Jeremy's Story

Finding Relief After 20 Years: One Man’s Psoriasis Journey. Jeremy shares his story with us this Psoriasis Awareness Week.

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I first noticed a small scaly patch on my scalp around 30 years ago, when I was 27. Being a typical bloke, I ignored it for a while—assuming it was just dandruff.It wasn’t.

Within months, most of my scalp became sore, red, and covered in thick scales. I eventually went to the GP, who prescribed Cocois, coal-tar shampoo, and a nit comb.

For a couple of years, I kept using these treatments with limited success. The results were messy and smelly, and my clothes and bedclothes were constantly stained with oil. I hated it, but I reminded myself that others had things far worse.

Over time, small patches began to appear on my elbows and knees, and I noticed pitting on my nails. Still, I put off going back to the doctor. Like many people, I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time or clog up already long waiting lists.

As the years went on, my psoriasis spread—lower legs, upper arms, lower back, thighs—you name it. My skin was constantly itchy, sore, and scaly. After years of bouncing from one GP appointment to another and trying countless creams, ointments, and moisturisers, another challenge appeared: arthritis.

I was eventually referred to a dermatologist, but the waiting list was two years long, so I tried to manage things as best I could. By this point, around 80% of my body was covered in psoriasis, and my joints—especially my hands, feet, hips, and spine—were in agony.

At one stage, I was taking 30 tablets a day and covering myself in lotions and steroid creams. I was eventually referred to both a dermatologist and a rheumatologist. Over time, I tried a variety of treatments in addition to my co-codamol, naproxen and sulfasalazine, including methotrexate, ciclosporin, leflunomide, tramadol, methocarbamol, and light therapy. Finally, both specialists agreed to pursue adalimumab (Humira).

In April 2015, I took my first injection. Within three months, my psoriasis had reduced to less than 25% coverage, and the improvement in my arthritis was genuinely life-changing.

Ten years later, I’m still on adalimumab, along with a smaller cocktail of daily meds (12 instead of 30!). I still get occasional flares, but you wouldn’t know I have psoriasis or arthritis unless I told you.I’ve been very lucky. The side effects are minimal, and even then, significantly better than the alternative. I’m now also living with blood pressure medications and statins to control cholesterol, and with my regular monitoring, I’m reassured that my broader healthcare is being well supported.

My advice?
It took me 20 years to find the right treatment. Looking back, I wish I’d gone to the doctor sooner and been more disciplined about follow-ups. If you’re struggling—don’t wait. Keep control of your diary. If your doctor says come back and see me in three months… go back and see them in three months… not six, or 12, or 18 as I did. It will help you and your doctors find the treatment that works for you, and I promise you, it’s worth it.