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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Psoriasis

22 replies

wineandcheeese · 04/10/2018 15:32

Posting here for traffic as I’m hoping some of you ladies can help me.

I have always had these small scaly patches of very dry red/white bumpy skin on my upper arms. They are worse during winter but tbh don’t bother me hugely normally. HOWEVER I’m getting married soon so I’d really like to get rid of it.

I obviously don’t want to waste a GPs time but after having a quick google it looks like mild psoriasis - can I go into a pharmacy and ask for something to cure this?

Or can anyone recommend a cream/moisturiser?

Thanks

OP posts:

MissusGeneHunt · 04/10/2018 15:35

You wouldn't be wasting a GP's time. If it is psoriatic skin problems they'll help you out. Mine comes and goes in varying degrees, so it's worth a visit. You need to get it diagnosed really. Good luck

InspectorIkmen · 04/10/2018 15:35

You’ll have to see a doctor but I use Dermovate (Clobetasol) when I get this - also in winter. It’s a fairly strong steroid cream but it really works

Alwaysatyke · 04/10/2018 15:36

If it's very mild on elbows and arms you can try an OTC steroid cream like HC45 but tbh if you go to the doctor they'll be able to prescribe you something a bit stronger. Maybe worth trying the mild option first though in case that's enough for you

TangelasVine · 04/10/2018 15:36

Over the counter you could try the child's farm moisturiser, dead sea salts and a milday steroid cream.
I would recommend seeing your GP though if you want to get rid of it there are some good creams that will blast it off!

Alwaysatyke · 04/10/2018 15:37

PS whatever anyone tells you, no moisturiser will cure it. Might stop it getting worse, but it's not dry skin - it's excessive skin growth - so moisturising doesn't make it go away

zucchinicourgette · 04/10/2018 15:39

Are you sure it’s psoriasis? It’s perfectly reasonable to go to the GP about it. There are several possible treatments you can only get on prescription.

If you want to try non-prescription first, any moisturizer will help. Sun exposure as much as you can. And Lush dream cream was very good for my psoriasis.

TangelasVine · 04/10/2018 15:39

Meant to add that's it genetic so worth letting your GP know so they can do checks for the related arthritis later in life. This is rare so don't panic but worth them knowing.

TeddyIsaHe · 04/10/2018 15:45

I would absolutely go to the dr with it. If it is psoriasis there’s every chance it’s only going to get worse without treatment. I’ve had it for 15 years and it’s a pain to get rid of, so nipping it in the bud asap is the way to go.

Dovobet will clear it within a week. I would also suggest taking a high dose of vitamin d (speak to the dr about this) as a flare up often correlates with depleted levels. OTC steroids/creams etc are usually pants, so better to go full whack, control it and go from there. It’s a bloody awful thing to have.

Original poster

wineandcheeese · 04/10/2018 15:50

Thanks for the replies. I feel guilty going to the Dr as it doesn’t cause pain or anything it’s just that I don’t like the way it looks

But maybe I should. It’s true that no moisturiser has ever touched it really.

Is the verdict doctor over pharmacist then?

OP posts:

LakieLady · 04/10/2018 15:51

A friend of mine found that Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream will stop a psoriasis breakout in its tracks. It might be worth a try.

WeeDoughball · 04/10/2018 15:51

I've never had any issues previously but I had a flare up last year (stress related) and had patches all over my torso and arms. The only thing that worked was eumovate cream.

Alsonification · 04/10/2018 15:55

I had it on my feet & ankles. The itch would drive me insane especially at night. It looked like my feet had got badly burned.
I used childs farm moisturizer & it’s completely cleared it. It’s like magic. It’s very cheap in Tesco. Give it a go. It took maybe 2/3 weeks for mine to go.

TomHardyswife · 04/10/2018 16:00

Unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis. I suffer from chronic psoriasis and have done for 23 years.. Since I got married.

It's stress related so would perhaps tie in with being a bit more stressed than usual if you have an upcoming wedding?

Everyone is completely different and there are many different types of psoriasis. My Dsis is a sufferer too (it's hereditary) but hers Is completely different and what works for me doesn't always work for her.

Childs farm moisturiser did nothing for me but Vitamin D tablets and sunlight treatment works wonders for mine.

I think the best start would be going to the GP. On my wedding day, a really good foundation covered the worst of it on my arms.

Lunde · 04/10/2018 16:00

I have had psoriasis since I was 5 (over 50 years now) and have tried most things - some of which have caused damage - but nothing has ever completely cured it.

It is important to go to the GP for a proper diagnosis - I worked with someone who was convinced she had it (it didn't look like mine though) and used to self medicate it. However when she finally went to her GP it turned out to be an allergy to her shampoo causing the red/flaky skin!

Original poster

wineandcheeese · 04/10/2018 17:16

Thanks all. Will makes myself an appointment with the doctor. Hadn’t even considered foundation for my wedding day so thanks!

OP posts:

Frazzled2207 · 04/10/2018 18:28

Absolutely go to the Gp. They can prescribe dovobet which worked for me up to a point.

I then got referred to a dermatologist who prescribed something else which made it go away completely (that was 2 years ago).

jammydodger5 · 04/10/2018 18:36

You will have to go to the gp they will suggest/prescribe cream for you
It's also worth an appointment just incase it is something else
Google isn't a nurse/doctor and can't diagnose you or prescribe medication.

TomHardyswife · 04/10/2018 22:08

OP I use Clinique Redness Solution foundation which is brilliant for coverage on my areas of Psoriasis.

Moneypenny007 · 04/10/2018 22:13

Vichy do a great makeup for covering things it's the derma blend. Look it up on YouTube...amazing.
I have psoriasis too mainly in my hairline. I've inherited it from my mother. She Is much worse. There are links to gut health and psoriasis but how proven I don't know.
I find change in weather or a lot of alcohol drives it mad.

I had psoriasis visable on my wedding day. I don't even notice it in the pics.

Mulberry72 · 04/10/2018 22:17

I have Psoriasis, and the Arthritis that goes with it.

Dovobet works up to a point. Otherwise (in my case) only biologics and DMARDS have touched it

Definitely go to your GP. Good luck, hope you get sorted 😊

LtJudyHopps · 04/10/2018 22:25

I have psoriasis and can also vouch for doctor prescribed dovobet that and heat/sun are the only things that help mine. That hot weather we had was bliss for me as the ones on my body all but went away!! My scalp is flaring up now we’re coming to cold weather again.

nokidshere · 04/10/2018 22:29

The thing is that everyone could tell you what works for them but it still might not work for you. There are lots of different types of psoriasis.

See your gp for a proper diagnosis in the first instance and hopefully what he gives you will help. If it's flaring up you might need a referral to a dermatologist for more sustained treatment. Psoriasis is often associated with other health problems too so it's important to get a proper diagnosis.

I've had psoriasis for 57yrs and the only thing that's ever come close to clearing it for a prolonged period of time are biologics and DMARDS, and even then I'm never completely clear.

I've tried just about every prescribed, over the counter and old wives tale remedy that's out there. I still have it!

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