Psoriasis getting worse..

[NickyP]

Hi everyone,
It's one of those times when psoriasis is totally dominating my thoughts all the time. It is worse than it has ever been and I am getting to the point where I can't go swimming because I get stared at and don't even want to wear t-shirts. And the itching!! It is driving me crazy.
It is all over my back and my backside is covered and it itches a lot. It is gradually covering my arms and legs too. (And scalp)
Regarding lifestyle, I am about to start a new job which I am finding quite stressful. In the weeks leading up to my start date, I can feel myself getting more and more stressed. My work hours are 5am-1pm so tiredness is an issue too, perhaps, with P.
I have tried lots and lots of different creams etc in the past and my GP says she will send me to a dermatologist to look at the possibility of using a UV light treatment for it. Does this work?
I'm using dovobet at the moment but it isn't doing any good... Maybe my body has become immune to it?
I have read about using coconut oil.. Does this work? Do you ingest and put it on your skin?
I have also read about banana skins? Anyone tried these?
In terms of lowering stress, I am planning to do yoga when I start my new job and maybe have a massage more often (all costs money though).
Diet-wise, I'm seeing all sorts of recommendations online.. It is so hard to know what to do!
I know this is a really long post but it's one of those moments when P is just dominating my thoughts and I wondered if anyone has any suggestions?

[Fred]

Hello NickyP I have moved your post to this board as it will get noticed better, as you had already posted an intro. Hi! I've just joined!

Fist off I would say slow down as you could be taking in to much info, as what works for some may not work for others. Most certainly go and see a dermatologist, Jim may have some advice on this as he is in Norfolk too.

UV can work but it needs regulating by a professional to get it right.

Re Coconut Oil: you use it as a moisturiser, you can eat it too but it's best rubbed twice a day on your skin. *Note it will not cure psoriasis, just keep you well moisturised.

Banana skins: Is a myth in my opinion, and is more like a placebo. Again it wont cure but if you believe in it then maybe it could help for a while.

Diet: Some say it can work but I'm not convinced or seen enough evidence, but it won't hurt you to try if you want.

Stress: Is very bad for psoriasis, and yes psoriasis can make you tired.

But most of all I would recommend you get to see that dermatologist.

[jiml]

Hi Nicky
So you are from Norwich as well it's very nice to meet you on here. Get your doctor to refer you to the NNUH where they have a great dermatology department.

With regards to UV it was very good for me and if you can get started on it early you will then be clear before the summer comes and you will be able to uncover and keep it down
Fred swears by coconut oil it's well worth a try.
I have tried banana skins in the past they didn't do anything for me apart from making me smell like a banana.

It's easy for me to say but you should try to destress you life as much as possible and try to keep a positive attitude. It's difficult when the main thing causing the stress is psoriasis.

I would say get to see dermatologist ask about the various treatments you have read about on here, mine Fumaderm is prescribed by the Norwich hospital and has worked great for me, but before they put me on my current treatment they put me on methotrexate. Which is a cheaper option for them, but I found it unpleasant to take.

Feel free to p.m. Me if you want to chat anytime, you will notice I'm usually online

[NickyP]

Hi Fred,
Thank you for replying.. Yes I definitely hope to see a dermatologist. I saw one years ago but the P is way worse now. If Jim knows any good dermatologists in Norfolk then I'd be grateful to know which one is good
I think I will stop ingesting the coconut oil and use it to moisturise.
I do think the stress of this new job is possibly causing the P to get worse. I am going to have to make sure I go to yoga classes.. One problem is, of course, the tiredness due to getting up at 4am.. Not much I can do about it in the short term apart from having an afternoon nap.
Thanks for replying.. It is a minefield out there on the internet, just don't know what is best and actually end up being tempted to try lots of things at the same time!

[Fred]

Hi Fred,
Thank you for replying.. Yes I definitely hope to see a dermatologist. I saw one years ago but the P is way worse now. If Jim knows any good dermatologists in Norfolk then I'd be grateful to know which one is good
I think I will stop ingesting the coconut oil and use it to moisturise.
I do think the stress of this new job is possibly causing the P to get worse. I am going to have to make sure I go to yoga classes.. One problem is, of course, the tiredness due to getting up at 4am.. Not much I can do about it in the short term apart from having an afternoon nap.
Thanks for replying.. It is a minefield out there on the internet, just don't know what is best and actually end up being tempted to try lots of things at the same time!

Jim has just answered above, you may have missed it as you posted the same time.

Yes it is a minefield and don't be to tempted to try everything you find on the internet, as the majority are scams.

[NickyP]

I just spotted it after I had replied! Thank you... Yes will try not to get tempted by too many banana-like ideas!

[jiml]

Thanks for replying.. It is a minefield out there on the internet, just don't know what is best and actually end up being tempted to try lots of things at the same time!

As Fred has said a lot of the things on the net are scams.
There is some good advice on here in natural treatments and prescribed treatments.
I have pm you with dermatologists name.

On here you will not be hassled with ads or pop ups or links to other sites the beauty of this site is that it is independent and run by Fred ( bless him, he tells us he is sensible ) for our benefit to help and support each other and lift each other's spirits when needed
Jim

[Caroline]

Hi Nicky,

Some time no see !!

My two cents, based on what I partly said in my reaction to your intro.

Psoriasis is an immune disease, so you can try to use a lot of things "on" your skin, but that is only fighting the symptoms.
As far as I can see your situation, you are so far that fighting the symptoms is a passed station, you should go for medication.
There are several:
Methotrexate: cheap, dermatologists like it, it's terrible stuff, Krissie of this forum is one of the few pro MTX-fans. (I'm totally anti)
Stelara:ask Fred, he is very positive and with him it works very well.
Enbrel: don't know anyone
Fumaderm/Psorinovo: these are dimethylfumarates, a new but old treatment, both Jim and I use it and we are both very positive. It works for about 70% of psoriasis sufferers.
Diet: there are people that have very good results. But.... The diets are quite extreme.

If you want to know more on a specific treatment, ask. What works for the one person does not have to work for another.

Hope to read from you.
Caroline