I’m at my wits end - psoriasis

[BobBillby]

I don’t know if it’s age or stress related, but my psoriasis is so much worse these days

im early 40s, not in peri that I’m aware of, but good god… it’s spread in patches all down my arms and legs. My scalp is horrific and I dread the office days in case the flakes are visible or puff out around me

does anyone have any wonder creams that have helped clear it? Getting to the gp is wishful thinking in my area, so looking myself first

Creams never helped me much, sorry. Light therapy is the only thing that has ever made a big difference. Can you hassle your GP for a referral?

Sunbeds OP. They're the only thing that actually works.

I have psoriasis on my scalp, around my hairline. I use Polytar scalp shampoo. It stings like buggery if you have any sores, but it works. I only need to use it once every 10 days or so now as it's under control

The only thing that ever worked for me was injectable biologic medication. But I had to develop psoriatic arthritis to be prescribed that. The fact that it got rid of my visible psoriasis was just a happy side effect.

I'm the same... Horrors of the scalp flakes on dark clothes, in the car, on anywhere I sit .. horrors
I have been to dermatology and get enstiler spray that works... But can't use long term so it comes back. Sick fed up of it.
Have just bought the ginger body shop shampoo to try and a week in it's possibly worse.. going to persevere in case it's a phase then it magically makes it better.
Sympathy to you I get it.

See your GP (I know, I know) and get a proper referal to dermatology. Things I found helpful - phototherapy, some of the creams, tablets.

Lots of info here https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/

Enstilar spray is pretty good but only helps short term. Phototherapy is really good but it does come back. I've been offered methotrexate but not ready to try something so potent yet.

What's your diet OP? Have you tried fasting and a diet overhaul?

Ignore the fasting and diet bollocks above and get a GP appointment, nothing over the counter or lifestyle helps except perhaps sun exposure for some people (not me). Sounds like you might qualify for systemic drugs, methotrexate or similar but if you are of reproductive age and want a pregnancy you can sometimes go straight to biologics which are the best thing. As a pp said above, Enstilar is the best topical treatment I’ve used.

Biologics are a massive game changer. Phototherapy is good short term.

You need to also nail the basics of daily exfoliating and applying topical prescribed creams as well. I often see people where you can tell they don't exfoliate their psoriasis.

I’d disagree with that. Had the dreaded P for 30 years. I have lost 7lbs in the last 4-5 weeks. Psoriasis is much paler, less inflamed etc. same happened last time when I lost weight and in fact started to clear. I think it’s the reduction in sugar personally. I also eat a lot of kefir yoghurt and kombucha. I have had UV treatment over the years at dermatology. Haven’t used medication on my skin for years. Just stick to something like dream cream from lush / aveeno etc.

a combination of oily fish and sunbeds has really helped mine.

If you can, get a private appointment with a dermatologist. Enstilar (mentioned above) and protopic were life changing. Light therapy sadly had no effect.

Another vote for Entstilar here. My dermatologist advised me to phase it out by replacing it with Daivonex gradually to avoid a “withdrawal” flare, which worked well. You really need a specialist.

The carnivore diet is amazing for it.