Advise-Don't know where to start

Hi doll! First of all let me just say I know how you feel, I’m a 19 year old girl and had my first flare up too and the effects are a lot more than just skin deep despite what non psoriasis-sufferers think! My scalp psoriasis has become particularly bad, and I’ve been there and done that with steroids, my best advice would be to soak your hair/scalp in olive oil (you can get the cheap generic brand stuff in Tesco/aldi or anywhere really) and COVER your hair/scalp in the stuff and sleep with it in over night, this softens the psoriasis scales! I then comb all the plaques and build up psoriasis out the next morning, and then apply cocois (this is like a coal tar treatment) or whatever steroid ointment I’ve been prescribed (I’ve been on a lot, betnovate, betacap, diprosalic blah blah blah) this will sting but don’t worry that’s normal!, leave this on for another couple of hours and then wash your hair and apply the steroid ointment each night before bed and wash hair in the morning with a coaltar shampoo if possible :) I know this is very taxing, but it does relieve the symptoms until you find a more permanent solution when you can see your GP in person! As for the joint pain, I know psoriatic arthritis is very common and whilst I don’t have it myself and can’t offer any personal advice there, Ive heard taking supplements such as vitamin B12, vitamin d, zinc and calcium have been really affective. There are a lot of natural ways to cure psoriasis which I have also tried, however I find it more convenient to go down the pharmaceutical route, but everyone is different! :) I hope this has been of some help!

Ask to see a dermatologist (derm), who specializes in skin problems every day. Tell them about family history. They may also recommend a rheumatologist. There are (typically) four medical steps for treating P or PA. 1. Mild = creams 2. Medium = phototherapy (UVB) 3. Bad = pills 4. Severe = injections If psoriasis is leaving someone unable to walk (disabled), then it may make sense to ask the derm for a biologic (injection) for psoriatic arthritis, like Taltz. This calms the immune system and stops the body attacking its own joints, etc. Some biologics can be strong, however, so be mindful of side-effects. Good luck.

Thanks I think for me at the moment even getting a referral to a specialist dermatologist is proving to be difficult despite asking for my GP to refer me on. I get the impression that everyone has their own way to control their symptoms and its just matter of finding what works for you. Just feels like a bit of an uphill battle at the minute but trying to remain positive.

So sorry to hear you are not getting help. It really can be so hard to get the help that the NHS is obliged to provide. This goes for so many things in my experience, some life threatening. I got my husband a specialist consultant appointment by reading out the NICE guidelines to the GP, good job I did as turns out he had cancer. Have you telephoned the helpline on this website. I did and it was so good to talk to someone. I would suggest you try it. And be persistent with the doctors.

BTW my daughter seems to think GP s are reluctant to refer to consultants as it comes out of their budget? Not sure but probably is some cost reluctance somewhere.

Oh not tried the helpline that might be a good port of call thank you. I think I just feel utterly frustrated that I can't seem to get anywhere. Amazingly I actually work for the NHS myself and am amazed at how different teams can seem to offer different levels of service. Of course the team I work for are the best though. I think for me everything just seems like a battle when really it shouldn't be. Sounds like your hubby is lucky to have you fighting in his corner what an amazing wife you must be. 😀 thanks for your advice Yvonne.

Hi all. I too have just been diagnosed as having scalp psoriasis for the first time. My GP advised using a baby shampoo and the pharmacist advised a medicated one. Not sure which is best, my scalp is so sore, inflamed and itchy. I'm also booked in the hairdressers next week for a colour treatment, not sure this is a good idea. But hate the fact of not colouring my grey roots!!! I start using treatment tomorrow as GP prescribed a mousse that I need to collect. I have really curly hair and use products to combat frizz, I imagine I'll have to stop using products too. I will do anything to stop the painful burning itch of this condition, although feel like I can't leave the house!!! Any advice would be much appreciated.