I developed psoriasis at the age of 12. It was confined to my scalp at first. Unfortunately at the age of 14, the psoriasis gradually spread to the rest of my body. It was very difficult. Every time I showed my skin people asked me what was wrong with me. I would lie and say eczema because people have heard about that and wouldn’t be too worried. I got to the point that I was tired of answering people’s questions and always justifying myself.
The time came when I had to come to terms with the fact that I had a chronic condition and had to change the way I lived. I stopped dancing and changed the way I dressed. Instead of wearing little tops and dresses, I wore trousers and long-sleeves blouses all year round and always had a good excuse for why I was covered up.
Nowadays, I have found treatment that works and I have a good quality of life. But I am always afraid that something is going to trigger another attack. I want to say to other people with psoriasis, do not leave the condition untreated as there is a solution out there. I want to say, do not live like a recluse, there is a patient association available to help you on your journey and help you accept living with your psoriasis.
I also want to say to the public, be understanding with us as sufferers and just let us live a normal life without judging us harshly or unjustly because we have a visible disease.
