General
Psoriasis under control - Emma, Hampshire, UK
Never did I think I, and that horrible, dirty and unattractive man on the TV called the ‘Singing Detective’ had anything in common until psoriasis erupted......
I started suffering from it just after my first child was born. I went to my GP complaining of strange spots on my forehead and my chest to be told “don’t worry dear it’s only the time of the month.....” Within 2 weeks I was completely covered with these large saucer shape spots, not an inch of my skin was spared, it was totally unbelievable. The doctor then swiftly packed me off to see a consultant and it was then I heard for the first time the words psoriasis and then guttate. Within ten minutes of giving me his diagnosis he had pushed me out with an appointment at my local hospital for UV light treatment and said I’d now always suffer from it and it may never get any better. I walked out in a complete state of shock and daze that someone could tell me that I might never recover from what I felt was the complete end of the world, in such a harsh and uncaring manner.
In my naivety I went to Florida the following week on a pre-planned holiday and thought – the sun would clear it up quickly having read a little more about the condition. So, without thinking I bared as much as possible but it wasn’t until I was in a departmental store trying on a bracelet that I noticed the sales assistant visibly wincing at my appearance and that was the moment I realised I was no longer ‘normal’ but a leper to be avoided at all costs in case of contamination.
As soon as I got home I embarked on visiting the hospital 3 times a week for UV treatment and after 6 weeks it cleared up – I was just left with massive bruises over my body which took 12 months to clear up. I have learnt the triggers are stress and a bad throat and take measures to rid myself of both as soon as possible. Only once has it temporarily returned to partially cover my body and now I have the occasional spot or two.
I feel incredibly fortunate that I have not had to suffer on a full time basis from psoriasis as many do and totally emphasise and sympathise at how devastating and destructive this chronic condition has on peoples’ lives. (October 2011)
Psoriasis all my life - J, British Columbia, Canada
I am a 20 year old university student who has suffered from psoriasis for my whole life. I was diagnosed by the time I was three and have lived with it ever since. Although my case may not be as severe as some others, I have dealt with all the same problems. I have tried all possible treatment. External and internal. I have done UVB treatments and tried steroid pills and injections. The best treatment so far for me includes strong alcohol based medications applied after a long socking in mineral oil. I have psoriasis on every part of my body that has dense hair. Therefor, my scalp, armpits and genital region. This has created many problems in my social life, although not visible because I am so self conscious that any boyfriend will think I have some sort of sexually transmitted disease. Now I am in a serious relationship, and my partner is very accepting of me having psoriases. So although I understand about how upsetting having psoriasis can be, because I have had it for all 20 years of my life it is now very easy for me to tell people in my life about my problem. I have realized though those who matter don't care, and those who care, don't matter. (March 2008)
Psoriasis and stretch marks - Ellie, Suffolk, UK
I found out about my Psoriasis when I was 16. My family was buying a newly built house, however it wasn't ready. So we were homeless. My parents went to live with my Nan and me and my brother were sent to my Aunt. Here I was very unhappy and one day I noticed a red mark on my
leg. I didn't want to tell my Aunt, and my parents were a long way from my temporary home. So I tried to forget it and it grew for about 4 months spreading on both legs up to the hips and around the genital area. I was very embarrassed and I hated looking at it. Eventually I told my mum and I went to the doctors. I was prescribed various creams and ointments but not many worked. Finally I got given Dovobet ointment. It seemed to work. However after the psoriasis had cleared I got stretch marks from the use of the ointment. After stopping for maybe two weeks, it returned. I am still trying to get rid of it. But it has left me with a very long confidence level. Me being 17 now I'm starting thinking about guys and the psoriasis really doesn't help. I'm embarrassed but it's nice to think it isn't just me. (August 2007)
Difficulties living with psoriasis - Alex, USA
I have psoriasis it sucks I first notice a patch of irritated skin on my elbow during my senior year of high school. It was actually on spring break when it first showed up on my left elbow. I had no idea what it was. I don't no y or how it showed up but it could've been due to the fact that I was drinking heavily during spring break. I went home and went to the dermatologist and she confirmed that it was psoriasis. I don't have a bad case, I'm now 20 years old and have had it for about 2 years, its not my physical pain but my mental pain. I use to be the most confident kid in the world, but now that I have psoriasis I am anything but that my social life has completely deteriorated and people now walk all over me. I use to be really into my body and go to the gym 5 or 6 times a week but now a days I don't even wear T-shirts. It really has effected my life negatively and I hate living with it, I think about it every day. I am a typical college kid except I am living a lie no one knows about my psoriasis except my immediate family and possibly a couple of my friends. I think about it every day especially when I am under the influence of marijuana or alcohol, which is pretty much a majority of the days. I hate having this disorder and I have no idea how to cope with my emotions. People tell me they see a difference in me and I have no idea what to tell them in response I am so afraid that no one will be accepting of my disease and that people will laugh. My friends consider me to be a good looking kid that is very confident of himself but deep down inside I feel nothing, I feel that no one will ever love me and I blame everything on the psoriasis. I have to change something in my life but I don't what to do. (December 2006)
Several of my family have psoriasis - Maxine, Chessington, Surrey
My Dad, sister and myself have psoriasis and my husband also has it. One of my two daughters also developed it. After a nasty relationship my sister had it really bad; you couldn't lay a pin between it as it was all over her body. However mum took her to a acupuncturist and after numerous treatments it cleared to only the odd spot. My Dad on the other hand has tried loads of different treatments. However on holiday in Portugal a few years ago he had a really bad flare up that closed his eyes so he couldn't see. He went to the doctor who gave him cortisone injections that have cleared his completely. My husband on the other hand has had light treatment that does work but he can't have anymore because he has had his lifetime amount of UVA. He's now on Dovobet that is OK though he feels like a butterball turkey when creaming up. I on the other hand can't be bothered cause if their is a cure for one the doctors are not prepared to try it on you only to try something else that either stains your skin which makes you look worse than psoriasis it self. Or you feel like a greaseball. I have tried creams shampoo's and potions and nothing works even the sun makes mine flare up! (September 2006) Contact Maxine
Living with psoriasis - Chrissy, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK
My dad had a terrible accident when I was 10 and was killed, mother sent me away to live with an auntie; since then I've had psoriasis. Bullied at school for having the lergie, I grew up pretending it was not my problem but everyone elses. I knew if I get stressed it comes out. There have been times when my entire body has been covered apart from my face. I've tried everything. For the last 10 years I have willed myself not to get stressed, but all good intentions go to the wall. After my husband left I brought up 4 kids on my own, worked full time. Two kids left home with 2 still here and going through the teenage years. Am tired and feel really down. My skin is suffering again am covered. Doctor just gave me a tube of Dovobet. I used on one leg then it's empty. We are having a heat wave, but I just can't face exposing my self to the public. Am getting to old to keep fighting this. No man looks at me when my skin is bad. I feel very alone, although the kids try their best to help. But I see their friends look away in horror at my red raw skin. I've never written this down and told anyone how I feel. Found this site by accident. Thanx for listening Chrissy (24 July 2006) Contact Chrissy
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Last Reviewed: 29 November 2010
Next Review Date: 29 November 2012
