Introduction robwil684

[robwil684]

Hi Everyone,
I live in Andover, Hampshire in the UK. I have had Psoriasis since around 2002 and over the years it has steadily worsened and I may be getting psoriatic arthropathy  (arthritis) in my joints just to make things worse!!
I currently have a moderate amount on the usual places and torso/back and it has been bugging me for a while now (about 2 years since I was last clear)
I had a bad flare up in 2008 and was covered in P, but it cleared up nicely after spending 6 weeks sunbathing for about 15 minutes each day (I was in the Army in Afghanistan) after which I was mostly clear.
I have tried all the creams and ointments and none of them do any good for me. I want to try some UVB treatment but the NHS doctors are rubbish and aren't interested so I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge or experience of a commercially purchased UVB lamp and how expensive/effective they are?
Any information would be great as I am seriously thinking of spending some money on one soon.
Rob

[Fred]

Hello Rob to Psoriasis Club, nice intro.

Unfortunately 1 in 10 go on to get psoriatic arthritis, but there are things that can help. You mention NHS Doctor, are you seeing a dermatologist? If not demand your GP to refer you to one, they will be able to work with you to find some relief.

I'm not up on Lamps myself, but you do have to be careful in your choice. I have read before that Pure UVA sunbeds are ineffective for the treatment of psoriasis and you need UVB. Obviously you should protect your eyes and use plenty of moisturiser.

These threads may be worth a read.
Free Psoriasis Treatment
9/10 English Sunbeds fail safety limits
Sunbed use increases risk of melanoma.

I think Krissie uses one I will give her a shout for you.

Regards.

Fred.

[Krissie_Wright]

Hey Rob,

Welcome to the forum... I am currently having home UVB treatment having borrowed a machine to see how it does me. The units are pretty decent quality, around 6-7ft tall and can lurk unassumingly in the corner of a bedroom.

If you are interested in looking into units (which can range in price from £200 to £2000 depending on size and brand) pop me an IM here and I will send you details of some websites where you can browse the catalogues.

OH, and stay away from UVA... That is the one that causes skin cancer as it gets further into your tissue while UVB is less invasive and treats the surface layers.

Krissie

[KyPrincess]

Hi Rob! Welcome to the forum!

[robwil684]

Thanks everyone for your comments and welcomes.
I thought I had tried a lot of products but there are quite a few mentioned on here that I have never heard of before!
I think my problem has been that I gave up on treatments a while ago as they didn't seem to be working and as the NHS never seemed interested, I just put up with it.
I have a little boy now, just turned 1 a few weeks ago. My wife goes swimming with him and I go and watch occasionally but don't get in as I feel embarrassed at my skin. I would like to join in so have refreshed my determination to sort it out.

[Fred]

Thanks everyone for your comments and welcomes.
I thought I had tried a lot of products but there are quite a few mentioned on here that I have never heard of before!
I think my problem has been that I gave up on treatments a while ago as they didn't seem to be working and as the NHS never seemed interested, I just put up with it.
I have a little boy now, just turned 1 a few weeks ago. My wife goes swimming with him and I go and watch occasionally but don't get in as I feel embarrassed at my skin. I would like to join in so have refreshed my determination to sort it out.

I know it's difficult but try not to be embarrassed about psoriasis, we are not all perfect in the way we look and those that are probably have something fake Talking about it with someone like a close friend and explaining what it is and how it can affect anyone at any time of their life helps. There's some useful information on the What is Psoriasis page in the menu bar above that can help explain to others'

Yes giving up is the way most people go, I gave up for many years until I couldn't move and had no choice but to get professional help. I'm glad I did, as I didn't realise how much things had moved on over the years.

You didn't mention if you are seeing a dermatologist, It's definitely the way to go with the NHS.

Re the swimming, is there someone not your wife there who is also sitting around and watching that you feel comfortable with? maybe you could start talking about psoriasis and telling them you feel embarrassed about it, you may end up pleasantly surprised, that person may also be embarrassed about going in because of some other reason.

Good Luck, and please let us know how you get on.

[Amy]

Hi Rob,

I agree with Fred, my GP was great at giving steriod cream but that was all he could do. Ask to be refered to a dermatologist and way more options appear - inc light treatement if thats the way you want to go, although my consultant said it would mean 3 treatments a week for 10 weeks (not the easiest when working full time) and that once you stop it can come back.

Dont take no for an answer!!

:o)

[Troll]

Hello Rob

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