Hi
I heard the word psoriasis mentioned for the first time when I was about 19. My hairdresser was the one to make the diagnosis - I'd previously been self treating for dandruff. I went home and talked about it with my mother who said it was impossible as there was no family history of psoriasis, so I forgot about it.
I had various skin problems over the years following, but mostly in atypical areas eg not knees and elbows. The psoriasis was mostly flexural and my GP treated it as fungal infections with little success. It was only when I had a steroid added to the antifungal creams that I got any relief.
Eventually the psoriasis spread to my elbows and hands and the diagnosis became clear. I am beginning to get some joint involvement now too, but find that my GP practice has little knowledge of either psoriasis or PA, so I'm not getting very far with this. The main problems are in the lumbar spine and neck, and to a lesser extent feet, hands and knees. It could be a lot worse and if it becomes worse I am sure I will get treatment. At the moment it's not visible, except slight swelling of the finger joints, and that doesn't impress my GP very much.
I'm working full time and managing, apart from spells of fatigue when I seem to turn into Rip Van Winkle and spend half my time sleeping!
Thanks for a very useful website, a forum like this is much appreciated.
Best wishes
Liz
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