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.

[tinkerbell23]

Please please try coconut oil xx

[AlwaysConfused]

i empathise with you Retro. I have suffered with psoriasis since the age of 13. I have tried everything from steroid creams to UV treatment. By the age of 15 I had it all across my face, too. It has settled down in the last few years. Once my body becomes used to a treatment, it no longer works. I gave up using anything for years.

My psoriasis is finally under control. Holidays are great for me, whether it be the sunshine or relaxation, or a combo of both, I'm yet to find out. I am using dovobet, sparingly, and soak in bath salts. Pure aloe vera seems to work a treat too. I am sensitive to a lot of washing powders, foods, pets etc so I take anti-histamines regularly, but couldn't say if this related to psoriasis.

I've also calmed down a lot, and cut my working hours (although I still work a lot compared to most, 50+ hours) I used to be on the go, go, go.

At work, I've trained a few people to take on some of my responsibilities, meaning I can crawl into work an hour later every now and then, and even enjoy days off without worry. Delegation is not so much a problem as trusting people to do a job. Train well, they will not fail. We are all dispensable to any company, so think of number one, do whats right for you, Retro.

[delboy3]

When I had psoriasis the one thing that got rid of it was Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment shampoo. It's a bright orange colour (the shampoo) and comes in a dark blue bottle. Not always that easy to find on the shelves, so good luck - it cured me within days and after 9 years it has never come back (touch wood).

[Caran]

I had psoriasis many years ago. It came on virtually overnight after taking steroids for three days. I had it head to foot, barely an inch clear. I was hospitalised for a month. I looked so bad I was put in a room of my own so I didn't frighten the other patients. I didn't leave the room until the middle of the night when I would wander the corridors to get a bit of exercise.
I had to cover myself morning and night in an aqueous cream and make body suits out of tubular gauze. It was a nightmare. I ended up having chemo injections into my stomach. It cleared totally eventually and never came back. It was so bad the doctors photographed the before and after results to use in medical journals.
I wish you luck retrochic I know how bad it is.

[Caran]

I use night nurse capsules for my insomnia?

[Retrochic]

Caran -what an horrendous story! This for me has totally come out of the blue although stress is the cause, along with a viral infection i got a few months back. Its only effecting my lower legs arms and torso at the moment so hopfully it won't get worse.

[Retrochic]

Tinkerbell -I'm dropping into our local Health shop after work today to get some coconut oil -I shall go to bed tonight smelling like a Bounty lol!

[1ozzy]

Not sure about psoriasis Retro, but I have chronic eczema.
Similar in a way.
In the past I have been prescribed "Immune System Depressants" as some skin problems are caused by an over reaction within your immune system. They did not work but did reduce my liver function. (God knows I need a liver that works ;-))
These days I use small amounts of Cortisone creams and gallons and gallons of moisturiser.
That seems to keep things in control
I have been informed that "soaking in the sea" will help, salt baths maybe.
Alas I live a long way from the seaside.
I think half the answer is keeping your skin moist.
Best of luck, these issues can be very debilitating.

[Retrochic]

1ozzy Its a miserable damp day here today . What a lovely thought ,soaking in the sea then laying out in the sun -purely for medical reasons of course. ;-) I'll have to make do with a bath with Dead Sea Salt and a few sessions on a sun bed.

[tinkerbell23]

Just the pure stuff retro.... I smell of a bounty right now you can cook with it eat it brush ur teeth the LOT xxx

[Retrochic]

Tinkerbell -will this be ok? We have a Holland and Barrett near where I work

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/perfectly-pure-pure-coconut-oil-60022864

[tinkerbell23]

Spot on retro.... But i got mines in tesco hehe xx