I have what can be characterized as mild psoriasis.
At one time my scalp was 75% covered but I currently have it under control using a mid range steroid Bethamethasone Dipropionate. I was using OLUX, which is a very strong steroid. It made my scalp worse, and when I tapered off I developed facial P in a few spots and inverse in the leg groin area. I find the p on the face and in the groin devastating.
My body has guttate and some plaque spots. Probably 12 spots on the front of the trunk and 10 on my back. They don't stop me from wearing any kind of clothing, including a bathing suit.
I have been following a stringent treatment plan for several months that claimed it could put the psoriasis in permanent remission. It included daily application of topical steroids and in the evening a gel medium. However, in my case that has not happened. I actually had fewer spots on my trunk when I started. I did "heal" some spots, but it is very difficult to do so. I followed the plan exactly, and it became compulsive. There were so many does and don'ts that I don't know what to wear, eat or how to live normally anymore.
I had to shower twice a day and put steroids and gel on all the body spots. The treatment for the hair included very strong steroids and a special shampoo that had to be left on for at least thirty minutes each night. The gel had to be applied on any p on the scalp. All the treatments just overwhelmed me. They took at least 2-3 hours a day.
I run for stress relief and was told that was probably the main reason that the treatment plan did not work for me. I don't know if that is true or not. I could not give up running.
About a month ago, I just broke down. I can't do this anymore. Yet I don't have the courage to quite the topical cortisone.
I have been offered anxiety drugs and anti-depressants. However, they won't relieve my problem. I need control.
I am very tired and not sleeping well. It is P 24/7.
I have great family support and talk to them a lot.
I need some relief. I will attend a support group meeting soon. However, they are fairly far away. I am surprised there is only one group in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Any ideas for alternate treatments?
Do you think counseling would help?
I have Kaiser insurance, an HMO in California. Anyone have any experience with psoriasis treatment with them? I have seen a dermatologist there and he seems very receptive to working with me. However, their time is limited because Kaiser is a HMO.
Anyone know a great derm or even a rhematologist in the San Jose area. I have looked at the list on the site but would like a personal recommendation.
Thanks for any help or comments. I really need them now.

I wouldn't stop treatments, but might look at other avenues.
I definately wouldn't stop running, especially if it is a good stress reliever.
If you are having anxiety about the p, seeing a counselor might help you deal with the emotional aspects of it.
Psoriasis 24/7 is something that a lot of us deal with and have to work on. It's tough to get away from thinking about it, even when it is in remission (waiting for the next outbreak and dwelling on it is my biggest problem).
Keep looking for that thing that works for you, it is out there somewhere.
Try and stay positive, if running gets you away from the stress/anxiety that psoriasis can bring, that may be a great outlet.

I would look for a new treatment option like biologics or UVB which will work to clear your entire body so you don't have to keep applying topicals to each spot. The hardest part for me when I flared was using the topicals again, which meant focusing on each patch again. Emotionally that is really hard after being clear for over a year. You are taking steps in the right direction by going to a support group and running. Hang in there and it will get better.
SHANA