Member Advice on Psoriasis

Psoriasis (sore- eye- asis) is something that I have suffered with since the age of about 12 but more seriously since my late teens. Recently my psoriasis has got a lot worse and I have been looking for information on how to cope with it or who I can go to for advice. Unfortunately it seems that this information is not very commonly available and so I thought I’d publish a review on my experiences and knowledge of psoriasis. If anyone ...
...this review then let me know and I will try to include it.

In basic terms psoriasis is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches skin wherever it chooses on your body but more commonly on your elbows, knees, finger nails and scalp.

MY CASE PART 1

In my case I have psoriasis vulgaris (quite aptly name done thinks) which is lots of small plaques of scaly, dry skin mainly focused on my shins and arms. ... more

Psoriasis (sore- eye- asis) is something that I have suffered with since the age of about 12 but more seriously since my late teens. Recently my psoriasis has got a lot worse and I have been looking for information on how to cope with it or who I can go to for advice. Unfortunately it seems that this information is not very commonly available and so I thought I’d publish a review on my experiences and knowledge of psoriasis. If anyone knows of any other information that would be useful in this review then let me know and I will try to include it.

In basic terms psoriasis is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches skin wherever it chooses on your body but more commonly on your elbows, knees, finger nails and scalp.

MY CASE PART 1

In my case I have psoriasis vulgaris (quite aptly name done thinks) which is lots of small plaques of scaly, dry skin mainly focused on my shins and arms. It first came out severely when I began work at 16 and has since got better and worse in small stints. The best it got was during my pregnancy and the worst is now, after my pregnancy. Doctor’s muse that this is due to hormone levels but since no-one really knows the cause of psoriasis triggers are hard to identify.

THE FACTS

What we do know about psoriasis is actually very little in comparison to other skin complaints such as eczema and dermatitis. Psoriasis is basically a chronic skin disease which varies in intensity from mild to, in rare cases, potentially life threatening. The main reason for psoriasis is that skin cells are produced too quickly causing a build up of excess skin but the cause of this is unknown.

• Psoriasis is not contagious
• Psoriasis is a genetic disorder (it runs in the family)
• Psoriasis can result in psoriatic arthritis in about 6% of sufferers

There are different types of psoriasis:

• Plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris is the most commonly seen form of psoriasis.
• Guttate Psoriasis is smaller patches that can appear all over the body
• Pustulor psoriasis is scaly patches that produce puss
• Scalp psoriasis obviously affects the scalp
• Flexular psoriasis causes red shiny patches in folds of skin e.g. between the buttocks or under breasts.

TREATMENT

As the causes of psoriasis are unknown treatments that work are hard to find and whether or not a treatment will work depends entirely on the treatment. There are steroid creams, ointments, emollients and tars all designed to try and aid in the relief of psoriasis. I have tried dozens of different types and none have worked whereas my Granddad who suffered with psoriasis on his knees simply applied sudacream daily and it disappeared (and before you ask I’ve also tried every non scented non prescription cream I can think of as well).

There is also a treatment known as PUVA which uses a tropical cream or medicine combined with UV treatment (controlled at a hospital) to treat the skin. Psoriasis and acne are the only skin conditions that doctors recommend exposure to the sun for although it should be controlled to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
There are also numerous alternative remedies that you can try to rid psoriasis such as homeopathy and herbal remedies.

MY CASE PART 2

I have tried a lot of different creams such as dovobet, dovonex, dithrobate, E45, epiderm, sudacream (the list goes on), I’ve also tried using sun beds although I can’t use them for long as I am fair skinned with red hair and freckles therefore at higher risk of getting skin cancer!! I have had a course of homeopathy and am currently spending £140 per month on a Chinese herbal remedy which includes two cups of the most disgusting tea ever made, twice a day and lathering myself in a cream that smells similar to Vicks vapour rub twice a day. I’m at a point where I will try anything as I am so sick of feeling bad a bout my skin. I’m only 20 and don’t feel like I can wear skirts or dresses because my legs are so red and dry where my psoriasis affects them and every time summer is on it’s way round and I’ve booked a holiday I hope and pray for it to go so I’ll feel comfortable in my shorts/bather. In my experience people in foreign countries don’t really understand psoriasis and can’t hide their disgust. There is a bonus that as soon as you get in the pool everyone else gets out so you have the whole pool to yourself but that’s a benefit I can live without if I can just get rid of this!!

In my experience it is best to try not to let the condition get to you too much, you’ll only make it worse. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that might help:

• Do Keep your skin well moisturised with fragrance free moisturisers as often as possible
• Do give your skin time in the fresh air to breath.
• As tempting as it is Don’t scratch
• Don’t use heavily perfumed creams
• Do drink plenty of water
• Don’t eat lots of seafood or drink alcohol excessively
Also I would advise purchasing a good vacuum cleaner (no jokemy carpets supposed to be blue not blue with white speckles YUK!!)

TRIGGERS

Again the lack of knowledge about psoriasis makes it hard to identify triggers but it is believed that stress and illness can bring on a bought of psoriasis. Personally I’m not ill and don’t feel stressed but the worse my psoriasis gets the more I worry about it, which in turn can lead to stress I suppose.

ADVICE

Psoriasis can affect many different aspects of people's lives - it is not only coping with the treatment that can be difficult but also coping with other people's reactions to the skin changes. (Psoriasis Association Website)

In my experience my GP has done the best he can for me but their lack of knowledge makes it a difficult subject to work with. Even the Herbal remedy shop that usually guarantees results will not do so with psoriasis. My GP and dermatologist have advised as best they can but I do feel that they should be given further training on the affects of psoriasis. I’m not the type of person to openly tell my GP how stressed or depressed I am about my condition unless he asked me. Not once have I been asked how it makes me feel and I think that this is important. Excuse the language but when my psoriasis is as bad as it is now I feel shit about myself, so much so that I’m willing to spend £140 a month that I don’t have to try and rid me of this ailment.

Another place to go to get good information and advice is the Psoriasis Association. They are a charity currently doing research into the causes of psoriasis and you can find them at www.psoriasis-association.org.uk or
Email: mail@psoriasis.demon.co.uk

There are lots of different books available on coping with psoriasis but I’ve never read any and whether or not they are worth a shot is down to your personal opinion. Detox plans are also supposed to help with psoriasis but I would recommend consulting your GP before embarking on anything like this as it could end up making your condition worse.

OVERALL

Psoriasis is a condition that affects your skin and can also affect how you feel mentally and emotionally about yourself. The affects on a person should not be taken too lightly and anyone suffering from psoriasis or who has been affected by it through family or friends can contact the Psoriasis Association for help and advice. It is currently affecting me but, although it does get me down at times, it is best to remember that it usually comes and goes and so stressing about it isn’t going to get you anywhere. If anyone wants any advice, someone to chat to about it or more information on the treatments that have worked for me then I will be happy to help. Just send me a message, private if preferred and I’ll make sure I respond.

I hope this has been helpful.

Thanks for reading
Jayne x x x
 

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