Psoriasis

[Pissedoffdotcom]

Looking for some advice from folk who suffer with psoriasis, as feeling a little deflated. Have had psoriasis on my hands & feet for a few years but usually the flare ups are mild; steroid cream deals with the issue. This time my flare up is exceptionally painful & itchy, but i'm now experiencing really sore ankle & wrist pain. Its hard to describe the pain, especially in my ankles, but it is constant. I've been to the nurse practitioner twice in the last 10 days & been given steroid cream, then a stronger one. She seemed unconcerned by the fact i'm feeling pain constantly.

Is there anything anybody has discovered that eases the discomfort any? I intend to go back to my GP & push to see a GP this time, but in the meantime i'm really struggling. Any suggestions would be amazing

In my experience, this is one where you need to get to the root cause of what you are experiencing, rather than just damping it down with ever stronger steroids. Having your vitamin D levels checked and correcting any deficiency would be a good place to start.

Also, if you are now experiencing joint pain, you probably need to rule out psoriatic arthritis.

I think you need to see the doctor.

Do you mean joint pain? Then if so you should be referred to a rheumatologist immediately. Gp's are supposed to assess patients with psoriasis yearly because some of us develop psoriatic arthritis. I have it and due to some idiot doctors mine was left to rampage but if caught early there are very effective treatments to manage it. But with PsA it's catching it early that's crucial.

Yes it's joint pain i'm experiencing now. More so in my ankles but also in my wrists. I have never had follow ups with the GP for psoriasis, only ever get seen when I have a flare up & have visible skin symptoms.

I have a vitamin D deficiency, I take supplements daily for it already. This isn't monitored either, I will get them to check it. The joint pain is all very new, usually my skin flares up, causes problems for a few weeks then disappears.

Then please insist your Gp refers you to a rheumatologist and if necessary tell them about the NICE guidelines if you have one that doesn't know about PsA. Good luck and keep us updated.

Thank you I will get that sorted. Appreciate your help!

Yes please go to your GP immediately. I've had Psoriasis for 16 years and earlier this year started getting pain in my knuckles and wrists. I went to the dr and asked if it could be psoriatic arthritis and she referred me straight away to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me and got me on meds straight away. I currently have no swelling and no pain (which is wonderful as I couldn't even pick the kettle up due to the pain) and it's totally manageable. But you have to catch it early. Good luck!

Evening primrose oil is wonderful, apply liberally (wipe of excess obviously).

You need a referral for rheumatology... The sooner the better