Controlling psoriasis

[Natalielouise]

Hi I am new to forums so could struggle a bit! I was diagnosed with psoriasis in 2012 when I was heavily pregnant with my son. I have used all sorts too help keep it under control, it can really get me down alot and I wouldn't even dream of going swimming or wear dresses these days.

[Fred]

Hello Natalielouise and   to Psoriasis Club.

Are you seeing a dermatologist? I ask because going by your profile it sounds like you are wasting your money and should be getting proper treatment.

The product you mention in your profile isn't going to help psoriasis, it's just an expensive moisteriser.

Quote:

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Active ingredient:
Salicylic acid 3%    

Inactive ingredients:
aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, cetearyl alcohol, urea, isopropyl palmitate, polysorbate 60, beeswax, dimethicone, allantoin, zinc PCA, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, sodium PCA, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), cetyl alcohol, tocopheryl (vitamin E) acetate, sodium phytate, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin

Yawn. I'm sorry but you would be better off using a good Coconut Oil and saving your money.

But seeing a dermatologist is the way to go, and will be cheaper for you.

Regards.

Fred.

[Natalielouise]

Hi Fred thankyou for my welcome I know exactly what you mean!! The product I use comes from America and it helps keeping the scaling at bay but that's pretty much it! I have just started using coconut oil which helps keep the skin moisturised longer just wish it would go away as I have it on my legs etc which has really limited me on what to wear especially warmer weather as I try and keep it covered. I have seen my doctor quite a few times but keep sending me on my way with again more ointments which I am always telling them it's not doing anything but seem to be getting nowhere.

[jiml]

Hi Natalielouise and welcome   to the forum ...if you feel you are struggling just post anywhere and someone will jump in and help you .....it's a difficult disease to cope with and I can understand your reluctance to wear clothes that reveal any skin or go swimming ......the best advice I can give is get your GP to refer you to a dermatologist and tell them of your concerns of self confidence and they should start to get you onto a treatment that will clear your skin.....these days there is no need to suffer, there are many treatments available that can control your psoriasis. The one I'm on after a lifetime of living with the disease has now given me 5 years clear of the disease

Enjoy your time here and you will find all the members happy to share their experiences and offer advice

A great way to keep up with the latest news about psoriasis and members posts is to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter just click on the link Groups

[Fred]

Hi Fred thankyou for my welcome I know exactly what you mean!! The product I use comes from America and it helps keeping the scaling at bay but that's pretty much it! I have just started using coconut oil which helps keep the skin moisturised longer just wish it would go away as I have it on my legs etc which has really limited me on what to wear especially warmer weather as I try and keep it covered. I have seen my doctor quite a few times but keep sending me on my way with again more ointments which I am always telling them it's not doing anything but seem to be getting nowhere.

By that I'm guessing you are in the UK? I have noticed recently a lot of UK members finding it difficult to get the treatment they deserve in the UK. Looks like you are in the postcode lottery and you need to be firm with them.

Have a look at this thread: NICE Quality Standards for Psoriasis

Coconut oil won't make it go away, but it will do a better job than the expensive moisturisers that are so called designed for psoriasis. Those products are only there to empty your wallet and make people money.

I would suggest you push your GP for a consultation with a dermatologist and tell him/her that you quality of life is not good. Fill out one of these: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) fib a bit if you need to, but insist that you see a dermatologist.

[Natalielouise]

Hello and thankyou very much for the warm welcome! I will press them at the doctors about this you really have to keep at them as I feel like I get nowhere with them for anything!! The main thing for me is shaving as it's like a blood bath when I do so! Any advice on this from anyone would be a massive help thanks again

[jiml]

Hello and thankyou very much for the warm welcome! I will press them at the doctors about this you really have to keep at them as I feel like I get nowhere with them for anything!! The main thing for me is shaving as it's like a blood bath when I do so! Any advice on this from anyone would be a massive help thanks again

I can't help with the shaving   but agree with fred you must push your doctor for a referral and as Fred says lay it on....it must be bothering you or you wouldn't be buying expensive creams and hunting out websites ....
So tell them you are depressed because of it tell them your self esteem is at a low ebb..tell them the creams they prescribe are not working and you need to see a proper dermatologist ....tell them you have read here that there are treatments that can make your life better
Don't take no for an answer ...be pushy  

[Grizzly Bear]

Natalielouise

Don't worry Natalie, you're not alone when it comes to swimming, wearing clothes etc etc you poor lady you.

I wear long sleeved t-shirt's in the summer

Until you can get to see a dermatologist, I recommend wearing loose cotton clothing.

Not sure what washing powder / liquid you use, but I would strongly recommend non bio.

Fairy is brilliant and persil too.

Shaving, that's a little tricky. I would say use your shaver / razor very carefully and run it over your legs lightly rather than putting to much pressure on it.


GB

[Kat]

Welcome!

As has already been said there are a lot of treatments available today that help, I hope you are able to get on one of them soon. Keep pushing them until you get results!

As for shaving. I never had much psoriasis on my legs, however I did have a condition that required me to be careful when I was able to go back to shaving my legs. The therapist highly suggested an electric razor as it would make it harder to cut myself. You'll still have to be very careful though and not sure even that would work well with psoriasis but perhaps worth a try.

[Caroline]

Hello Nathalielouise,

Welcome to psoriasisclub.

It is odd isn't it, that you try to cover yourself outside, while in fact you should not, as the effect of the sun on your skin, creating vitamin D, is very helpful.
That is at least what I would try to do, to do some sunbathing on a place where you cannot be seen and with as less on as possible. It should help, vitamin D is a know factor in healing Psoriasis, think of the effects of light treatment.

The others have already given very directions on the way to go.

Enjoy yourself on the forum.
Caroline.