalp, face and neck as those are some of the main areas i have it. Ive been given many different creams and medications but none seem to really help.

I ended up paying for a private consultation with a dermatologist as my GP surgery weren’t taking my concerns seriously. Like you, I was told I should have been referred far earlier.’ Light treatment made zero difference, I ended up on ciclosporin which did the trick, then moved on to Skilarence. I chose to come off it due to Covid, but have the option to go back on. Scalp flaking and itching was awful, the best treatment I found was olive oil to soften and lift scales, then shampooing with Capsal. I hope things improve for you soon x

Hi Mac, Yes, unfortunately this year’s been truly horrible for getting treatment but it’s alright, at least I’m healthy. I’ve called up the department but unfortunately I cannot continue my phototherapy for another year, but thankfully I can still stay in touch and ask for help anytime. I really would change GPs but I have to stay with this one out of convenience (distance). I might contact the Amber forum admin so thank you for that advice! And I’m glad you’ve had good experience with your GP!! Thanks for replying haha I didn’t expect anyone to in the first place :D

Hi Kia, I’m so sorry you’ve had to suffer that long, I hope your psoriasis isn’t too bad these days! It really sucks, especially having them so visible for everyone to see right? I’m glad someone else relates but I’m sorry you have to go through this too. I’ve been seeing some improvement in my skin these days, I think it might have to do with the amount of sun I’ve been getting these days as well as avoiding dairy? I’m sure you’ve heard this before but I felt like mentioning it since you said your meds haven’t been helping :( I really hope things get better for you soon, I’m always here to talk if you want x

Hi Ciclo, I’m sorry you had to go through something similar as me when it comes to our GPs :( I’m glad that you got the treatment you needed in the end though! I’ve actually never tried oral medications for psoriasis, only had topical meds! Luckily I’ve been doing well with these although I find them incredibly tedious. I’m happy your psoriasis is under control now though!! Regarding scalp psoriasis, it’s getting better, I’ve been trying this with coconut oil since I like the smell better 😭😭 I absolutely hate the process but there’s nothing you can do I guess. I’ve also been prescribed with Capasal which is great for me since I can use it often! Thanks so much for your reply, it’s reassuring to know that there are other people who have had similar experiences x I hope you’re doing well!

Hi Isa, I thought I'd reach out after Mac thoughtfully suggested you get in touch with us to see if we can help you. I am sorry to hear the difficulty you have had with getting a referral to a dermatologist, the cancellation of your light treatment and the impact your psoriasis is having on your body image. That is an awful lot for anyone to cope with! We would be happy to help if you would like someone to talk to and can provide you with information and advice for your psoriasis. Our confidential helpline can be contacted by phone on 01604 251 620, email at mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk or WhatsApp on 07387 716 439 and is open Monday- Friday 9am-4pm. I hope this helps, Amber, Psoriasis Association

Hello Isa I can completely relate with you, I have been suffering with psoriasis on and off for about 5 years but my first flare Only lasted a few months. My current situation is that I am now covered all over my body with guttate psoriasis which is the random patches all over. I have had this flare for 2years now and only seem to be getting more and more. In the last 4 months I have also developed inverse psoriasis which is inside my ears and also near my bum which is very uncomfortable. I also had a hospital appointment cancelled due to the virus and then I moved two towns away and so my doctors cancelled my registration with them and told me I need to register with a local doctor so I have to start all over again after two years of pushing and pushing for a referral and now I feel like I am back to square one. My confidence has completey gone down hill and actually this summer feel relieved we are in lockdown as I feel I would not atall be comfortable to show any of my skin in public, I feel so fed up and want to cry every time I look in the mirror and find when I am at work I’m constantly looking at all my pretty friends and feeling so upset and ugly and disgusting. I try and tell my family and boyfriend and they do support me but I don’t think they really understand to what extent it is effecting me. Hayley

I’ve suffered since I was around 18 (32 now) and unfortunately ice had the same issues with GPs My scalp psoriasis has caused around a third of my hair to fall out and ice become so depressed. I have 2 young children and will be returning to work after working from home due to COVID and it’s giving me such anxiety that people will see it as it’s so noticeable. Keep going with the topical treatments and hopefully they will help and if not then they will likely try other methods

Hi, I just wanted to let you know about some of the ways I have coped over the years and hopefully help in some way. I got P when I was 14. Im now 35! Have had major bad flare ups and some years with small flare ups but overall have learned to accept it as part of my life. I have tried alot of the creams, not eating diary, wheat etc and had light therapy. All work but then it always returns.. does my head in!!! I have vivid memories of teenage years filled with little confidence because of it, my friends really didn't get it but they did try to help me as much as they could.. i don't think anyone really ever knows how much it affects you unless they go through it, but no doubt it badly affected my mental health. As I have aged I cope better.. Things that helped me with body image: Having clothes that covered areas of skins, long sleeves dressed, crazy coloured tights (I live in Ireland so get away with alot of layers alot of the time), colourful scalfs to cover my kneck and I made head scalfs to cover my forehead where scalp P crept down, keeping my hair long to cover P in and around my ears. Good make up for my face if I had some P there aswell. I would also have some hats to cover scalp aswell, I made a point of getting stuff i really liked, it instantly made me feel more confident and nobody know its to cover anything.. a good excuse for some retail therapy aswell. Self care: Allowing myself to get angry about it, crying and making art, writing a diary. Its ok to be sad about it, its bloody unfair, its does get to your self-esteem, so its important to focus on other things that do make u feel good.. think about what they might be? Yoga and exercise really helped me aswell, I have kept that up since I was about 20.. I also find the more I focused on it the more it annoyed me, I will never forget having a meeting with a lady and spending an hour with her, only noticing P was all over her arms and legs at the very last minute. It was a real eye opener, I just realised its not the 1st thing people will always notice about you. Also remember, think of all that you have been able to overcome, you will be able to overcome this. P doesnt define you, In relation to your GP, maybe changing or complaining would help, you need support from them so don't let then make you feel any worse.. I hope some of that helps and just knowing your not alone.. B x

I had a bad flare up and couldn't wear clothes for a while. I made a few changes and I'm psoriasis free for 14 months now. I took a vitamin D test and found out I was deficient. All I did was take Magnesium Glycinate (RDA), Vitamin D3 (3,000 iu) and Vitamin K2 every day. Within 1 month my psoriasis disappeared. For the first time in 15 years, my psoriasis has been gone. Took the vitamin D test again and my Level was good. I didn't change anything else. Diet, sleep, exercise. Try it out and see what happens. If you have really bad psoriasis "Psoriatrax 5% Coal Tar Psoriasis Shampoo" is a good shout. Dead sea salts may also calm your skin if you have a flare-up. I hope you feel better Isa.