I have very little psoriasis, just on my scalp after the birth of each of my babies. After the birth of my fourth child in 2004, I started to develop aches and pains, but put this down to having four young children and working as a nurse.

I have suffered with psoriasis and eczema since birth. My psoriasis has flared up and down over the years and it's just something I've learnt to live with. I am now 39.

Well I've had psoriasis for approximately four years now. It started off as a small area on my scalp and stayed there for a year or so, I'd first thought it was dandruff. Over the years it's spread over my back, face, arms, chest, legs  and groin.

There are a number of things, which I often want to explain to people, but don’t...

I know I don’t ‘look sick’ and I’m glad of that but sometimes it would be easier if I did. I might have made it to work (or wherever) today but it wasn’t easy.  People who know me and remark on my strength are a blessing.

My problems with psoriasis arthritis started some 20+ years after a road accident in which I suffered severe head injuries (Glasgow trauma score of 5). I have always suffered from eczema and generally itchy skin including dandruff, from the age of about 14.

I, unlike most, developed arthritis first, then years later the psoriasis came. I have had joint pain for as long as I can remember. I am not confident that all those ‘growing pains’ weren't actually arthritis.

I developed psoriasis at 11. Clearly, there was a strong genetic link as my father had severe psoriasis. My mother's reaction was very negative in that she said no one would ever want to marry me with this! Not a great thing for a young adolescent to hear.

I've had patches of psoriasis on my head and body since I was about 10 years old. Steroid creams are useless [for me]. Then joint pain and arthritis symptoms started when I was 26 and they all came on really quickly affecting every joint in my body from the jaw down.

I try to keep positive despite the aches and pains and to keep active. I still work full time as a Taxi Driver but make no secret of my condition to friends family and everyone. I do have days when I feel exhausted but I use those days to do things like reading, letter writing etc.

I have had my psoriasis for over 20 years now and seem to have it in places different from others, thankfully not on my face.I have had my psoriasis for over 20 years now and seem to have it in places different from others, thankfully not on my face.