Argh! I'm supposed to be doing a lit review at the mo', but instead of leafing through some odd history of science text or another I'm slowly going mad! I went to the doctors this morning....and found out that the Guttate Psoriasis that currently plagues my life is not going to go away easily. Sob.....still at least it isn't the swimsuit season and I can always wear jumpers. Sigh...it will wax and wane throughout my life, and be aggravated by stress: but having the red sore blotchy skin IS stressful! Argh! Vicious circle.

Anyway, rant over , I will return to work. Anyway else have an aliment to moan about?

Yeah. Doing a PhD is taking away my appetite

I get hungry and tired, but don't fancy eating anything really.

Yeah. Doing a PhD is taking away my appetite

I get hungry and tired, but don't fancy eating anything really.

I've just started therapy, trying to put things things in the past. It's helping, will just take time. All this on top of not long starting my PhD!!

It's just like the undergrad years again...juggling stress, health and work.

Sometimes it seems so difficult just doing stuff:argh...life always demands active participation! Although demanding at least the PhD gives a focal point to life.

Have you been to Holland and Barratt and bought the 'Dead Sea Magik' products? They do bath salts, moisturisers, all sorts (in blue and white packaging) and it can really improve psoriasis. I often get small patches of psoriasis when stressed and that stuff really helps, eventually getting rid of it.

I can appreciate your anguish. Few years ago, I developed dermatitis on my face - never had it before in my life before and it was bad. I started to look like a lumpy-faced teenager. Not very pretty on a 25 year old woman! Went to doctor, got standard treatments, should be all solved. Problem: low percentage of people react to the standard medication, causing the dermatitis to clear in the short term, but be exacerbated in the long term. Result: problem got 10 times worse. Finally, referral and 3 month waiting for an appointment to see top dermatologist, my hero, who took one look and said, stop using that other stuff, use this stuff instead. All gone in 1 month, never to be seen again.

My advice, if you have not done so already, go see an expert.

Hi there chrisrolinski. My housemate has the same condition you do. She had a few courses of laser treatment done and its got 100 times better. I suggest talking to your GP and see what he/she recommends

Thanks for your advice people!

I just realise today how visible some of the marks are. If there is not sign of the problem clearing soon, I'll see a specialist.

I wonder if you flatmate had any tips on concealing the marks?...it is more the upper arms and neck I want: so I can wear t-shirts. I'm a guy so any concealer would have to be natural looking!

Chicmala: I'll pop off to buy some forthwith...Thanks!

I think the message is not to give up. I'd recommend seeing someone else too, and ask them loads of questions. All of a sudden you'll hear something no-one ever mentioned before and you'll have another option to consider