Need advice on treatments

Sorry to hear things are bad Billy I live in West Yorkshire and also have private health care which I used to see my dermatologist and although Bupa agreeded to fund phototherapy the nearest hospital to offer privately was 245 miles away . So depending on where you live it may not be an option however my dermatologist was able to refer me directly for nhs phototherapy which I am having at the moment and is showing small improvement after just 5 weeks so fingers crossed. Going straight to private dermatologist cut out a few of the steps to seeing dermatologist at hospital as my surgery send you to see a gp with a special interest in dermatologist first which was a 16 week wait and only if they thought it necessary would a referral to a hospital dermatologist be made which would be a number of weeks or months so if you can see a dermatologist privately it’s worth it as they may also offer alternatives to medication. Good luck hope you get some help

Hi Moggy, Thanks, I am going to look into my bupa this week and try get something sorted. It’s only the winter I’m that fussed about it because of the flare ups, summer time when we have a good bit of weather (not very often in Northern England) then it’s manageable. Have you ever been on methotrexate? I see a lot of mixed reviews, I’d like to try avoid the harsh drugs and getting bloods done 6 weekly if I can but my patience is running thin. Thanks

Hi. If you have been referred to a dermitologist then they seem to have a procedure of what they start you on. They tried light therapy first with me. It's a pain getting to your nearest hospital 3 times a week, but I did it. Worked really well and got the best tan. Three months after stopping though, I was covered again. I then went on acretrin, cyclosporin and finally methotrixate. The last two cleared me up for a while. There are regular blood tests and u can feel shit on them, but it meant I could wear shorts again and feel good. I am now on biological injections which are expensive so it's kind of the last resort. Your dermitologist will advise, and this is a long haul to go though, but they do make a difference. Good luck

Be careful if you are going on methotrexate it will damage your liver if you stay on it for to long. I would recommend going on cyclosporin. I also have psoriasis on my private parts and under my armpits, feet and hands under my neck on my face and head. I am going on cyclosporin after when the doctor has checked my kidney function, blood pressure and urine. I cannot go on methotrexate due to my fatty liver and also my brother was on methotrexate and it has damaged his liver.