Psoriasis. By definition a skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches. Not great to look at, not easy to cover and certainly to not easy to get rid of.
I have had psoriasis for about three years now. I know I don’t have the worst psoriasis in the world (I count myself very lucky) and I know that over the three years it has and is progressively getting slightly better. The issue that I have it on my forehead, scalp and cheek for the hold world to see. I’ll say it again not great to look at, not easy to cover and certainly to not easy to get rid of.
It was during my dissertation that I first got psoriasis. I had always had troubled skin but the stress of fourth year exams, essays and of course my dissertation brought the skin disease into my life. I may of graduate two years in June and left the stresses of fourth year behind me, but for some reason I can’t get rid of the latter.
Last year I was finally referred to my local dermatologist. It has been an interesting experience. Lots of creams and lotions (most of which stink of tar) as well as trying different types of tablets. Due to this I have gone through various stages of having and not having any psoriasis but for the moment nothing seems to have worked in the long run. I still go to the dermatologist every six – twelve weeks in hope that something will finally work.
Over the years I have found it difficult to use many beauty products such as cleanser and exfoliators as they irritated the affected areas and caused pain as well as increased redness. I think I have finally managed to find some products which I can use that don’t irritation. I haven’t been using them long enough to share with you but I will in the upcoming months.
Do you have psoriasis? If so share you story with me in the comments below.
Try sun beds!! I’m so pale and burn easily so only ever go for 1-2 mins sometimes three, just whatever you’re comfortable with and it got rid of mines completely!! My mum suffered from it years ago and that’s what they advised just for short amounts of time every week or every 4/5 days, obviously they don’t do that anymore but it’s definitely worth a try x
Firstly, I have to say well done on being so brave and speaking openly about this awful affliction. It’s very rare for people to share photos without makeup, so well done to you!!! Psoriasis is a terrible, unrelenting and indiscriminating disease. While I don’t have it personally, I have witnessed so many people around me living with it. My mum is one of the worst cases- she has all types, all at the same time. Usually you get one or two, but she’s greedy lol. It is also sooooooo much more common than people realise. I have worked in retail and I noticed the small signs as I have lived beside it for so long. (little dents in fingernails, long sleeve tops, even in summer, different tan lines in the summer)
Unfortunately it is not a disease that just “goes away.” There is no cure. There are only ways to reduce the symptoms. My mum has tried almost everything, and while she gets relief with some things, they usually carry such high risks that she can’t have them for prolonged periods. There are some people who have little or no symptoms- my partner is one of those, and he only gets flare ups if he is very stressed. The thing is, stress isn’t the only trigger. Psoriasis is a very unique disease in that your triggers and treatment will be very different to everyone elses. Mum has had suggestions of cutting out tomatoes, not wearing underwired bras, wearing gloves when outside, changing washing powder.. so many things with no difference. I hope you find your trigger.
I will give some good news. There is treatment that is more successful, but it is extremely pricy and the NHS very rarely pay out for it. My mum hasn’t even had any luck in getting it, but it is an injection of some kind of immunosuppressants. There are actually models in America who suffer from this, but just have a little jag now and then to get rid- we’re in the wrong country I think! You may have more of a chance because you’re young, I don’t know…
There is also camouflage makeup you can get. It is prescribed, so is extremely kind to your skin. You can get training from *I believe it is* Red Cross in how to apply the make up. It’s like a green foundation that you put on and allow to set before adding your regular, flesh colours on top. Really helps with the setting issues.
Sorry I kind of went off on a tangent there. I just wanted you to know that there are some options. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. If there is something I need to find out, I can ask mum lol.
I hope you get the best treatment available x
Having psoriasis sucks, I’ve had it on & off for 21 years & currently have a flare up. I used to get it really bad & ended up in hospital for tar treatment for a week, it was discovered it was due to me having tonsillitis every 2 months that made my skin worse so after they were removed it cleared up.
I wish that I had a secret miracle cure to tell you but I don’t. However I remember years ago using Avon Skin so Soft bath oil & that helped clear it up when all the prescribed stuff didn’t. I hope it clears up soon for you
Psoriasis is such a horrible thing to have! And some people can be so mean about it! (I’ve had people walk away from me thinking I’m contagious and even the odd drunk muppet call me a lizard!) Unfortunately I have psoriatic arthritis as well, one of the most frustrating things for me is that a lot of people call psoriasis a skin condition when in fact it is an autoimmune disease. Maybe try vitamin supplements. As for products I have found that the more natural they are the less they irritate the skin. I cannot recommend enough Dr. Organic (found in holland and Barratt) I currently use rose otto for my skin and hemp for my hair, hope this helps someone, they don’t clear it but they definitely don’t irritate it like everything else I’ve used in the past.