Hello from Michigan

[stoneheart]

Hi my name is Pam,
I am having what I think is psoriasis. I am finding small patches of red itchy scaly patches of skin here and there, and am battling very thick patches of it all over my scalp.
I live in Po-Dunk, and have not told my Dr. about this yet. If I sneeze he wants to send me in for every invasive test known to western medicine.
Really, I am just in the last few days figuring out what is going on.

I had the scalp issue before many years ago, and remember finding a tar shampoo that I used diligently and it did eventually go away. But it is back with a vengeance.

The small patches, (The biggest one is approaching the size of a dime) are popping up here and there, and am finding more everyday.
I am so frightened I am afraid to share this new discovery with anyone in my life.
~Pam~

[jiml]

Hi pam and to the forum, glad you have chosen to come here to talk about your condition, it takes a lot of courage to contact people and tell them about your psoriasis. Here you will find a great bunch of people with psoriasis in common. I would go and see your doctor as it is a very common condition and the worst he will do is refer you to a dermatologist who will know straight away if it is psoriasis.
There is a treatment out there that will control the condition. On this forum you will get friendly understanding people who will tell you of their experience and how they're controlling it. On here there are lots of posts on natural and prescribed treatments that are available and you have probably noticed there are no annoying ads to view or links to other sites.
We are all here to help each other and I hope you will keep coming and let us know how things are going.
I would "come out" to family and friends most people will be supportive and when it's out it will be a load off your mind, and if you can get a positive attitude it will help, stress is bad for psoriasis so try to stay calm (easier said than done)
Stay strong
Jim

[mataribot]

Welcome to the forum! The tar shampoo works wonders. However, I am having difficulty finding it these days. Psoriasis can lead to other complications - it's best to keep it monitored.

[Fred]

Hello Pam to Psoriasis Club.

You say "You think you have psoriasis" and although what you describe does sound like psoriasis, I would recommend you get a professional diagnoses as it could be something else and some treatments can make other skin problems worse.

I also agree with Jim, get it out in the open, at least with a family member or a close friend it will help a huge amount to talk about it.

But get it confirmed first.

Regards.

Fred.

[Caroline]

Hello ~Pam~,

Welcome to the forum.
Hope you will enjoy yourself over here, it's a nice couple of people with always someone around with a listening ear, some words and even some advice.
There is a lot of experience available in all directions of dealing with psoriasis, "if" yours is psoriasis anyhow.
So indeed like the others are saying, do get the advice of a dermatologist. They indeed are capable to diagnose. Treatments may be quite a different thing, but there are lots of possibilities.

I can understand that you are frightened, but I can assure you one thing, maybe some friends will leave from your surroundings, but the ones that will stay are your real friends for life.

Come around if you need a talk.

Caroline

[stoneheart]

Yes, I know I need a dermatologist and would actually LOVE to see one and at least get some answers. I am going in for my protime this coming week and will tell them to let doc know whats going on. The big problem is going to be taking time to go to the dermatologist when we find one. As I may have mentioned I live in Po-Dunk. Little tiny town 80 miles away from the nearest city. ugh! I am hoping one of the bigger towns around us that are closer will have one. Thank you for all the warm welcomes!

[jiml]

Hi again Pam
I know you haven't been actually diagnosed with psoriasis,and you say you are a great distance from a hospital with a dermatologist. In that case it would be wise to see your doctor as most will recognise psoriasis it is quite a distinctive and common condition, he may well want to refer you for tests but he may also prescribe something that may well help.
It's unlikely to disappear without some treatment.
If the doctor diagnoses you with psoriasis and you don't want the drugs he offers. There are plenty of natural treatments on this site you could try.
It must be very worrying for you keeping it bottled up and not confiding in family.

I would try to pluck up the courage to talk to someone as it will release a lot of pressure getting it in the open. As we have all mentioned before.
On here you can talk as much as you like and if someone sees you posting you will usually get a reply. Or you can use the pm system I always respond to that within a few hours if I am awake
Jim

[stoneheart]

Thank you for your kind words. I am to have a regularly scheduled blood test this week and will have the nurse let the dr. know whats going on.

[Caroline]

Great, keep us posted Pam.

[stoneheart]

Will do!