Forget drugs: You can beat psoriasis by TALKING about it

Toby Hadoke, 40, from London has suffered with psoriasis since childhood Has recently found a surprising treatment - cognitive behavioural therapy

By Grace Mccann

PUBLISHED: 20:12 EST, 24 March 2014 | UPDATED: 20:14 EST, 24 March 2014

Toby Hadoke has suffered with psoriasis since childhood. The condition, which causes red, scaly patches of skin, is distressing and can be painful.

'At its worst, I felt like I'd been stung by a thousand bees,' says Toby, a 40-year-old comedian and writer from north London.

But recently he's found a surprising treatment that has transformed his symptoms. Much of his skin used to be covered in flaky patches. Today, these areas are merely slightly pink and dry.

Toby Hadoke, 40, from London has suffered with psoriasis since childhood and has recently found a treatment

The difference is not down to a new ointment but, he says, it's thanks to a form of talking therapy, known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

'I tried everything - Chinese medicine, mud from the Dead Sea, bathing in lavender,' says Toby. 'But CBT has helped massively - I finally feel I'm in control of my psoriasis.'

It may seem surprising that a psychological treatment could have such a marked effect on a physical condition, but it is increasingly being used outside the mental health field.

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Forget drugs: You can beat psoriasis by TALKING about it