hi, my name is sam and i've had pustular p for about 8 years. unfortunately i was in the army when i first got it and they can be particularly cruel. you just learn to hide the pain away and get on with life, if you don't you'll crack up. then we wouldn't be at the p forum but the nutty farm forum. it took me ages to get to see a derm (i was in germany at the time, army doctors are great...not...). they tried every type of cream, massive tubs of e45, but nothing worked (surprise surprise). when i finally got to see this german derm she was great. she explained exactly what i had and gave me more cream. it really thinned my skin out but after the 3rd highest strength it started to go. i forgot to mention i'm lucky, i only get it on my hands and feet. those stares though when you hand you money over in a shop, how they manage to give you your change without ever touching your hand, it's amazing. the leper is back, that's how you feel. my skin stayed clear for a while but it's always thin now. then it came back. one doctor i saw even brought the rest of the practice in to look as they'd never seen it before, that filled me with confidence. i struggled on, not bothering with doctors untill a few months ago. after giving the doctor enough earache he finally referred me to a derm. i had to strip (for hands and feet???), it was awful, and he gave me this coal tar and zinc which literally burnt my skin. then i went back and had to see a new derm, (they don't stay long do they). i tried to explain my wonder cream which i couldn't remember the name of, no one else would listen, and she knew it. i was so happy i could have kissed her. so now i'm back on my brown staining skin thinning disgustingly wonderful dithro-cream. i just wish it was a permanent cure as you can't use it forever. i think i've bored you enough now. keep smilin'
