Psoriasis

sheroman01 · 20-02-2019 4:27pm

I use Capasal shampoo and find it quite good. However, my scalp does tend to get very dry and flaky on certain random days. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good leave-in conditioner, oil or something similar? I think trying something like this overnight or during an evening at home might help.

skerry · 20-02-2019 4:30pm

eeloe wrote: »

Mine was the exact same, patches on each elbow, and calf, never got better never got worse, stayed that way for years, just started flaring then.

June last year i had over 80% body coverage!

Yeah just contact your GP and ask them to refer you, i could highly suggest Prof.Brian Kirby in Vincents Private....literally changed my life.

Thanks for that. 80% :eek: thats scary. I'll get in touch with my GP tomorrow. Its definitely popping up places it hasn't before but I'm hoping it doesn't get to that stage.

I'm in Clare so not sure what options are local but from a quick look at the thread earlier Kirby sounds like the man and might have to make the effort to see him.

eeloe · 20-02-2019 4:31pm

skerry wrote: »

Thanks for that. 80% :eek: thats scary. I'll get in touch with my GP tomorrow. Its definitely popping up places it hasn't before but I'm hoping it doesn't get to that stage.

I'm in Clare so not sure what options are local but from a quick look at the thread earlier Kirby sounds like the man and might have to make the effort to see him.

Treat it like a day out, get some lunch, get some shopping done, and get the skin cleared.

skerry · 20-02-2019 4:33pm

eeloe wrote: »

Treat it like a day out, get some lunch, get some shopping done, and get the skin cleared.

Do you mind me asking if you had to see him many times? Once or twice might be grand but regular appointments might be a tough to get time to travel up and down.

caviardreams · 20-02-2019 4:42pm

Hey skerry - I could have written your post. Have been getting it on my elbows for a good while and been keeping it managed with doublebase etc. But it is still very much there all the time and won't clear so I feel I should get it looked into now seriously now. Like yourself, stress definitely doesn't help flare ups. It is just so frustrating not being able to get rid of it, even though I know I'm very lucky that they are relatively small patches ( maybe 5cm long or so) on just my elbows (for now anyway!)

skerry · 20-02-2019 4:47pm

caviardreams wrote: »

Hey skerry - I could have written your post. Have been getting it on my elbows for a good while and been keeping it managed with doublebase etc. But it is still very much there all the time and won't clear so I feel I should get it looked into now seriously now. Like yourself, stress definitely doesn't help flare ups. It is just so frustrating not being able to get rid of it, even though I know I'm very lucky that they are relatively small patches ( maybe 5cm long or so) on just my elbows (for now anyway!)

I've been conscious about wearing t shirts for a while now with it. Up until a week ago my shins were covered in red blotches. Seems to have cleared up now again. Elbows clear up every now and then but the frustrating part is not knowing whats doing it good and whats flaring it up. There is a red path on my temple now and it flares up to the point that people are asking me if I banged my head at work. Its grand today now but again, I have no idea why.

eeloe · 20-02-2019 5:07pm

skerry wrote: »

Do you mind me asking if you had to see him many times? Once or twice might be grand but regular appointments might be a tough to get time to travel up and down.

I saw him once last June, initial consultation he came up with a plan of what treatments he was going to start me on. had to get some tests done then to make sure i could start(lots of bloods, and a TB test, which took some time to come back) once the tests came back clear he posted me out my script, which i collected in the local pharmacy, and started treatment, i saw him 3 months after i started treatment.

At the 3 monthly check up he said he usually sees people every 3 months, but my treatment was working so well(essentially 100% clear) i didn't need to see him for 6.

So the short answer to your question is, twice...i've seen him twice!

skerry · 20-02-2019 5:09pm

eeloe wrote: »

I saw him once last June, initial consultation he came up with a plan of what treatments he was going to start me on. had to get some tests done then to make sure i could start(lots of bloods, and a TB test, which took some time to come back) once the tests came back clear he posted me out my script, which i collected in the local pharmacy, and started treatment, i saw him 3 months after i started treatment.

At the 3 monthly check up he said he usually sees people every 3 months, but my treatment was working so well(essentially 100% clear) i didn't need to see him for 6.

So the short answer to your question is, twice...i've seen him twice!

Perfect, thanks. I'll ask GP for referral to him so. I might ring his office in the meantime. I had a google there and didn't see any specialists in Clare region anyway.

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it.

rubadub · 20-02-2019 5:38pm

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

the urge to scratch my head often during the day. I do worry incase people think I've nits.

My elbows can sometimes be a bit itchy and it's a weird place to scratch

You can get eurax cream in any chemist, works really quickly, so you only have to put it on when you feel the actual itch.

https://rocheschemist.ie/eurax-cream-100g-for-itching.html

eeloe · 20-02-2019 5:44pm

skerry wrote: »

Perfect, thanks. I'll ask GP for referral to him so. I might ring his office in the meantime. I had a google there and didn't see any specialists in Clare region anyway.

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it.

Just make sure you get referred to him privately, i think i was waiting about 6 weeks to see him, maybe 8 from my initial referral.

I was referred in 2014 to a dermatology department in WRH in 2014, my appointment isn't actually until 2020....so 6 years total waiting to be seen in my local hospital publicly!

skerry · 20-02-2019 6:09pm

eeloe wrote: »

Just make sure you get referred to him privately, i think i was waiting about 6 weeks to see him, maybe 8 from my initial referral.

I was referred in 2014 to a dermatology department in WRH in 2014, my appointment isn't actually until 2020....so 6 years total waiting to be seen in my local hospital publicly!

Gonna get on this tomorrow so. Feel sorry for anyone waiting on public appointments. My little one was referred to a dietician for suspected cows protein intolerance when she was born. Had a call last week about the appointment, she'll be 3 years old soon. Had completely forgotten we were even referred by the time we got called, absolute joke.

eeloe · 20-02-2019 6:29pm

skerry wrote: »

Gonna get on this tomorrow so. Feel sorry for anyone waiting on public appointments. My little one was referred to a dietician for suspected cows protein intolerance when she was born. Had a call last week about the appointment, she'll be 3 years old soon. Had completely forgotten we were even referred by the time we got called, absolute joke.

I got a letter 3-4 weeks ago for an ultrasound on my abdomen, i thought it might have been from Kirby looking to see if the Stelara was doing anything funny.

Said i'd ring the radiology department to make sure who i call for the results.

They said "oh yes, it was your GP that referred you for this in November 2015, do you still have the pain in your stomach, love?"

I should bloody well hope not.

Gael23 · 20-02-2019 9:21pm

skerry wrote: »

Perfect, thanks. I'll ask GP for referral to him so. I might ring his office in the meantime. I had a google there and didn't see any specialists in Clare region anyway.

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it.

I have heard good things about dr Ramsey in UHL. Might be easier for you? That said I go to Prif Kirby and he’s one of tre best out there. Where ever you go, if there any way you can ,go private.

eeloe · 22-02-2019 12:50pm

Currently sat in a rheumatologist office in Waterford.

Let’s find out if my aches and pains are PsA or overtraining.

eeloe · 27-02-2019 2:18pm

Turns out it's not PsA, or at least he doesn't think so.

Just have to stretch more, and swim twice and week to see if it loosens me up.

got a steroid injection in to my back which appears to have helped a little.

Still waters · 28-02-2019 1:43am

no sleep tonight with this ****in affliction, I'm tormented with this dirty horrible **** of a thing, it's like a sentence for some past wrongs that I dont know about, literally on the verge of tears and my skin covered in tiny little cracks, at least the ****in thing will die with me the day I go, sorry for bad language but I needed to vent

Call Me Jimmy · 28-02-2019 1:51am

Still waters wrote: »

no sleep tonight with this ****in affliction, I'm tormented with this dirty horrible **** of a thing, it's like a sentence for some past wrongs that I dont know about, literally on the verge of tears and my skin covered in tiny little cracks, at least the ****in thing will die with me the day I go, sorry for bad language but I needed to vent

Feel your pain, hate to even reply because I know how frustrating it is words don't do much, and quite frankly im worn down by it too so can't give encouragement. I'm just trying to endure it, sometimes it's so relentless that it actually makes me pull back to a different level of acceptance but a lot of times it just sucks

Gael23 · 28-02-2019 8:28am

Still waters wrote: »

no sleep tonight with this ****in affliction, I'm tormented with this dirty horrible **** of a thing, it's like a sentence for some past wrongs that I dont know about, literally on the verge of tears and my skin covered in tiny little cracks, at least the ****in thing will die with me the day I go, sorry for bad language but I needed to vent

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

Feel your pain, hate to even reply because I know how frustrating it is words don't do much, and quite frankly im worn down by it too so can't give encouragement. I'm just trying to endure it, sometimes it's so relentless that it actually makes me pull back to a different level of acceptance but a lot of times it just sucks

I’ve been where both of you are on a number of occasions over the years.

The first step you need to take is see your GP, they will give you a cream and something to calm the itch. Ideally you also want to get a referral to a dermatologist because steroid creams are a short term fix.

Neither of you need to suffer what you have described. There is help available, you just need to take that first step by making an appointment with your GP.

eeloe · 28-02-2019 9:37am

As what Gael has said above....get in touch with your GP and get referred to a dermatologist, GO PRIVATE if at all possible, it will literally change your life, TRUST ME.

I don't know where the both of you are currently having the issue, but what i was told to use while i was waiting for results of bloods before i could start on stelara, was to have a bath with Oilatum and Epsom Salts....every two days, it really helps to moisturise the skin and and keeps it from cracking.

brevity · 28-02-2019 12:41pm

Yea, going to the doctor is the only thing that helps. I’ve had it for 15 years and all the off the shelve lotions and potions are useless. Even the over the counter stuff has a short lifespan. Biologics seem to be the only thing that work permanently and even they can be temperamental....

Go to the GP and then a Dermatologist. It’s the only thing that helps.

In the short term, I’d recommend antihistamines at nighttime. Sometimes thick moisturiser and wrapping with cling film can help. No more sugar.

eeloe · 28-02-2019 12:57pm

brevity wrote: »

Yea, going to the doctor is the only thing that helps. I’ve had it for 15 years and all the off the shelve lotions and potions are useless. Even the over the counter stuff has a short lifespan. Biologics seem to be the only thing that work permanently and even they can be temperamental....

Go to the GP and then a Dermatologist. It’s the only thing that helps.

In the short term, I’d recommend antihistamines at nighttime. Sometimes thick moisturiser and wrapping with cling film can help. No more sugar.

how are you getting on yourself lately buddy? Stelara still working?

brevity · 28-02-2019 1:20pm

eeloe wrote: »

how are you getting on yourself lately buddy? Stelara still working?

Eh. It’s going ok. I was every 12 weeks but going 8 weeks now. I must pick it up actually!

eeloe · 28-02-2019 3:14pm

brevity wrote: »

Eh. It’s going ok. I was every 12 weeks but going 8 weeks now. I must pick it up actually!

once you find a system that works man, hopefully you get fully clear soon!

skerry · 28-02-2019 3:32pm

brevity wrote: »

Yea, going to the doctor is the only thing that helps. I’ve had it for 15 years and all the off the shelve lotions and potions are useless. Even the over the counter stuff has a short lifespan. Biologics seem to be the only thing that work permanently and even they can be temperamental....

Go to the GP and then a Dermatologist. It’s the only thing that helps.

In the short term, I’d recommend antihistamines at nighttime. Sometimes thick moisturiser and wrapping with cling film can help. No more sugar.

Is sugar something that can aggravate it? I get flare ups from time to time but never considered sugar as a trigger, must keep an eye if I can see any link between intake and flare ups.

eeloe · 28-02-2019 3:34pm

skerry wrote: »

Is sugar something that can aggravate it? I get flare ups from time to time but never considered sugar as a trigger, must keep an eye if I can see any link between intake and flare ups.

Anything that causes inflammation in the gut can trigger it IMO.

Sugar, alcohol....

skerry · 28-02-2019 3:39pm

eeloe wrote: »

Anything that causes inflammation in the gut can trigger it IMO.

Sugar, alcohol....

Thanks, don't drink so good on that front but must cut down sugar and see if there is any effect.

brevity · 01-03-2019 1:36pm

skerry wrote: »

Thanks, don't drink so good on that front but must cut down sugar and see if there is any effect.

If you do down this route beware things can get worse before it gets better but it does get better. At least in my experience.

skerry · 01-03-2019 2:59pm

brevity wrote: »

If you do down this route beware things can get worse before it gets better but it does get better. At least in my experience.

Hi, are you Saying if I cut down on sugar intake things can get worse? Wouldn't be very bad on sugar but I have been more disciplined in the past.

Have a patch on my temple that's been fine for the last week and flared up again yesterday. Had a stressful day in work Thursday and was thinking about it in the lead up so I'm wondering if that causing some sort of flare up

Gael23 · 01-03-2019 3:30pm

skerry wrote: »

Hi, are you Saying if I cut down on sugar intake things can get worse? Wouldn't be very bad on sugar but I have been more disciplined in the past.

Have a patch on my temple that's been fine for the last week and flared up again yesterday. Had a stressful day in work Thursday and was thinking about it in the lead up so I'm wondering if that causing some sort of flare up

Stress is my No.1 trigger. I do have a bit of a weakness for sugar myself but I'm on biologics now anyway.

eeloe · 01-03-2019 3:43pm

Stress is a big one for me too, but what stressed me out the most was my skin, so it was a vicious circle...

rizzee · 05-03-2019 11:14am

All my upper arm and shoulder have been flaking like mad the last few days... Approx 20 days since a tattoo session on it. Layered some daktacort on it last night. Silky smooth this morning! Long may it last.

I think the body gets used to the same creams and moisturisers after a while and become ineffective.

The change in weather doesn't help either!

eeloe · 05-03-2019 11:43am

rizzee wrote: »

All my upper arm and shoulder have been flaking like mad the last few days... Approx 20 days since a tattoo session on it. Layered some daktacort on it last night. Silky smooth this morning! Long may it last.

I think the body gets used to the same creams and moisturisers after a while and become ineffective.

The change in weather doesn't help either!

is it the tattoo itself thats flaking?

inside of my upper arm, got it tattooed last may, and it just never ever healed....peeled constantly until September/October when the stelara kicked in.

rizzee · 05-03-2019 3:18pm

eeloe wrote: »

is it the tattoo itself thats flaking?

inside of my upper arm, got it tattooed last may, and it just never ever healed....peeled constantly until September/October when the stelara kicked in.

The tattoo itself healed after about a week so it's all good

adocholiday · 05-03-2019 4:33pm

Possibly a slightly OT question here but does anyone here know how Psoriasis is seen by private health insurance providers? I have psoriasis for the past few years, primarily on my scalp thankfully although noticing a small patch develop near my elbow too. Aside from a GP once taking a brief look and saying "yeah that's psoriasis" I've never been formally diagnosed or treated for it. I'm considering getting private health insurance now and I was just wondering what people's experience is with declaring psoriasis as a pre-existing condition and has it ever been an issue getting treatment or referrals etc. for it through the insurance? Thanks!

brevity · 05-03-2019 5:07pm

adocholiday wrote: »

Possibly a slightly OT question here but does anyone here know how Psoriasis is seen by private health insurance providers? I have psoriasis for the past few years, primarily on my scalp thankfully although noticing a small patch develop near my elbow too. Aside from a GP once taking a brief look and saying "yeah that's psoriasis" I've never been formally diagnosed or treated for it. I'm considering getting private health insurance now and I was just wondering what people's experience is with declaring psoriasis as a pre-existing condition and has it ever been an issue getting treatment or referrals etc. for it through the insurance? Thanks!

I have private health insurance and I get some money back from visits to the consultant dermatologist. The pre-existing condition was never an issue, they don’t consider it a huge thing I would imagine.

eeloe · 05-03-2019 5:21pm

adocholiday wrote: »

Possibly a slightly OT question here but does anyone here know how Psoriasis is seen by private health insurance providers? I have psoriasis for the past few years, primarily on my scalp thankfully although noticing a small patch develop near my elbow too. Aside from a GP once taking a brief look and saying "yeah that's psoriasis" I've never been formally diagnosed or treated for it. I'm considering getting private health insurance now and I was just wondering what people's experience is with declaring psoriasis as a pre-existing condition and has it ever been an issue getting treatment or referrals etc. for it through the insurance? Thanks!

I'm with Laya, and no issues with it being a pre existing illness.

Gael23 · 05-03-2019 6:18pm

adocholiday wrote: »

Possibly a slightly OT question here but does anyone here know how Psoriasis is seen by private health insurance providers? I have psoriasis for the past few years, primarily on my scalp thankfully although noticing a small patch develop near my elbow too. Aside from a GP once taking a brief look and saying "yeah that's psoriasis" I've never been formally diagnosed or treated for it. I'm considering getting private health insurance now and I was just wondering what people's experience is with declaring psoriasis as a pre-existing condition and has it ever been an issue getting treatment or referrals etc. for it through the insurance? Thanks!

Where I go it’s all public so would be no issue. That said you don’t have a formal diagnosis so I think you will be fine.

BohsCeltic · 10-03-2019 11:48am

eeloe wrote: »

Stress is a big one for me too, but what stressed me out the most was my skin, so it was a vicious circle...

Yep that's what my Doctor told me plus too much alcohol. I had only one patch on my leg about a year ago now its spread nearly everywhere but dotted around.
It's so annoying and itchy and a pain in the ar** having to put creams on.

When i shower i used salicylic acid facewash on one of those body scrub sponges and it seems to help a bit.

eeloe · 11-03-2019 10:00am

BohsCeltic wrote: »

Yep that's what my Doctor told me plus too much alcohol. I had only one patch on my leg about a year ago now its spread nearly everywhere but dotted around.
It's so annoying and itchy and a pain in the ar** having to put creams on.

When i shower i used salicylic acid facewash on one of those body scrub sponges and it seems to help a bit.

Is that all you're doing? no other ointments or anything?

I'd suggest getting your GP referring you to a dermatologist, it'll make a HUGE difference.

BohsCeltic · 11-03-2019 10:18am

eeloe wrote: »

Is that all you're doing? no other ointments or anything?

I'd suggest getting your GP referring you to a dermatologist, it'll make a HUGE difference.

No, I have Dovobet cream too which was prescribed by my GP.
I also use small amounts of hydrocortisone for seborrheic dermatitis.

eeloe · 11-03-2019 10:39am

BohsCeltic wrote: »

No, I have Dovobet cream too which was prescribed by my GP.
I also use small amounts of hydrocortisone for seborrheic dermatitis.

I'd highly suggest getting to a dermatologist.

The nightly routine of applying steroids is no fun, and you won't know yourself once you don't have to do it!

It's pretty amazing.

BohsCeltic · 11-03-2019 11:02am

eeloe wrote: »

I'd highly suggest getting to a dermatologist.

The nightly routine of applying steroids is no fun, and you won't know yourself once you don't have to do it!

It's pretty amazing.

Oh it's such a pain. I need a sun holiday but then lies the other issue, people seeing the red patches on your body.

rizzee · 11-03-2019 11:41am

BohsCeltic wrote: »

Oh it's such a pain. I need a sun holiday but then lies the other issue, people seeing the red patches on your body.

My attitude is fuck them, no one is perfect

I can't wait to get out in the sun.

BohsCeltic · 11-03-2019 12:41pm

rizzee wrote: »

My attitude is fuck them, no one is perfect I can't wait to get out in the sun.

That's a good positive attitude. I am hoping to be in the sun soon as i know that really helps.
Have an appointment with my Doctor tomorrow so will see if i can get referred to a Dermatologist.

I suffered from cystic acne for years(luckily no scars) and my dermatitis is under control.
Just seems to be one problem after the other.

eeloe · 11-03-2019 3:10pm

BohsCeltic wrote: »

That's a good positive attitude. I am hoping to be in the sun soon as i know that really helps.
Have an appointment with my Doctor tomorrow so will see if i can get referred to a Dermatologist.

I suffered from cystic acne for years(luckily no scars) and my dermatitis is under control.
Just seems to be one problem after the other.

Yeah it's generally one thing after another, no rest for the wicked.

Where abouts in the country are you based? If you can at all afford it, go privately to the dermatologist, you'll be seen in a matter of weeks..

Still waters · 11-03-2019 5:23pm

BohsCeltic wrote: »

Oh it's such a pain. I need a sun holiday but then lies the other issue, people seeing the red patches on your body.

sun holiday booked here, counting down the days

BohsCeltic · 11-03-2019 5:30pm

eeloe wrote: »

Yeah it's generally one thing after another, no rest for the wicked.

Where abouts in the country are you based? If you can at all afford it, go privately to the dermatologist, you'll be seen in a matter of weeks..

Dublin, can't afford to go private yet as i am on illness benefit for anxiety and depression, that's obviously not helping the problem either.

Still waters wrote: »

sun holiday booked here, counting down the days

Good stuff, i'm waiting for money to be paid from my insurance so will be booking as soon as i get it.

Gael23 · 11-03-2019 5:41pm

You’ll be waiting a year to see a dermatologist going public.
Sunshine helps like nothing else I have ever tried.

eeloe · 11-03-2019 5:41pm

BohsCeltic wrote: »

Dublin, can't afford to go private yet as i am on illness benefit for anxiety and depression, that's obviously not helping the problem either.

Sorry to hear that. Probably best to make sure they refer you ASAP, public waiting lists are no joke.

Littleone2 · 21-03-2019 10:23pm

I recently jad a baby and my psoriasis has flared up to the worst it has ever been. Due to feeding I am extremly limited in treatments. I have been given Dovobet but it hasn't made a dent. I moisturize about 15 times a day but there is no controlling it amd seems to be geyting more inflaned and more lesions daily. I have an extrenly healthy vegetarian diet and jave tried everything from anti inflammatory foods to probiotic foods and still no improvement. I also exercise regularly. My GP asked me to find a dermatologist in one of the hospitals and she would refer me but I don't know where to start. How much is it to see dermatologist privatley and also for light therapy such as UVB or PUVA as this is what my GP hopes will be given to me? Also has anyone ever tried an at home lightbox?
I have a holiday booked and hope this will jelp somewhat as it normally does but it os so extensive i can't see it completely clearing with holiday.

Psoriasis

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