Stress triggered psoriasis and looking for a solution!

[Elvi]

Hello!

My name is Elvi and I have psoriasis on my hands, feet, scalp, arms and legs. It is worst on my calves. Currently I am using corticosteroids but I have tried all sorts of horrendous forms of treatment - I wish my skin would normalise!

It started approximately five years ago when my husband and I started divorcing (he ran off with a woman - older unusually!), my daughter also took a job abroad around the same time and I felt totally alone after 27 years of marriage! The stress of this triggered patches on my scalp and hands but it soon spread to my feet, legs and arms. I ignored it for awhile in the stress of trying to find a new house, job etc but eventually I went to see a doctor, who sent me to this lovely dermatologist - she has prescribed me a cocktail of treatments over the last five years and so far nothing clears it completely - corticosteroids work when there is a crisis to get me back to a mild case.

I really would love your suggestions and solutions - I just want to wear dresses again and not feel so shy about it - I am 62 and should not have to feel shy about anything! SO PLEASSSEEE let me know or direct me to other threads with ideas that might help! I would be very appreciative!

[jiml]

Hi Elvi
Welcome to the forum, you have certainly come to the right place for advice and support,
Here you will find you are among fellow sufferers who can relate to your anguish of having this disease. We are all in various stages of remission as I am or having flare ups. We chat and pass on our experiences without anyone trying to sell you a cure.
You have been through the mill lately it's little wonder your psoriasis has flared.

My treatment I feel I was lucky to get it's called Fumaderm and it has given me my life back, I'm not sure what hoops you have been through with the NHS but I had to go through the creams, light treatment, then methotrexate route before I was put on my current treatment

Do try to lessen stress as much as possible, easy to say I know, but coming here is a great stress reliever talking with others that understand, don't be alone come back often and join our discussions and talk of your psoriasis experiences

[Elvi]

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your reply and for welcoming me! And I think you are right, even writing that first message made me feel like I had somewhere to open up to - destressing in itself!

Oh, tell me about it! It is wonder anyone gets treated with the NHS!!

I practise lots of yoga to keep calm and this certainly helps - but as crazy as it sounds I wish there was a magical/simple solution!

I will look into fumaderm! Maybe I can suggest it next time I see my dermatologist!?

[Fred]

Hello Elvi to Psoriasis Club

Well like Jim said you have come to the right place, we are just a small group of people from around the world sharing information and support without and influence from advertisers or sponsors.

First off I would say that the stress Will make it worse, so although life's not great for you at the moment the more you can try to find a positive the better it will be. You've already found one positive by joining us here, we don't have all the answers but you will find a wide range of subjects and someone will usually have something to say if not someone will try to find out more for you.

As for "suggestions and solutions" It's difficult as what works for some may not work for others, my suggestion would be to sit down with your dermatologist and ask about the new treatments such as one of the Bio's see here: Biological Treatments For Psoriasis
Or mention Fumaderm as this is now at last getting prescribed in the UK.

Another thread that may help with getting you back in your dress could be: Skin Camouflage

I hope that has helped a bit, and I'm sure others will have other ideas. But you're not alone and there is always someone around to share with. Oh and if you do want to escape and find something to cheer you up a little and ad a positive to your day, I can recommend the [Group Specific] board. You're guaranteed to find something that will take your mind off things, I'm often in there and you will find I'm the sensible one.

Elvi don't be a stranger, and don't hesitate to dive on in and ask.

We'll get you back in that dress one day.

Regards.

Fred.

[jiml]

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your reply and for welcoming me! And I think you are right, even writing that first message made me feel like I had somewhere to open up to - destressing in itself!

Oh, tell me about it! It is wonder anyone gets treated with the NHS!!

I practise lots of yoga to keep calm and this certainly helps - but as crazy as it sounds I wish there was a magical/simple solution!

I will look into fumaderm! Maybe I can suggest it next time I see my dermatologist!?

Hi Elvi
Thanks for reading my reply.........re yoga to relax.....that sounds a bit too bendy for me.

But I would definately mention fumaderm it's very safe and if you can tolerate it it will transform your life....... But you do have to be monitored
I think we all felt apprehensive making our first post, well that's one thing less to be stressed about. You will get lots of support here it's a genuine site. Thanks to Fred who owns the club

[Elvi]

Wow - thank you Fred and Jim - you are very encouraging! I have always felt so alone about this and it is so lovely to hear so many nice and supportive words - especially from people who really understand the condition!

Yoga is great Jim- it is my new love!! And you take the bends in your own time and ability - it is just so soothing. I have been doing it for around two years or so now - I too was apprehensive and I don't think I will be doing headstands or putting my legs behind my head any day soon but my goodness do you feel relaxed afterwards!

Fred - this is such a wonderful tool, your forum! I feel at ease talking about my condition and I am going to look at all the other threads today! I am so happy I found it! And I really believe I will be wearing my dresses very soon, with your forum's help there must be a solution that suits me!

[Fred]

Fred - this is such a wonderful tool, your forum! I feel at ease talking about my condition and I am going to look at all the other threads today! I am so happy I found it! And I really believe I will be wearing my dresses very soon, with your forum's help there must be a solution that suits me!

You're very welcome, I have always said if it's helping one person I will keep it going. And having a new member like yourself feeling comfortable here makes me feel good, but to be honest it wouldn't work without members input. It's them and now you too that makes it what it is.

[slm]

Hi Elvi. Welcome. Stress impacts those of us with psoriasis very severely. Glad you are relaxing with yoga. I agree with you that sharing with others who understand helps. I use a monthly injection called Simponi. I hope you can find ideas to help you.

[Kat]

Welcome Elvi! It is very nice to meet you. There is a lot of information here and the people are welcoming and always so willing to share what has worked for them. The off topic forum is great for just sitting back and having a laugh or two. Glad to have you on board here.

[Caroline]

Hello Elvi,

Welcome to this lovely forum, at least that is how I see it.

Before you go to the derma, please do take a good look around, so you will be there armed with lots of information.

You have quite been through a stressful period, and yes, that is an important cause of a possible start of psoriasis.
For dermatologists treatment with ointments and stuff are the first thing to go, but psoriasis is not a skin problem, it is an auto immune disease, so basically it does not belong with the dermatologist, but in practice that still is the most common.

After five years, you probably can say that it is a situation that is here to stay, unfortunately.
So this may be the moment to make the step to the biological treatments.
I agree with Jim that it may be the smartest to go for the DMF's, dimethylfumarates, to start with. Quite harmless, with a very good chance of working.
By all means try to avoid methotrexate. Just say a big NO to your derma. It is pure poison and quite dangerous stuff.

About the off topic. On the one side never mind what Fred said about it, there are no sensible ones over there, on the other side, look out it can be very dangerous over there.

Caroline.