on the verge of a break down :(

[missarsenal]

I am currently covered from my head downwards with dry scaly patches that only psoriasis sufferers would recognise. Got asked yesterday if i had scabies!! made me want to run home and hide under my duvet. So many ignorant people out there but my self esteem is lost. Ive forgotten who i am all i think about is my skin. Its so hard as im itchy all the time my GP has been changed recently and my new one hasnt got a clue. She prescribed me a anti-histamine ffs. I feel like pretending to be a muslim and wearing a burkha. I have got so depressed and know i need help but have no one to talk to. If anyone has any advice i would take it gladly because im even crying while writing this. It will just be nice to talk to someone who is going through the same thing

[Fred]

Hello Charlene, you have found people who DO know what you feel like. Psoriasis can be a right pain in the Bum sometimes, not only for the way it makes you feel, but for the way people look at you and comment. The problem with those people is they are not educated! I bet they wouldn't go up to a person with cancer and say Oi Baldy!

As for someone asking if you have scabies, again that's just down to ignorance. People just don't understand how psoriasis can make you feel depressive. Unfortunately there will always be people like that, and to be honest they are not worth knowing. You're not loosing out by it they are, they are the ones who will probably never have genuine people in their lives.

Demand your GP sends you to a Dermatologist, they can work with you to help you cope. But my personal advice is, you do have to learn to accept it, live with it, and keep a positive attitude. Once you start doing that you will find the psoriasis will start to calm down. I know it's not easy, but you have made a start by putting something down on here.

We don't have all the answers, but we can offer you a place where you can talk with others who understand. And if all else fails take a few minutes and have a read through the post in the [Group Specific] Boards I'm the sensible one in there.

[Hanna]

Sorry to hear you feeling so down with your skin.

Your GP may not be over familiar with psoriasis as anti-histomenes won't always take away the itch.

You can keep moisture creams in the fridge so when you apply they are cool, what I would suggest is only apply a thin amount of moisturiser and rub in with the direction of hair growth, ie on your legs use downward strokes.
If you have scratched and caused open sore areas avoid putting cream on the area as this can make things worse.

How long have you used E45 for? It may be worth trying another type of moisturiser I have found epaderm a good one which you can get on prescription.

Cool salt baths may also help, but try not to scrub your flakes off.

I see you England, if you live in my area I would be happy to meet with you! I remember how alone I felt when I first had a very bad flare and my GP gave me no help. PM me if you want!

I am 90% covered currently but I'm not in pain and my itchiness isn't to bad so you can get there it just takes time in finding what can give you relief.

Try to keep your chin up and don't worry about crying it helps get some of the stress out xx

[Hanna]

The other bit of advice I have is to find out what creams/treatments you may like to try....and tell your GP. What you want, in my experience they will go with the flow and write a script out.

As Fred has said also ask for a derm referral make sure you tell GP that your skin is getting you down and make sure they look at your skin, I've seen a few GPs that don't even ask to see it

[missarsenal]

Thanks for the advice

The only the thing the doctor has ever prescribed for me is dovobet and has told me to get out in the sun. Sun?? we live in england we have no sun!! and i chucked the antihistamine away after a week as it didnt help at all. I tend to use the simple range when showering and washing as it has no chemicals but it can be very expensive. I dont know of any other creams the doctor can prescribe. I have a sunbed twice a week and that helps a bit but not with the itching its worse at night as i scratching so much i cannot sleep.

[Fred]

Thanks for the advice

The only the thing the doctor has ever prescribed for me is dovobet and has told me to get out in the sun. Sun?? we live in england we have no sun!! and i chucked the antihistamine away after a week as it didnt help at all. I tend to use the simple range when showering and washing as it has no chemicals but it can be very expensive. I dont know of any other creams the doctor can prescribe. I have a sunbed twice a week and that helps a bit but not with the itching its worse at night as i scratching so much i cannot sleep.

You must see a Dermatologist! you should not be using Dovobet and Sun Beds together. stop using the Sun Beds, there are different types, and you need the right one. Also slowly come off the Dovobet.

[Lady Bugley-Ah]

Hello!
You have come to the right place here, where no one will judge you because of your skin and you will find plenty of good advice, support and a sprinkling of good humour too!
I know it's difficult but try to stay positive! As the others have said you must see your gp and get a referal to a specialist and hopefully soon things will change for the better.
You are right about the rubbish weather here but sunshine is the best cure (well definitely for me anyway) and Fred has a few covert techniques that you can try out next year if we ever get some sun.
Good luck
Lady B

[missarsenal]

It was my doctor who recommended sunbeds after prescribing dovobet!! what a joker but i will take your advice fred thanks very much. Cheers simon i will take a look at it. Its nice to find not only a fellow sufferer but a fellow gooner on here i dont feel as alone now as i did 2 hours ago. lady i appreciate all the advice not just from you but from everyone. I have a doctors appointment monday morning so i will be in there kicking up a stink. thank you so much everyone xxx

[Lady Bugley-Ah]

That's exactly what I mean! Go girl - good fighting talk X

[missarsenal]

I also have the gel one and my routine is pretty much like yours. Shower, wash with the simple range soap and shower gel pat down then i apply the gel. I have only really used E45 lotion but will try other products like baby oil mentioned as anything is worth a go..

Ps simon great results this year with the arsenal we are gonna win the league lol (although my boyf dont agree as hes a hammer, he actually thinks theyve got a chance of winning, yes he does live in cloud cuckoo land )