Help please- this really hurts.

[youaretheonethingonmymind]

I have psoriasis- over the years I’ve tried all sorts of creams, barriers, ointments- everything over the counter. I’ve also tried all sorts of steroids and prescribed medications- I’ve been using enstiller recently which has been helping more than the others but not great either.

I’m really, really struggling with a stubborn patch behind my ear. It’s red, angry and painful and getting bigger. It’s only on one side, the other side is completely clear. I’ve been avoiding getting it wet and drying it if it does, and I’ve been avoiding getting it irritated in the cold weather. Nothing is helping it and it’s agony. Has anyone ever had psoriasis or eczema here and have any advice on dealing with it? The whole side of my head hurts because of it and I’m really struggling with it. I’m under dermatology and due a review appointment soon but can’t get booked in for a sooner appointment unfortunately.

I’ll post a photograph below

Please try the hydrocolloid patches OP, I think it will really help

I've had psoriasis since childhood so you have my sympathies OP. I use elocon ointment, it's the only thing that works with mine.

Just posting a little update. I’ve got an appointment on Wednesday and I’m counting down the minutes as this is getting unbearable now.

i can’t see it either so I’m relying on photographs and it looks so embarrassing. It hurts so much and I’ve been sleeping sitting upright as the pain from rolling onto it during the night is unbearable. I’ll post a photo of it today

You poor thing! No advice I'm afraid, just good wishes and a left-field suggestion, have you tried acupuncture?

I feel for you. For me E45 psoriasis cream worked really well - I have it on my ankle (only one leg) so the getting wet/dry thing is a nightmare but this really helped.

That looks like "inverse" type. Dermatologist needs to prescribe a foam or gel (enstillar or dovobet) that will sit in it. You are right to avoid dampness, really really dry it after washing, with a hairdryer if necessary. Avoid any shampoos or cleansers with SLS. I find Drapolene antiseptic nappy cream very soothing on inverse psoriasis in other areas. I have even used it on my face before! Use as often as needed. Added benefit that it's a barrier against moisture. I'm just a long time patient not a HCP. Hope you find some comfort soon.

Oh you poor thing, that looks really painful. Roll on Wednesday and I hope you get a diagnosis and swift, effective treatment 👍 🙏

Thanks. I’ve never tried acupuncture before but will definitely see about trying it in the new year. I’m desperate for this psoriasis to stop and I’ll give anything ago! The rest of my psoriasis has flared up and is bad but my ear is the most painful and keeps splitting and I think it’s infected now too because it’s hot and sticky. Counting down the minutes until I can get it looked at and fixed x

My mum has psoriatic arthritis. The only thing that worked for her was methotrexate. Didn’t do much the arthritis but no psoriasis for years now

Hi, just posting an update 😢 unfortunately I still have the problem. My appointment had to get cancelled and unfortunately I haven’t been able to get it looked at yet- I’m hoping to get it seen as soon as the doctors reopen after the long weekend.

it’s hard to judge if it’s getting worse because I can’t see it without taking photos etc since it’s behind my ear- I think it’s spread a little bit from the initial photo but it’s definitely become redder and more painful and there’s yellow crusts round the edge so I think it’s definitely infected now. It’s so painful and i’ve been keeping it covered and clean but it’s getting worse 😭 I’ll post a photo of it tonight below

This is it tonight😞

Poor you. I have it around the tops of both ears but noway near as red or infected. Mine is red/dry and crusty. Not infected but if I scratch, it seeps. I have been to drs over years and been fobbed off. Have patches all over (legs,back).

Mine is caused by products like shampoo/conditioner. Even the ones that say they are sensitive cause Itchy dry patches for me. If I use, patches flare up.

you need to work out what’s causing it. I would try with stop washing your hair with shampoo conditioner and just use water. I would air the infection and keep it cleaned/ dry.
Good luck

The only thing that has helped me is fortnightly injections of duplimab. I had severe eczema that started behind my ears (and in my ear drum) then hit my scalp and became an intense rash all over my torso and inner thighs. It took a while to get referred but eventually got seen at Guys Hospital. It has been an absolute game changer, my skin is 99% clear, no more weeping scabs and nettle rash itching. Immunosuppressant but worth it.

What we use here often is natural coconut oil or tiare oil. It sooths and moisturizes the skin. I have found it very effective for eczema and Heat rashes.

Do you feel Ill at all? Strep A can cause psoriasis to go crazy - I have had a couple of bouts of guttate psoriasis with strep a

I don’t have it that I know of, I’ve felt really tired and a bit crap over the last week but I think that’s just the buzz of Christmas and the after effect of it all! I hadn’t realised strep could cause skin problems though thanks for letting me know x

Just thought I’d post a little update in case anyone’s still about! I think it’s got worse again, even since I posted the photo last night😔 it’s redder and spread more. I’ll try and get another photo of it but it’s so painful and I’m counting down the seconds until the GP reopens so I can get something for it😞

Hi op I've had psoriasis for years, at one stage I was covered head to toe in it. As others have said methotrexate is a life saver for me, I've been on it years and have only a small patch on my back now. When mine was at its worst I used to get patches like yours frequently and I swore by daktacort or fucibet cream it really helps.

Op, do you have a walk in centre or anything like that? I think you should get some medical attention immediately. If that yellow is a sign of infection then it needs to be treated asap.

Im sorry you’re suffering like this, it looks incredibly painful.

My son has psoriasis for years. He finds a product called Remedy Soap helps with the redness

Thank you😭 no, we don’t have an urgent care or walk in place or anything like that, it’s only out of hours doctors for serious things😞 the GP reopens on Tuesday so I’m hoping it starts to heal over the weekend! I went to the pharmacy in case they could give anything but they said it’s infected and nasty looking so they couldn’t do anything either and it needs to be the doctor x

Thank you! Lots of people seem to have had good results with methotrexate, I’m so glad it helped you!

Go get a few dermalux sessions. My friend did this and it healed within a week

Gosh this looks so awful you must be in agony. I hope you get some relief very soon.

That's getting worse and I agree with the previous poster about strep A or impetigo, it's looking yellow around the edges which it wasn't before. The fact you're feeling tired etc would make me seek help before Tuesday. I think you should ring 111, say you have infected psoriasis , it's yellow and weeping and you're feeling generally unwell and can't sleep. They might well just prescribe anti biotics over the phone and you can pick them up from a pharmacy that's open,then see the GP ( it IS an emergency if it's stopping you sleeping) on Tuesday for more advice.