I am Breaking the Silence. I am a Psoriasis Warrior!

Living with psoriasis presents unique challenges that extend beyond the visible symptoms. I had it since I turned 30 years old, and truth be told, it's not something I welcome with open arms. However, amidst the hardships it has presented me, I've discovered that it has also transformed my life in unexpected ways. Now, allow me to share my personal journey of facing psoriasis—an intimate account that seeks to inspire hope, break the silence, and foster understanding. My goal is to help individuals with psoriasis so they can embrace their beauty, find strength, and live fulfilling lives.

Psoriasis is indeed a visible condition that affects the skin throughout the body. It can be challenging to face the public with noticeable patches and flare-ups. I can relate to the struggle and discomfort that comes with it. On sunny days, I find myself wearing long-sleeved shirts and dresses, even though it can be incredibly hot and uncomfortable. The fear of judgment and being laughed at by others keeps me from revealing my psoriasis to the world.

Constantly feeling self-conscious and worrying about how others perceive me takes a toll on my mental well-being, especially when my psoriasis flares up. The constant thoughts and stress consume my mind as I desperately seek ways to eliminate the condition and prevent its return - and I always fail.

It all began when I went through a breakup with someone whom I believed to be the love of my life. Looking back, I realize now that I was living in a fantasy, with overly idealistic expectations. However, at that time, I was oblivious to the fact that this heartbreak was causing me immense stress and leading me to overthink everything. It felt as if my world had come crashing down, and I felt lost without him, unsure of where to turn.

Soon after, I found myself facing a financial crisis. The weight of these financial burdens began to take a toll on me, causing sleepless nights and restlessness. My body felt exhausted, yet my mind continued to search for solutions to overcome the troubles I had brought upon myself.

To cope with the pain and loneliness, I started turning to alcohol. It became a way for me to numb the emotional anguish I was experiencing. I surrounded myself with friends who supported my decision unintentionally made my problems worse.

As time went on, more challenges and problems began to pile up, seemingly without an end in sight.

One fateful day, I found myself rushing to the hospital's Emergency Room due to a severe case of appendicitis. The only solution was to undergo surgery to remove my inflamed appendix. It was an unexpected and painful experience that left me physically and emotionally drained.

Just as I was starting to recover from the appendectomy, another challenge arose. My sebaceous cyst unexpectedly burst, requiring another minor operation to address the issue. It was a setback that added to my already mounting physical and mental exhaustion.

To make matters worse, only a week later, I discovered a cyst in my throat that was growing abnormally. It had formed a pocket of fluid, necessitating a procedure known as aspiration to drain the fluid and alleviate the discomfort.

These consecutive health issues seemed never-ending, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and wondering when the constant string of challenges would finally subside.

That incident was the final straw. On an ordinary workday, I began to feel an intense itchiness on my eyelids. There was a small red patch that seemed to be causing the discomfort. I tried applying various creams and even antibacterial ointments, but the itching persisted. In fact, the patch became even redder whenever I applied more cream. Desperate for relief, I turned to aloe vera cream, which provided temporary soothing, but the itchiness persisted. Then, I stumbled upon videos suggesting that Apple Cider vinegar could alleviate red patches and itching. Without hesitation, I tried this remedy, but it ended up causing a wound. Nevertheless, I initially believed it was a success.

A week later, while working overtime at the office on a Saturday, I suddenly felt an intense itch on my scalp. I couldn't resist scratching it, and to my surprise, I encountered the thickest dandruff I had ever experienced. It was completely out of the blue, as I had never had dandruff before. I approached a coworker for help, and she shared that she too had struggled with dandruff and happened to have hair oil with her. I asked her to apply the oil to the itchy area, convinced that it was a result of the shampoo I had recently switched to based on a friend's recommendation. I planned to return to my regular shampoo to combat the dandruff, as I despised it.

However, the dandruff problem persisted. Every time I took a shower, it returned with even more itchiness and flakiness. To make matters worse, I noticed red patches appearing on my back and on my elbows. This alarmed me, as I had resorted to using apple cider vinegar on those patches, but it was uncomfortable and caused further irritation and wounds. During a follow-up check-up with my surgeon, I inquired whether the red patches were a side effect of my surgery. However, he advised me to consult a dermatologist, as it was unusual for patients to develop such red patches after surgery.

That's when I received the diagnosis of Psoriasis Vulgaris, a condition I knew nothing about. I delved into extensive research, consulting multiple dermatologists, and undergoing various treatments, all while facing the added stress of financial constraints. I tried numerous medications and therapies, hoping for a solution, but nothing seemed to work. After enduring this curse for several months, I was advised to seek help from a natural skin doctor. It was there that I finally gained a comprehensive understanding of my condition and received invaluable insights.

Psoriasis has always been a part of me, inherited from my ancestors. During my younger years, I didn't experience its effects because my immune system was robust and I enjoyed good health. However, psoriasis was silently waiting for a trigger, and unfortunately, that trigger weakened my immune system. I came to realize that psoriasis is an irreversible condition with no known cure to eliminate it from the system. Despite this, I discovered a way to manage and minimize its impact, allowing me to lead a life as close to normal as possible.

Living with psoriasis is a life-changing experience that requires embracing it and adapting to its challenges. Trust me, I've been through it all and have no desire to experience those painful flare-ups again. Although I still have occasional flares, I've discovered some magical ways to keep them under control.

It was in mid-2015 when my psoriasis first appeared, but by the last quarter of 2016, I started living my life as normally as possible. Now, in 2023, I can proudly say that I haven't had any significant flare-ups since 2016, even if I got pregnant last 2021.

Psoriasis may be a lifelong companion, but it doesn't define who I am or limit my potential. By accepting and understanding my condition, I've found the strength to navigate through life with confidence. It's important to note that each person's journey with psoriasis is unique, and what works for me may not work for everyone. However, by seeking support, exploring different treatment options, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to regain control and live a fulfilling life.

Psoriasis has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of self-care. I've learned to listen to my body, prioritize my well-being, and make informed choices that benefit both my physical and emotional health. It's essential to educate others about psoriasis, dispel misconceptions, and foster a more inclusive and understanding society. Together, we can create an environment where individuals with psoriasis are accepted, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

If you're facing the challenges of psoriasis, know that you're not alone. There is a community of people who understand and are ready to offer support. Remember, psoriasis doesn't have to define you. Embrace your uniqueness, seek the right treatment and management strategies, and believe in your ability to lead a fulfilling life despite this condition. With the right mindset and a proactive approach, you can overcome obstacles and live your life to the fullest.

If you're seeking a compassionate ear for your Psoriatic journey, I'm here to lend an attentive ear. Stay tuned for my upcoming blogs and write-ups, where I'll be sharing valuable tips and magical tricks to help you navigate your path. Together, we'll embark on a journey of understanding and support. Stay tuned for more!