Psoriasis

Sparkling58
Sparkling58 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

Hi all, This is my first post. I suffer from Chronic Psoriasis, on most of my body. My wife has to apply lotions to my back as i cannot reach certain parts. We have to wash our bedding every day due to me scratching , which creates lesions that bleed. It is costing us a fortune in bedding, washing powders etc. If we go anywhere to stay , i have to use a sleeping bag to try and contain scratch debris and blood loss . I am a 58 male and have been suffering from Psoriasis for 20 odd years. My 26 year old daughter was diagnosed with Breast cancer recently and my Psoriasis has got worse. I am just reaching out to find out if there is any financial help available ?. We are a proud family and both work and claim nothing. But its getting harder. If anyone can advise ? anything would be appreciated , even if its a no ; sorry you can't. Thank you all in advance. Darren.

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Comments

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 7,610 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @Sparkling58, welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear how much your Psoriasis is affecting you, that sounds really tough. Are you both working full time? If you're on a low income you may still be eligible for Universal Credit.

    You could try using a benefits calculator to see if there's anything you could claim: https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/

    Or you could speak to a local benefits adviser or Citizen's Advice to see if they can offer any ideas: https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

    Do you cope with your condition okay while you're at work?

  • Sparkling58
    Sparkling58 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Hi Rosie,

    Thank you for the reply and advise.

    I am a self employed gardener - i was a project Engineer , but had to change careers , as when i was in meetings skin would fall off my hands and arms and make a mess on board room tables , which is embarrassing. My wife is a self employed Patient transfer ambulance driver , but is not full time , only ad hoc (zero hours). I work in the Spring /summer months . We survive on our wages.

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 7,610 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    In that case it may be worth looking into whether Universal Credit would be an option for you @Sparkling58. Depending on how much you both earn, you may be able to get a bit of a top up. If you have a go at the Benefits Calculator that might give you an idea of whether you'd get anything.

  • Sparkling58
    Sparkling58 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Thank you, i will have a look.

  • Trevor_PIP
    Trevor_PIP Online Community Member Posts: 1,225 Championing

    @Sparkling58 I am sure you will know but there are a lot of treatments for Chronic Psoriasis including the relatively new biologics. You obviously need more than lotions to relieve your condition. I am not a Doctor, but know a few that suffer from it, but their condition is in remission after appointments with GP's and Consultants.

    Stress is definitely a trigger and can make your condition worse.

  • Bananas
    Bananas Online Community Member Posts: 25 Contributor

    Hello, I also suffer from Psoriasis, but, only slightly compared to you

    Anyway, I do know there is a very effective treatment for it, can't remember what its called

    Apparently this treatment can only be prescribed by a Dermatologist, so ask your Dr. to refer you