searching for a cure

Hi, I've had Psoriasis since the age of 17, and I'm now 43. How long ago did you start Methotrexate and are you still on it? How is your skin on it? If not, what are you using now? I've tried pretty much all of the topical creams, ointments etc, rounds of UVB light therapy, and I've just had a medical work-up to start on Methotrexate, currently on waiting list to see the dermatologist which is approx 9 months. It sounds like it's trial and error, try one thing and move on to another. I've no idea what percentage of people living with psoriasis end up clearing their skin.... I'm thinking people on here are still searching?..

Can anyone tell me if they think they know what causes psoriasis? Is it stress or diet or lifestyle or something else. So many 'cures' but there does not appear to be one that works for all. This is illogical and even those cures that appear to work initially become ineffective after a few months. Why cant Doctors, Anallists and Lab investigators find a potion that will help everybody? Is there anybody out there who thinks that they have the answer? I am going through a period of suicidal depression and hope someone can help me. Olive

Support is available from the Psoriasis Association via: Email: mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk Telephone: 01604 251 620 WhatsApp: 07387716439 I'm 49, was diagnosed with psoriasis aged 7, was an inpatient and outpatient to age 16, then discharged from dermatology at the children's hospital. I accepted I'd have psoriasis the rest of my life and for 30 years used T-Gel shampoo, prescribed by my GP, to manage scalp psoriasis. As an adult, I noticed the psoriasis on my body and scalp worsened after particularly stressful events, and improved when I ate healthily. In 2022, on PTSD UK's website, I learnt about the link between skin conditions, including psoriasis, and PTSD. I realised in 2021 I'd had Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) most of my life, so in 2022 I decided to work with a clinical psychologist. Since learning to live more effecively with C-PTSD my skin has dramatically improved. Whilst I'm not completely clear of psoriasis, and may never be, it's now a case of searching for the psoriasis patches, as they are so minimal. There's an interesting article from the Nursing Standard (search "RCNi Open Access Assessing and managing mental health issues in people with chronic skin conditions"). The section "Interaction between mental health and skin conditions" includes: "Understanding the link between mental health and skin conditions is important because their co-occurrence can result in substantially increased disability and distress, and may negatively affect the course of an indivdual's skin condition and their response to treatment. "This means that mental health issues can be: A direct cause of a skin condition A consequence of a skin condition A factor that influences the development and course of a skin condition "Psychosocial factors such as prolonged stress, depressed mood and anxiety can affect a person's inflammatory and immune responses, and so can influence the development of skin conditions and/or exacerbate their symptoms." Hope this helps.

Hi @Ivy, As mentioned by @ElleB, we have a confidential helpline where we can offer support and advice, but we are not medically trained. We understand the link between mental health and psoriasis and how it can impact every aspect of someone's life, but please know that support is out there and you are never alone. You can always reach out to the Samaritans for immediate support https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Best wishes, Georgia - Psoriasis Association