Hello

[Mike1967]

Hi my name is Mike I have had Psoriasis now for around ten years.

[Caroline]

Hello Mike,
Welcome to psoriasis club. Your name suggests that you are around 47, that is about the age of Fred and Jim. . (I created myself some smiles again)
Already psoriasis for ten years?
How did you do all these years, did you have many ups and downs?

You landed in an active community of fellow sufferers, who have in common that we all have some form of psoriasis. But we also have a form of being together with a smile.
You can make friends over here.

Take a look around. Beware of the off topic section, there are people that say that they are the sensible one over there, but nothing is less true.

Caroline.

[jiml]

Hi Mike to the forum have a look around the forum there are many good threads to read, how is you psoriasis at the moment?
There is plenty to read if you are looking for advice on treatments, from natural to prescribed treatments or if you just want to chat or share with others your experiences there is usually someone online to listen
Have a good rummage and then if you dare venture into the off topic section
Caroline has just been very kind to me regarding my age I'm a bit older than that

[Fred]

Hello Mike to Psoriasis Club.

Like the others said have a good look around the forum, and don't hesitate to dive in. You will find us a small but friendly bunch from all around the world and using all types of treatment.

I agree with Jim Caroline was being kind to him, he is ancient. However it was rather rude to me as I'm only a boy.

Regards.

Fred.

[Mike1967]

Thank you all for the warm welcome
Im not quite 47 yet still a few months to go lol

[jiml]

Don't worry Fred lies about his age he is no boy but unfortunately he hit the nail on the head with me.
Is you psoriasis bad at the moment and is your treatment keeping it at bay

[Mike1967]

I would describe it as stable at the moment. It has not spread at all for a long time. If i am religious with the Dovobet etc i can manage it to the point that there are just red patches rather than flakey skin. I think its quite well spread on me though so its difficult to keep on top of it.
It tends to flare up in the winter mainly on my legs and arms.
I tend to just keep it all covered up and kid myself it doesnt really bother me.
My doctor is not that helpful just keeps prescribing the same things.

[jiml]

Hi Mike
I would ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist who will have a whole bag of tricks to offer you, I'm not saying go on my treatment, although it is really good there are many other treatments you could be offered. I think by coming to a forum such as this should enable you to go to your doctor and from a position of more strength because you have gleaned a lot of information from the treatment boards. You can tell him you have read of people who are totally under control on tablets or injections, and you would like not to have to rely on steroid creams as much.
It's just my suggestion, but whatever you do I wish you success with it and hope to see more of you on here

[Fred]

I would describe it as stable at the moment. It has not spread at all for a long time. If i am religious with the Dovobet etc i can manage it to the point that there are just red patches rather than flakey skin. I think its quite well spread on me though so its difficult to keep on top of it.
It tends to flare up in the winter mainly on my legs and arms.
I tend to just keep it all covered up and kid myself it doesnt really bother me.
My doctor is not that helpful just keeps prescribing the same things.

Fully agree with Jim, demand a referral by your GP to a dermatologist. If he says no then change doctor, you've had psoriasis for ten years, that's plenty long enough. I remember my dermatologist here saying why have you live liked this for so long, she has now given me my life back. The longer you wait the longer it will take, and yes your GP will keep bunging you the same old stuff over and over.

Dovobet is very good getting it down, but it's best if you can to use it sparingly in my opinion as it's a potent glucocorticoid steroid see this thread for more info: Dovobet And Dovonex (What's the difference ?)

It will flare up in the winter, this is usual for most people. Use plenty of moisturiser Coconut Oil is great for that. Saying it doesn't bother you is a huge step as it's a positive, however covering it up isn't a positive, it's a negative. So uncover as much as possible and at least get 15 Mins of sunlight 3 times a week. See this thread: Free Psoriasis Treatment

Just my opinion and if you search through the forum you will find lots of different info, but apart from Caroline I would say most here would recommend a referral to a dermatologist. (I say Caroline because she will say it's not a skin problem and she is right, but in the UK as here in France psoriasis is covered under the dermatology department)

Good luck and don't hesitate to start your own thread about your treatment progress as it could be of help to others.

[weenona]

Hi Mike to the forum.