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Embarrassing Bodies , 9:00pm Friday 19th March 2010 on Channel 4. Catch up for free »

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.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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I have very painful ripped skin behind my ear, which becomes very dry and flaky, I dont know if its connected but I also have, what feels like, ripped skin along my bum crack, which stings alot and is very red. Please help if any one knows what this could be!





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Hi I think the name of the cream is Clobetasone Butyrate, i think it is an ingredient in Eumovate cream for one thing. (thank you for the phonetic spelling tip!). as with all medicines there's side effects so use with caution and i think it's only on prescription? im not definate but i hope this may help?





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I also missed the name of the cream for vaginal psoriasis that Dr Jennifer Yell prescribed does anyone know?





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i wrote it done phonetically, it was clobitazone buterate (not sure that's the right spelling) .. i can't find this bit of the programme listed anywhere, can anyone help cos i'd like to view it again

hi i have suffered with vaginal thrush like symptoms for years and years and all swabs have come back clear after watching your show i think this condition may be down to psoriasis which i already have on the rest of my body.please can you tell me the name of the creams used on the show to treat the lady who was seen by the dermatologist.thank you.mandy





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I too missed the name of the cream for vaginal psoriasis that Dr Jennifer Yell prescribed does anyone know?





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Hi, I haven't recently watched the show but I started about a month ago, my mild case of simple pimples was turning into a moderate form of acne. This worried me because I was already on mild medication to control my outbreaks. My doctor then subscribed me a Differin Gel and Sebomin 100mg MR Capsules about two weeks ago. I was warned that they may cause temporary inflammation and dryness of the skin, by within the last week, a large majority of my forehead, on the temples and around my eyes, also completely around my mouth had developed continuous layers of dry skin. I thought was was eczema but its starting to get worse and the dry skin treatments I have been using (E45 cream) which usually works when I have dry skin isn't working. I think it may be psoriasis. It really embarrassing because it is constantly itchy and flaking off whether I touch it or not. I don't know whether I should go and see a dermatologist or just continue with these treatments. Also the fact that my end of year photograph id coming up very soon (2 days) is also worrying. Its very upsetting because its never been like this before and when people look at me its like I have a contagious disease. I am 15 by the way and know looks aren't everything, but it is starting to affect my confidence and school work because I just don't want to turn up for class and allow people to see me, which is hard because my GCSE's are approaching fast and I don't want to loose out on grades I know I can achieve because I haven't been turning up for school. Please give me some advice soon because I don't know what to do any more.





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i also suffer from psoriasis which started around same age as you 14. get your doctor to reffer you to dermotoligist theywill know how to help u best. I khow you feel with regards to thinking people are staring at you - but they are not. its a lot more common than you think! I thought i was the only person in the world with psoriasis but we're not. your friends wont see u any different - dont let it ruin your confidence or hold you back. Itwill get better x

Also forgot to say - speak to your doctor about cover up make up that is available may help you feel more confident when u have bad outbreaks on the face

I found this website very useful for Psoriasis advice: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Psoriasis/Pages/Treatment.aspx





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I watched the show and think i could be suffering from vaginal psoirasis. I thought this condition was thrush, have treated myself with over the counter products which did not work. I have got the aqueous cream for cleansing, can you tell me the name of the other cream and is it available over the counter, or do I have to have it confirmed by my GP.





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Hi, just watched the show i too think i may have vaginal Psoriasis, i dont want to go to my doctor and was wondering what that cream was called so i can buy it? thanks





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Hi i just Watched show and think i could be suffering from vaginal psoirasis. thougth this condtion was thrush!! have suffered for years and not been treated sucsecfully. please can you buy any creamover the conter.





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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More Information

  1. Quick Health Advice: Psoriasis

    In Videos - Dr Harper explains the causes of and treatments available for psor…

  2. Consultation: Psoriasis

    In Videos - Dr Dawn Harper examines a patient with psoriasis

  3. Episode 2

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  4. How To Check Your Skin

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  5. Quick Health Advice: Moles

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  6. Consultation: Ichthyosis

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  7. Consultation: Mole Check-Up

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  8. Consultation: Hyperpigmentation

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  9. Episode 2 - Kids

    In Episodes - This week's episode includes a young girl with vile verrucas that m…

  10. Consultation: Vaginal Prolapse

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  11. Quick Health Advice: Excessive Sweating

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  12. Quick Health Advice: Acne

    In Videos - Dr Pixie McKenna provides some information on the causes of acne, z…

  13. Body Check: Moles

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  14. Am I Normal Acne

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  15. Consultation: Second Adult Circumcision

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More Information

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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