I'm 33 and have had Psoriasis since I was 8 years old. I always managed my condition fairly well as a teenager using topical treatments and going for light therapy when I was unable to keep it under control. My psoriasis went away during my first pregnancy and returned really slowly but was manageable. That was until I had my second child 5 years ago! My psoriasis did not go away during my pregnancy and I had to stop using the steroid creams I was used to using. By the time I had my daughter and she was 3 months old I was considered a chronic case and my doctor asked during a routine visit if I wanted referred to dermatology. Anyway in the last 5 years I have been on many different topical treatments including dressings being applied, I've tried ciclosporin and methotrexate tablets and injections. My psoriasis is still here and is deeply getting me down. I feel that the dermatologists don't know where to go for here, I have been biopsied for lupus and had many blood tests done but there seems to be no reason why I'm not winning the battle anymore. I'm very emotional about my skin as it can be very sore and I feel like I'm sun burnt. I'm tired of the greasy mess I go to bed in and the mess it makes of my sheets every night.
I know I'm not the only one suffering from this condition but I search and search the internet and can't seem to find any support groups where I can find people having the same emotional struggles as me as I feel my family see a skin complaint and not a disease. I remain hopeful that after 5 years of this ongoing battle I am just around the corner from a clear up/ manageable condition before it wins the ongoing battle with my emotions.
Submitted by a 33 year female living in Scotland