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Conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis

Our skin has a life cycle, which is nothing unusual. In a process that normally takes around 21 to 28 days, new skin cells are constantly being produced and old skin flakes off. However, when your skin cells reproduce too quickly (taking only 2-6 days) you’re left with psoriasis – a skin condition that affects around 2% of the UK population. Cells build up rapidly on the surface of the skin causing red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silvery scales to appear, which can occur on any part of the body, but are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back and the scalp. It’s not contagious, but it can cause intense itching and burning and can deflate your self-esteem if your condition is severe. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be effectively treated.

If your child is suffering from psoriasis, check our condition guide especially for parents on Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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hi i am 20 years old and i suffer from psoriasis on my elbows and legs but they are only little blobs but i feel really embarrassed about it and i wont even show my boyfriend or go swimming the doctor has gave me cream and it seems to be working but not fast enough i just want normal skin any other things that i could try any help would be lovely





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I have suffered with Psoriasis for nearly 40 years and have tried all the creams, potions, lotions and diets. I have recently been taking Horse Milk Capsules and the results are better than anything else I have tried.





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my son is 12 years old and was born with four types this just latley i carnt control it its spread and has now joined up, his head body and ears are so sore his having light treatment for the second time and it doesnt seem to be working he carnt sleep carnt settle in school and is just so unhappy i feel so awful as i have tryed all saughts am at my witts end and i think my boy is too as he doesnt go out just sits in his room all the time which upsets me his head ears and full body are covered at the moment his on pirriton and a mosturiser please help my boy enjoy some of his childhood thankyou

i have psoriasis and ive tried all they creams and its not going now what do i do? its on my scalp and all of my body its starting to get really sore





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I was 17 when i had this issue, went to dermotology at the hospital and i said that nothing works they did offer for me to take tablets, but i must be 18, i practically begged them, then in the end they decided do give them me, and after a month of taking them, they worked a treat, im 19 now and stil l going good .

I have suffered with Psoriasis for nearly 40 years. I have tried all the creams and lotions, diets, etc. The only thing that has had any marked effect on me has been taking Horse milk capsules, I know it sounds odd but it worked for me.

I have psoriasis on my body, elbows and scalp. I Think i may have it in my ear canal. As it is constantly itchy and sometimes it can be sore also it can be wet. Would it cause problems for me if i use dovobet in my ears?





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Im 22, I have suffered with skin and scalp psoriasis since i was 15. Im pregnant and it has seemed to got worse. I have it all over my face and hands now and its getting to a point I dont like going out the house, and if i do im completley covered with polonecks and gloves no matter what the weather. My doctor doesnt take me seriously I have been using Doublebase and alphasoyl hc cream and its not working.





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When my psoriasis got really bad my doctor prescribed me dovobet (not sure on the spelling) which worked really well on my skin really quickly, and they told me it was the best, strongest stuff they could give me, so may be worth mentioning it =) hope that helps

hi im 15 and i have very flakay and dry scalp , its not just dandruff , my mum suffered with with psoriasis to .ive had a stressful year and i really dont want to deal with it is there anything that i can do as it is making me really self concious that people may think im dont wash my hair or i have nits or something ??





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Have you tried any specific shampoos on your scalp or topical treatments? I suffer with psoriasis on my scalp and a shampoo I use and find quite effective is called polytar. It doesn't look or smell very nice, but if you use a strong smelling conditioner like alberto balsam no one will notice! I know what you're going through I just turned 21 and have only had this since the beginning of the year, I know it's easier said than done but try not to let it get to you because it will stress you out which can make the psoriasis work, and it'll be a vicious circle. Even if it's not psoriasis polytar is very good for dandruff if normal shampoos don't work. Hope this helps =)

talk to your doctor, i found betnavate scalp applicator works very well and does not have a nasty smell like coal tar shampoo's.

Hi I've been suffering from psoriasis since January this year, and have recently been also diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in my ankles, hips, shoulders, lower back and left side of the jaw. I'm 21 years old and this does really affect me both physically and emotionally. Although psoriasis does run in my family, I've never met or spoken to anyone with the arthritic aspect of it, and wondered if anyone had any advice with dealing with it with day to day life. Also I'm about to start methotrixate injections and wondered if anyone has had this treatment before, how well it worked and what side affects people suffered from. Thanks ^_^ x





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I first had arthritic psoriasis in my late twenties and am now in my mid fifties.For twenty years I took methotrexate initially with injection and then tablets.I have cyclic crises about every four years, but have only ever lost a week or two off work on each occasion, sometimes needing a brief dose of cortisone to deal with it.Eventually my liver function got a bit too near the limit, so I'm off the methotrexate and onto weekly injections of Enbrel which works a treat and has no liver effect.Its expensive stuff at 250 euros a shot so don't expect you'll be offered it yet!Good Luck!

www.psoriasis-help.org.uk is a great place to seek advice from fellow sufferers.

im24 ive had Psoriasis since i was 15 and its driving me crazy, it gets me stressed out most of the time and it hurts nd iches at night and when im hot, i just want it to go away, im scared to wear short tops because i hate what my body looks like, i get upset because of its there, what can i do to get rid of it. please help me





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i have suffered with this since i was 7 and i am now in my 40s, E43 is a good place to start u can get it on perscription and stay AWAY from scented soaps as well i use coal tar based products, also stay away from hot baths.

hi, i have had psoriasis for about 14 years, i am 28 now, have it in most parts of my body, would be quicker to say where i dont have it, have tried every treatment that i know of but recently started using dovobet and cant reccomend it highly enough.





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hi im 17 years old and for the past 3 months ive had something called guttate psoriasis, or raindrop as its also called. ive used coal tar lotions and nothing seems to make it go away, ive only got small red dots of it on my chest and legs and arms but i just want my body back to normal, how can i make it go, are there are any remedies that will make it go quickly?





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Please see my answer I also gave to Lexi below..... in the wintertime it's essential you keep your skin as moisturised as possible and lots of sun in the summer (with sun cream of course i find children s ones the best and least irritable) I'm a 29yr old girl and I've had it since I was 15 and I know exactly how it feels. When I first got it no one knew or even heard what it was I've found the older I've got the more people I know have it. This may not be much comfort to you but I can assure you your confidence will grow with age and mire and mire people now know what it is and is as common as hayfever. In the meantime I suggest dabbing cotton wool in Vaseline and putting in your ears before washing your hair. I had the pleasure of finally seeing a fab ear specialist last tear and ge saud you should always avoid getting water in them where possible to avoid a vicious cycle. Then add your usual cream to an ear bud and gently apply before bed. I also used to find for special occasions to help with your confidence special scar and tattoo make up is very useful for covering it and doesn't irritate. You can get free samples to try before buying on the Internet and they come in a fair size pot. Other than that be proud of yourself and don't be ashamed to get your skin out as the sun is without doubt THE best treatment I've found. Good luck x





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which skin cells reproduce too quickly. It affects around 2% of people in the UK. Read More »

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