What a nuisance psoriasis is.

This morning, I spent 2 hours waiting to see my GP to get my blood test results from last week and to seek his advice on my escalating psoriasis crisis. The results of the test (regular medical) were, thankfully, normal. I had half expected to be told I'm anemic or have low blood pressure.

Then I had another blood test to see if I have allergies to the usual suspects: grass, dust, seafood. Results will be out by Tue.

It started with random little red dots on my legs after our return from SG.

3 weeks later, I've got scabs, open wounds that ooze...and those dratted little red dots on neck, back, torso, legs, arms. The spots just seem to multiply overnight.

And the ITCH. It can KILL.

It keeps me awake every night. My conscious mind (and my hubby) tells me not to scratch, but how can I not when the spots are SO ITCHY?

I have not had a full night's sleep this week because I wake up itching, so I scratch, which causes scabs to fall off and underlying wounds to ooze (I know it's gross!), which causes pain...

I've tried Egocort, Celestone cream and a healing antiseptic, anti-inflammatory ointment (recommendation of pharmacist) for the affected spots, Zyrtec and Phenergan (recommendation of pharmacist) to knock me out long enough so I get a decent night's sleep.

Nothing works 100%.

The GP was bemused by the number of bandages on my legs. I explained I had to bandage the open wounds or the pus would stain my pants. He made me remove the bandages, and when he saw the state of the wounds, he looked slightly appalled.

Apparently the wounds are infected, and require a dose of antibiotics to clear them up.

He has advised a combination of strategies: Telfast 180 (the strongest, he assures me) for the antihistamine effect; Sorbolene cream to moisturize; Celestone cream for the non-oozing spots; 5 days' worth of antibiotics; and a brown antiseptic liquid (Betamethasone? Benedene?) to clean the infected patches with.

Winter seems to have come early, but leggings and tights are out, as they will put pressure on the open wounds that need non-contact and plenty of fresh air to heal.

So I did the school run today in a woolly long skirt with knee-high boots. No leggings. No tights. It was freezing but at least my skin got the airing it needed.

Every little bit helps.