psoriasis?

[psoriasisstruggle]

My life is currently being ruined my psoriasis. It’s all over me and I’m red raw, cracked and bleeding.

I was prescribed by the derma this week a temporary course of oral steroids as the flare up is severe and topical steroids are making no difference whatsoever.

it’s already made such an improvement- hugely so compared to the topical steroids.

is anyone else on oral steroids for psoriasis? Are they usually given long term or only for short term? I really don’t want steroid tablets if I can avoid them as I know they come with their own set of problems, but for the first time in years my skin is better and I’m comfortable and not cracked and sore. I can actually walk about without being in agony. I can sit down without being in agony. I can get dressed, shower, do normal things without being in agony. Never mind the self conscious element of it.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself but it’s so much better. I don’t want steroids tablets if possible as I know they can be dangerous; but is it an option for psoriasis long term to stop it flaring up etc? Is it even safe to take it long term?

obviously it will be my derma who decides the next step but im not going for a review for a few weeks so just wondered on here if anyone has any knowsledge of this. I could cry with happiness that my skin is starting to get better!

It's interesting to read that others find their PsA isn't confined to specific joints. When mine flares, there are some specific joints, but others flare in a more vague way too and it's hard to point at say for example exactly where the pain is in my hand. I don't get usually swelling.

It's probably not related, but does anyone else get insane chilblains too? I've currently got them on every toe the whole way down each toe and they are driving me a bit nuts with extra itching.

I utterly dread getting sore throats, instant huge flare.

Good luck to him. My husband is currently undergoing light therapy - it's been about 7 weeks now. There's been a slight improvement but nothing drastic yet and still getting new spots appearing on legs and back.

Sorry your DH is going through this. I had light therapy (the closest I'll ever come to being microwaved, hopefully) and found there were delayed effects, so my skin kept getting better even after they stopped the treatment. Maybe your DH will find the same.

Topping it up with natural sunlight also helped - although you won't find much if that at this time of year, if you're in the UK! My psoriasis is mild but usually gets better after I've sunbathed without sun cream in the summertime. Yes, it's advised against, I know, but it really does help...

Just want to chime in and say psoriasis is shit. I developed it in 2013, was misdiagnosed for bloody ages until I went privately, have tried everything (including hospital twice a week for light therapy) and have completely thrown in the towel. Absolutely nothing I can do about it.

It's especially hard when on holiday and getting sideways looks from people thinking ew.

You have my every sympathy.

OP I’m so glad oral steroids are working! I’ve had oral steroids for serious flare up but never long term, from what I know it’s not usual to be recommended to stay on oral steroids, but your derm will know more.
Oral/topical steroids are the only treatment that has worked for me which is scary given the amount of content on topical steroid withdrawal / steroid addiction around right now. I’ve spend hundreds on trying natural solutions, and not a single thing has given the relief and quality Pf life back that proper medical treatment has.

Do any PPs have advice on how you’ve treated psoriasis during pregnancy? Pregnancy triggered a huge flare, so currently only on topical steroids but it’s hard to find any reassurance online on safety in pregnancy.

I was wondering about the biological treatments they is for PA? Could a course of those get it all into remission!

There are biological treatments such as Humira but they are hardcore, and you would need specifically medical advice.

I just want to hug you all.

Psoriasis is shit.

Looks shit. Feels like shit. It is shit.

I actually didn't know a couple of things mentioned here might be linked to my psoriasis (diagnosed 2011). Well fuck. Thank you people.

I am at once heartened and despairing but I might go as far as to go back to the (hugely disinterested) GP and ask some questions.

Has anyone mentioned taking anti histamines to help with the itching? Or Vit D 2000?

My pharmacist said I could take two antihistamines a day when I was tearing myself to bits. It's calm at the moment but I always keep some in the medicine cupboard - I buy the cheaper Cetirizine, not supposed to make you drowsy.

I was interested to see someone had chilblains too - both my daughter and I get them, she has eczema. Do take great care, bathe and dry your feet and get the Snowfire stick and apply to every toe. I was up at 3 am with them one freezing winter morning and thought my toe was going to burst, so very swollen and only a holly bush would help with the itching. If the Snowfire stick doesn't work, smother them in Sudocrem and wear light socks.

I have PSA and after trying various treatments I’m now on a monthly injection I give myself that is specifically for PSA called Cosentyx it has helped me a lot ….. yes I struggle daily but the pain is a lot less than it was and although I didn’t have bad skin psoriasis it has helped where I had it. I also find the steroid injection amazing where the tablets affected me badly mentally within days

My 4 years of guttate psoriasis ended after I stoped using any sulphates and switching to handmade soap. It has never come back for me. Sulphates are detergents that are ok for most people but are not good for people with sensitive skin. During my own research, I found a BBC documentary

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1DjRTHSCZK3h7V6dlxyHRdP/are-my-wash-products-damaging-my-skin

Have you had PUVA treatment?

I used to suffer from psoriasis, over the years went from steroid creams which seem to work for the day and then it returns with vengeance.
Over the years I met with various doctors and dermatologists. I met one particular derm who was doing a tour in the UK and he was getting results at least from the before after photos.
I enquired further and met other people and in particular found someone who explained to me in simple terms what might be going on with my body.
He himself suffered with psoriasis, and recommended a full body detox, the process lasted about 3 weeks and I too had results. The spread reduced over the back and neck areas and was almost completely gone in that period.
I was placed and a diet and was asked to watch what I eat. I have learned over time what works for my body and what does not.
Cheese, dairy, spice, even fish are all triggers for me, and stress is a major player in this space too.

Regards
Bee