Hey.
New to the site but I've had psoriasis since I was about 4,I'm 20 now.
This site is really useful I'm a bit in shock never knew there were different types of P!
My doctor diagnosed it about 12 years ago offered me steroid creams and tar shampoos but never went into any details about what "kind" I had.So reading this site has opened my eyes to what kind I have!I've had it all over my body over the years only places I've been saved from having it are on my hands and feet although right now I do have some on the top of my foot it's never caused me any hassle.I just find the best thing for it is to basically smother myself in moisturisers and to get as much sun as I can,that being when the UK's weather allows me too.I didn't really find any doctors treatment helped and often the tar based products smelt horrible and I don't want to use steroid creams as they can be very damaging to the skin otherwise.
Through school some people have been very cruel I used to have terrible P on my scalp and neck (school uniforms in the UK with shirts and ties are not very forgiving and rub like hell!) and so some uneducated little terrors used to give me hell.But I have found the best way around it is to calmly explain what it is when they understand the teasing stops.
Recently one of my friends noticed my P and did take the mick a little but I had a little go at him about it and one of my other friends who knows how sensitive I can be about it told him off too (he's a fellow sufferer although not as bad as me) and my friend apologised to me and I did explain about it all and he accepts now that I have the condition and there is nothing I can do about it and it hurts when it's pointed out.
I have actually written on my Myspace page that I have P because I feel it is part of me and people have to accept that.It has never stopped me from forming any relationships,boyfriends have always been very understanding and caring about my skin even when I've had the urge to scratch my skin off they have brought me moisturiser (often borrowed from their mothers!) to try and help and have told me not to scratch and taken my mind off it.
I do try to think of the positive side of having P.My skin is always super soft,I have girl friends who are jealous of how soft it is,and I have an excuse to buy expensive skin products or have them bought for me!
All I want to say to anyone who has recently been diagnosed is that you're really not alone and you shouldn't let it get in the way of your life.People can be cruel but educate them to what is "wrong" with you and make them understand how it does affect you and then they will stop being cruel.I think half of it is fear and curiosity of what is on your skin.Moisturiser is a godsend!I live covered in the stuff!Live your life the way you want don't let it get in the way of achieving your ambitions and going out and making friends.It's never gotten in my way I have great friends,I'm off to university next month and I face a new challenge of new people who don't understand the condition but it won't stop me.
Most of all love your skin accept it for what it is.
Loves Charlie xxx

Response:
Welcome! Have you tried any light therapy besides natural sunlight? UVB or PUVA? I would think it would be super difficult to get enough sun in England! I know my P has alway been much worse in winter. Hope you find support and new ideas here.

Response:
Thank you!
We do have millions of tanning salons but I'm slightly wary of them sometimes (skin cancer etc) but I know it could help specially in the winter here I have considered them because my skin is always much better in the summer.(when it does arrive!)I don't think my P is really severe right now compared to what I used to have but when I get stressed it does flare up quite a bit and then it becomes a more serious consideration.
Charlie x

Response:
There are also light therapies you get under supervision of a doctor. Do they offer that under your health care? That way the timing is well-controlled and you only get the kind of rays that help P. There are many people here who have good results with that. Some end up getting home units.

Response:
Yeah my mothers boss has really severe P and she gets light theraphy on the national health service over here.I don't think mine would qualify for that kind of treatment really,hers is much much worse than mine and right now mine is really under control and we're having some stunning weather I'm pretty much living out in my garden.Again I do think it's an option for me if it does get worse I think going to Uni is going to make it flare up because it's a big change moving away from home and all the stress that goes with starting something new and unknown.

Response:
hi charlie,
welcome to the p family. you have meet some of the wounderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.
have a good weekend all
richard

Response:
Welcome! YOu came to the right place. When I first found this foundation, it was on a search for p info. I didn't even know there was a foundation, so I was in a bit of a shock also that there are so many people living with it. There is always someone here to talk to, and we are like famil and all help each other. Since we are all here for the same reasons, we can cry, vent, and get advise from each other.
As for UV, try getting the treatments through a derm. Not only do they watch carefully on how much uv you get (make sure you don't get too much or burn), but then the insurance will pick up the bill. It can get expensive going to a salon, and they are not experts at treating p patients through uv lights. Good luck, and once again, WELCOME!!!!
~amber.