Parent organisation of Community Links, Foundation and Bridging the Gap

Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis Awareness Month
August 2024

For Psoriasis Awareness Month this year we have spoken to our CEO, Ruth Kettle about her own experience of living with psoriasis and how others can seek support.

I seem to have volunteered to write blogs about issues in which I have a keen interest, or which affect me personally!

This month is no different as it is psoriasis awareness month! A month of campaigns which aim to educate the public about psoriasis and enlighten those of us with psoriasis on topics surrounding causes, triggers, and treatment methods.

Psoriasis is a skin condition which affects between 2-3% of the population and affects us not just physically but psychologically too.

Causes

It is an immune system condition; some people will have a family history of the condition (me) but others may not.

Types and treatments

Psoriasis is different for each person. For some people it may not have a huge impact on day-to-day life, but for others its impact can be significant.

I have had psoriasis so long I don’t recall when it started but it was never problematic until about 5-6 years ago when it came on to my hands, leaving my fingertips prone to “popping open” and making everyday tasks like typing really painful.  It was at that point that I was referred to dermatology and was given various strong steroid creams which didn’t make much difference to my hands.  I then had PUVA (Psoralen plus ultraviolet A) which was amazing as long as it lasted but within a few weeks I was back to square one, so it was time for the medication. 

Medication was again amazing as long as I took it so I have had a very low dose for a while (not quite what I should have been doing but it worked for me) until the doctor advised me to stop taking it, you have to have regular blood tests and are unable to give blood whilst on this medication.

Lifelong changes (aka self-care)

I was more than a little concerned that my hand psoriasis would return and early signs were starting to appear so I went to a medical herbalist to see what I could do nutritionally or otherwise to help myself.  It’s not been quite what I expected as the first thing she wanted me to do was to be gluten free for a few months!  I have just about managed this, and alongside reducing my white/processed carbs and cutting out sugar for 90 days and counting (my choice), my hands are totally clear.  I already don’t drink alcohol!! This is not an easy path I know but my experience has shown that, for me, every single treatment I have had has only worked for the duration of treatment plus about 3 weeks!

I appreciate that the research into the link between diet and psoriasis is inconclusive.  There is a lot of misinformation out there so please do look at reputable websites (NHS or psoriasis association for example) before spending any money on treatments.  There is a wide variety of treatments available on the NHS if you can wait for your referral to dermatology to get to the top of the list.

If your psoriasis is causing you problems in aspects of your daily life such as causing pain or interfering with your sleep support is available from the Psoriasis Association on 01604 251 620, email mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk or WhatsApp 07387 716 439

Many people have found that getting involved in support groups helps. Support groups can increase your self-confidence, reduce feelings of isolation and give you practical advice about living with the condition.