I was diagnosed with psoriasis when I was 15 years old. It started with small patches on my scalp, arms, elbows and knees. My father thought it was a typical rash and would get better soon. But the symptoms got worse day by day, and suddenly my whole body was covered with these scaly patches.
Then my father noticed that my general health was deteriorating and took me to a doctor. After several tests, diagnoses and follow-ups, the doctor finally confirmed that it was psoriasis. I heard this word for the first time in my life, and I had no idea or knowledge about it. I remember shaking and being very scared when the doctors said there was no cure for psoriasis. I was worried about what would happen to my future. I felt hopeless at that moment.
The doctor prescribed some medications to relieve my pain and reduce the scaly patches, but I did not see any improvements at first. Instead of getting better, my condition worsened. This made me shy and insecure when I met people. It was also very painful, and I had a hard time concentrating on everything I did.
I couldn’t even go to school at that time because the scaly patches were getting thicker, and it was difficult for me to move. I had to stay in bed for several months because I could not walk properly or do errands or schoolwork. Fortunately, the scaly patches have receded with continuous topical medication prescribed by my doctor.
Two years later, I developed psoriatic arthritis, which caused my hand to change its original shape due to joints damage. This made things worse for me. I cannot lift heavy things, type or even write without pain. It became hard for me to find a job, and I was so ashamed to face people. I didn’t even want to attend family functions because people kept asking me what was wrong with me.
To this day, I continue to struggle with this. Because of psoriasis, I have many health problems. I still rely on medication to reduce the scaly patches. It has helped manage my condition, and I regularly see the dermatologist.
Life is not easy every day, but I try my best. I have to survive because of my daughter. I am thankful that my immediate family is very understanding of my health condition and supportive as best they can. It is important for people to know that psoriasis is not just a skin disease, it affects your body, and it can progress to psoriatic arthritis. This is why getting the proper treatment from a dermatologist early is imperative to ensure that psoriasis progressions are managed.
Jasmine
By True Complexion
Approval Code: MY2302287622
