Hello - Newie!!

[danielle90]

Hey!!
New to this!!
Hoping to speak to people that understand the situation that I'm in. Ive got Psoriasis in my scalp and its spreading to the rest of my body!!
I've been given me different types of cream and I've been referred to a Derm, its spreading to parts of my body where i cant hide it! Its really embarrassing! My friends and family are saying its fine and no-one will notice but i know people are looking and its making me really paranoid!!
I know its getting worse by the day and people keep looking at me and its horrible. I can tell they are looking but trying to hide it!!
I just don't know what to do anymore!!
Should i be scared about seeing a derm??
What am i too expect?
Cheers guys x

[Fred]

Hello Danielle to Psoriasis Club

You have found others who understand. We may be a small group of people, but you will find us a friendly bunch. You don't need to feel embarrassed about psoriasis with us, and we won't ask you to sweep up the flakes

It sounds like you have good support from you family and friends, and although they say no one will notice, it's only natural for you to think that they will. But try not to get to hung up about it, it's not the end of the world, there are things that can help you live with it. (Notice I say live with it, that's because you will probably have it for the rest of your life) Sorry I don't mince my words, as people have to accept there is no cure. Accept that and talk about it and you are making the perfect start to live with it.

Don't be frightened of seeing a dermatologist, this is one of the best things you can do. He/She will work with you to find the best thing that helps, all cases are different and what works for some may not work for others. Build up a good relationship with your dermatologist right from the start, they have seen it all before so don't be embarrassed. You will usually be asked to strip down to your underwear so they can have a good look at your skin, they will probably do a What is the PASI score my dermatologist uses ? and ask you questions about your lifestyle and family history.

Sometimes they will take a simple blood test and/or a Psoriasis Biopsy both are nothing to worry about. From there they will be able to build up a profile on you and start on a course of treatment, usually twice daily creams or maybe light treatment to start with.

The most important thing to remember is you're not alone, there are others who understand. Have a read through some of the threads on here to get as much information as you can as it will help in your meetings with your dermatologist.

Join in the conversation, get talking about it, and ask away. We may not have all the answers, but we can listen and offer support.

Regards.

Fred.

     

[Caroline]

The only problem I have with a dematologist is that they look at your skin.
And the trick is, it is not your skin that has the disease psoriasis, psoriasis is a problem with your immune system. Dermatologists have the tendency to forget that..
The best thing that happened to me was a visit to a Doctor that looked beyond my skin.
There are several discussions on this subject on this forum, so mingle in.

Btw welcome to the forum Danielle !!

Caroline

[KyPrincess]

Hello Danielle! Welcome to the forum!

[danielle90]

Thank You guys for your advise.

How long do you think I'm looking at for the waiting list to see a derm? I'm Hoping it wont be too long!! x

[Fred]

Thank You guys for your advise.

How long do you think I'm looking at for the waiting list to see a derm? I'm Hoping it wont be too long!! x

Sorry I'm not sure as I live in France. I think it still depends on where you live in the UK (Postcode Lottery) Hanna has had dealings recently with a new dermatologist, and if she sees this thread she may be able to help, though she is busy with the new baby.

I have heard some people get seen within a week, and some say it takes 6 weeks! But use the time to have a read through threads here and arm yourself with as much information as possible. Also it may be worth making a few notes on how psoriasis is affecting your life, have a look at the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) your dermatologist may not use it but it is becoming more popular.

Get yourself a folder to keep all your notes in, and have a piece of paper with any questions or things you want to tell your dermatologist. Your dermatologist is very busy and cant remember everything, and although he/she may have your notes in front of them it's still quicker and easier to ask you. So if you have stuff on hand, it will help you both.

I find keeping notes help me a lot, I use the Psoriasis Score in the menu bar abovewhich I made and keep my score in my forum profile. I also have my own thread about my treatment, and have used it to show my dermatologist a photo in the past.

Hope that helps a little.

[Troll]

Hello there is nothing to be scared about seeing a derm but do tell them if you feel nervous or uneasy.

---

*This thread is closed. All introductions are closed after 90 days to save confusion.
You are welcome to start new threads in any other sections of your choice.