My dd develped a rash weeks ago which looked like classic pityriasis rosea. After a couple of months it suddenly all joined up and started flaking and looked really bad so went back to the GP who got us an appointment that day with a dermatologist. She was diagnosed with psoriasis. It is widespread covering all of her neck, most of her face, lots of large spots on her tummy, legs and arms and patches on her scalp. This was four weeks ago.

We were given several creams for her and treatment for her head. The first cream we used on her neck and back for three days only as it was not for children. After the three days we thought she'd be better within a week the progress was so great. Since then we've been using the milder cream (which is also only for adults so can only use a little bit) twice a day and a different cream on her face. The creams sting when they go on and I don't think they are helping much. Some days the psoriasis looks less red and her skin seems smoother and other days it looks big, red and angry. There is hardly any difference between the parts that are getting the cream and the parts (legs and arms) that aren't. She's also on the list for light therapy.

My dd is four and a half and has never really had any problems with anything until this started in the summer. My dh used to have excema but that cleared up after living in South Africa for a few years and has never returned. None of the rest of us have skin problems.

Does anyone have any advice on things we can try or just how to cope with it? I really hope its not going to be like this for the rest of her life. At the moment she isn't too self-conscious but I'm sure when she gets older this could change. We've changed our washing powder, reduced baths as these seemed to make it worse and have cut right down on dairy.

Sorry it's so long and thanks in advance.

Lucy X