Sat-16-05-2015, 00:24 AM
(Fri-08-05-2015, 11:06 AM)AmandaL Wrote: So I wanted to give an update on my progress so far.
Scalp - Scalp is quite bad, but using t-gel on it so hopefully that will go down soon
face - fine, not really been a problem since I was about 16, although around my nose gets very dry
Ears - seemed to have cleared up well
stomach & back - cleared up a lot over the past week or so
arms - not too bad, occasional bit of psoriasis, elbows are quite dry, but not cracking
hands -a few pustules appeared after coming off cyclosproine, but they have disappeared, but now just dry skin on palms (and slightly swollen from arthritis), knuckles have a little bit of redness, but nothing too extreme
genital area - quite red patches, but not itchy
legs - legs have a lot of tiny patches, but bearable
feet - I just need new feet to be honest, they are an absolute mess to the point where I've had to wear bandages, trainer socks, fluffy socks and tights over them today in order to be able to walk on them without pain.
Re Feet:
This would be my typical routine.
A morning foot soak in a bowl of lukewarm water with oil/emollient of choice. (This is when I have my first coffee and possibly a quick catch up with social media).
Pat dry and massage with oil/emollient of choice for 10 mins. (Combine with a bit of TV for distraction but NOT Jeremy Kyle).
Wrap in cling film and RAISE FEET. This helps reduce the heat (my feet feel hot enough to cook eggs on sometimes).
Apply bamboo socks (5 pairs for £6 in Tesco) and oversized fluffy slippers if you're not going out. I personally avoid tights if possible as they make my feet even hotter.
Relax/meditate/read a book/phone a friend - stress is fuel to psoriasis.
Essential housework only and at a steady pace.
If going out, bandages (over cling film as it reduces friction), bandages/socks, thick sanitary towels as shoe pads. In fact whatever it takes to feel reasonably comfortable.
Plan the journey to incorporate as little walking as possible and/or conveniently available rest stops (thank god we have lots of cafes around here).
I repeat this all in the evening and, if possible, in the afternoon.
I can't stress enough the importance of doing some form of relaxation at convenient intervals throughout the day and asking for help when you feel it's all getting too much. We are always here for support.
Oh and I will probably get a for this but, usually the advice is to leave pustules alone. Sometimes I feel like I'm walking on concrete bubble wrap so, yes, I sterilise a needle and I pop the annoying bu**ers.
My routine started out as a bit of a kerfuffle but it's surprising how you eventually think nothing of it. Some people take longer to do their hair (although it's rumoured that Fred takes about 5 seconds on his).