Is there anything I can do apart from go private?

[purpleangel17]

Have had plaque psoriasis for several years now, very ugly, makes me very self conscious, never bare legs or shoulders, keep hair long enough to cover neck. Also get pitting of nails and thickening of toenails, my feet are a sight. In recent months I think I may also be getting psoriatic arthritis in one knee. I am 35, very overweight.

GP says psoriasis not severe enough to refer to dermatology and can't do anything about nails. Thinks knee pain just down to being overweight, tells me to take ibuprofen. Prescribes steroid creams but psoriasis always comes back.

Feeling really down about it tonight. Is there anything I can do?

Is there a different GP in the practice?

One other GP, very small village practice

You can ask again for a referral, cite the NICE guidelines as backup and ask for written confirmation and reasons if not.

Then change practice if they refuse.

On a personal note, keeping on top of exfoliation and applying medication to fresh skin is the best way to manage psoriasis.

I think you're right to be concerned about psoriatic arthritis and if I were you I'd be pushing hard for a referral to investigate. It's a horrible disease and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Even if that's not what you have, you should be getting some help and advice about your knee pain. Your GP needs to take this more seriously.

Push for a referral, refer to NICE treatment pathway (Google it) and mention PALS. Change gp if possible....