Any Tips On Coping With Psoriasis?

[Retrochic]

I seem to be falling to bits. I've had a strange rash for about a month, small (around 1/4 inch) oval pinky red patches , very flaky on legs arms and trunk. Its now been diagnosed as stress related psoriasis and I've been given a steroid cream and emollient. I need to change my lifestyle and eating habits as I also have been diagnosed with stress related Insomnia . I would really appreciate any tips on how to manage the Psoriasis as I've never suffered with it before. Also would yoga and meditation help the stress. Going for a walk doesn't help as I just churn over in my mind all the things I'm supposed to be doing while I'm having 'time off'. Doctor says if I don't do something I'm heading for a nervous breakdown which is scary....Thanks.

[mrs_overall]

Mr O has suffered from psoriasis all his life. It varies between bad and horrendous. He has tried every remedy known to man and there is only one thing that helps (and I know someone is going to start screaming about skin cancer but for once, ignore them) and that is the occasional 10 minute session on a sun bed. Once every three weeks seems to work or him.
The very best thing is sunshine on your skin

[ummmm]

I suffered with it really badly for many years. Nothing worked for me except sunshine and that didn't clear it up, just made it a little bit better.

I didn't know I was stressed but with hindsight what was going on in my life at the time it was no wonder I had an outbreak.

On a positive note I am completely free of it now and even with really really stressful times I haven't had a break out.

I'd use any ointments the doctor gives you and get yourself in the sun and see if that improves it. You can still wear suncream.

Good luck.

[ummmm]

MrsO...I was given sunbed sessions on the NHS.

[weecalf]

You are great Retrochic anyone who can spell sireyeisus is all right by me take care .

[Tilly2]

Retro, did the doctor suggest what he meant by 'do something'?

[tinkerbell23]

Try coconut oil.. The cold compressed stuff its amazing. Ive also heard moderate sunbeds.

I use relaxation apps to help me sleep & relax xx

[Retrochic]

Thanks Mrs O and Ummmm. I was wondering about going for a few sessions on the sunbed so will maybe try that. I've also got some Dead Sea salt crystals to try in the bath and cut out all perfumed bath products.

[Retrochic]

Tilly he said I need to delegate more at work, stop working until sometimes 11 at night and find some time in the day to relax. I work late so I can take some time off in the day but it rarely works that way as something always comes up. He said I need to stop using alcohol as a way to relax and make more 'me time'.

[Tilly2]

I think heading for a nervous breakdown should be your main worry.

[mrs_overall]

In between sunbeds, Mr O scrubs the crusty skin off with one of those nylon things and then slathers himself with E45. He uses coal tar shampoo on this head...but it stinks the house out

[Tilly2]

Sorry, Retro. Crossed posts there.

[mrs_overall]

Forgive me if this offends you retro, but are you using the alcohol as a prop or to help mask the problems?

[Retrochic]

Mrs O yes I am using alcohol to relax my mind and stop it churning over things. I'm also using it to try and get to sleep as I lay there trying my hardest to go to sleep while profit and loss figures keep jumping into my mind and other things.

[mrs_overall]

It is a common fallacy that alcohol helps you sleep.
Let's hope the Zopiclone works for you and that you get your life back on track very soon. Good luck

[tinkerbell23]

Zopiclone works for me.

Leaves an awful taste! And can be addictive ill post on the zopi post xx

[ummmm]

Alcohol helps you get to sleep but you don't get a quality sleep.

Anyway you can reduce your work hours?

[Retrochic]

I know alcohol makes me go to sleep quickly but I wake up about 4am and then thats it. Work wise its a very busy period with two end of year accounts to prepare . I've coped with this level of work for years but it seems to be catching up with me. I still think I'm 29 but now I need to delegate more,but find delegation hard as I feel the need to check things have been done properly which defeates the object.

[patsyann]

I have had it for 52 years just after baby no 2.Tried endless things over the years .I am very lucky that most of my patches are hidden on my body but had nasty elbows and on my scalp. It never goes but I control it with Exorex lotion on prescription but also sold in Boots. Exorex also comes in hair and body lotion. To top up have a prescription for calcipotrial ointment and clobestal propionate ointments to use if things get a bit worse than normal. I don't suffer from stress but mine is genetic. Grandad and Uncle had it. Eldest Daughter too.Just a few different treatments that might help.

[in a mo]

For your Psoriasis try DOVOBET GEL you can get this on prescription from your Dermatologist Consultant it is Brilliant I have had the condition for 20 years this is great for your body ,the only difficulty is on the scalp the problem being is that it is a little messy also very difficult to wash out of your hair ,I suppose I am guilty of putting to much on my scalp .Please give this a try I am sure you will find a world of difference.
Best wishes IN A MO

[Fusion5]

My late MIL suffered badly on legs and arms, the only solution was sitting in the sun in summertime, completely cleared it up.