Other Psoriasis rears its head again

[Queen Boudica]

On the plus side my GP has referred me to a dermatologist.

I was wondering whether you were seeing a dermatologist. That is good you have a referral. GP's ok for basic eczema, but sounds like you need a specialist. Hope you get to see that dermatologist soon.

 

[KP the nut]

I haven't needed a dermatologist for 30+ years. However it is at the stage now where I can't go on. I am using my sunbed at home and using loads of moisturiser. I'm scared of the damage all of the steroid creams are doing.

These are my hands - ouch.



I can't even wear my wedding and engagement rings.

 

[Queen Boudica]

((((((((KP))))))), I so feel for you, that just looks so painful, I know how painful it is.

Please, don't worry about the steroid creams for the moment, it is a short sharp burst until you get it under control. Try the wet bandaging 3 times a day with the steroid creams and then the moisturising cream smothered on really really thick. You probably need to be using one of the stronger steroids at the moment. Do you have diprosome? That is the strong one my son uses. Use that till it calms for a few days (probably quite a few days in your case) and then onto a milder version like celestone (You do need to make sure you put it on all the affected areas in a thin layer, it is more than you think you would need). Put the steroid on first, then smother with cream and then a wet bandage and a dry one on top. The dermatologist we see is big on tar creams as well, swears they are not harmful and are really effective. You use those with the steroids under the wet bandages. It has to be specially mixed up at the pharmacy.

Email
http://www.johnpreston.co.uk/pictures/items/4/9/3/100394/synergy comfi range guide.pdf

I think there are some all cotton brands as well. The one we use is tubifast.

It needs to be done rigorously 3 times a day to start off with. It is hard work but it should make a difference. That and the UV treatment.

I really hope you get some relief soon and you get to see a dermatologist soon. Can you see a private one?

 

[KP the nut]

No money for a private one. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long.

(((Lizio))) thank you for all the advice and support.

 

[KP the nut]

I had my appointment letter today. I am seeing a dermatologist on 22nd February. I wish it were sooner. I am hoping they will allow me PUVA treatment as that worked really well in the 70s when I had my last flare up.

 

[Meadowsweet]

Were you given a choice of hospitals KP?
I know when I went to a dermatologist the wait was long, but I said I didn't mind travelling (I was panicking it was skin cancer at the time), and I got to see someone quicker that way.

 

[KP the nut]

There is a cr*p system in place now. My GP does the referral which goes to a general referral dept. They phone me and offered me a choice of 6 hospitals. I gave my first choice and was told nothing was available. I then said I was prepared to travel. I was told actually there were no appointments anywhere in Shropshire.

I took a deep breathe and asked them why I was given a choice of hospitals when they knew nothing was available. The answer - because that is what they must say :confused::mad:. She did say she would ask the hospital to send me an appointment direct. Again a deep breathe and refrained from shouting 'so WTF is the point of your dept if hospitals do it anyway'.

I suppose on the NHS, 8 weeks isn't too bad. At least I know what my problem is.

((HUGS))

 

[Queen Boudica]

That is terrible (((((((KP))))))). Well done on keeping your cool.

And (((((((MeadowSweet))))))), I just don't get it, if you had skin cancer they should have seen you straight away. It is awful.

 

[KP the nut]

Due to Maxs accident I didn't get to the shop, I may have to internet shop.

I went on the website last night and ordered some goats milk products, including, moisturiser, a massage in and leave overnight scalp lotion and a shower gel.

Fingers crossed it will help. I am using lots at the moment although when I saw my GP yesterday, I refused more useless and damaging steroid creams.

((HUGS))

 

[The Albatross]

KP have you tried coconut oil? Meaning pure coconut oil. It's available now for reasonable prices at the grocery store. Here in the States I got 32 ounces for under 8 bucks. I have two bottles because it is easily contaminated. One I use for skin care, the other I use for cooking. During the winters I wash my hands really well with a very gentile soap (like a glycerine soap or neutrogena) and let them dry, then rub in a small amount (1/4-1/2 teaspoon) of coconut oil and wear white cotton gloves. I don't like the full gloves (my mom does though) so I nip the finger tips out of them... I do it at bedtime. I also use coconut oil as a moisturizer for my face (very very small amount)... it is inexpensive and certainly couldn't hurt... google it.

I do love goats milk soap.. but soap, all bar soaps have lye and aren't generally good for skin that's already irritated.

 

[KP the nut]

I do love goats milk soap.. but soap, all bar soaps have lye and aren't generally good for skin that's already irritated.

I didn't go for the soap, but I will let you know how the shower gel and others are.