Brian's Story

What does clear skin mean to you?

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Having clear skin makes a huge difference, you can wear shorts and t-shirts, you can go swimming, and even though I rarely let psoriasis stop me, it's always there at the back of my mind. I think I was 10 or 11 when I was asked to leave a swimming pool because of my psoriasis, so when I got clear skin it meant so much to go, worry-free, into a swimming pool with my kids.

Getting clear gave me a huge amount of time back, as I wasn’t spending two to three hours a day with creams, baths and showers. Suddenly I could have ‘normal’ showers. Being free from the itch and the burning hugely improved my quality of life. It also made a difference to my mental and emotional wellbeing.

How did you achieve clear skin?

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I think I am a very resilient individual. Finding the right treatment can be frustrating and you can encounter lots of setbacks which can be disheartening but I didn't give up. I kept going back to the doctor if something wasn't working, I kept following treatment pathways. Never giving up. I also have a background in research which I guess contributes to having a 'curious mind'. I make sure that I go into my appointments prepared. I let my doctor know what I need help with, and then we decide together what care plan would be best for me.

Start the process at the GP, then ask for a referral to a dermatologist. To do that successfully, you have to be active and you have to be well informed. There’s no quick fix, there’s no one size fits all and it does take perseverance but it can be done.

Take the first step towards achieving clear skin...

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The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a simple questionnaire that gives you a snapshot of how your psoriasis is impacting your quality of life. Once completed, you can take the questionnaire to your next appointment to help make decisions about your care. DLQI is a recognised clinical tool, recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).