The Itchy gang comes in many different shapes, sizes, skin tones, and skin conditions. This month I am making some noise for our Psoriasis SISTERS & MISTERS!
I hope that these stories help you connect and feel less alone through mutual understanding of the way in which our skin can make us feel.
I also hope that these stories reach those who don’t suffer from #Psoriasis so they can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of living with a skin condition.
OVER TO ᴄᴀʀᴍᴇɴ🥁⬇️
I have had Psoriasis since I was 6 months old, I am now 27! So I have had this condition all of my life and certainly for as long as I can remember. My parents first noticed red scaly patches on my body whilst we were on a family holiday at Centre Parcs.
They did what any parent would do and took me to the GP once we returned home.
The GP told them it was viral, which then after more visits changed to them telling my parents it was allergies.
My parents decided after years of feeling like it was something more and not feeling happy with the responses they were getting and took me to a private dermatologist, who finally at the age of 10 confirmed it was Psoriasis in many different forms all over my body.
Scalp, Plaque, Guttate, and Inverse.
Fast forward to 2021 and I have even more forms including nails and my psoriasis turned Erythrodermic – a very rare (only 2%) and life-threatening form of the condition which hospitalized me and led to me beginning a journey on immunosuppressants.
I have an extensive very severe case of psoriasis scoring highly on both the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) and the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index).
CARMEN, hasn’t let her skin stop her from creating the page @psoriasisprincessdiaries empowering herself and others to share their authentic selves! Through doing this she found @itch_n_bitch.
I created my own account this year as a journal to document my healing, keep track of my journey, meet people with similar stories and itchy skin conditions, share advice and receive it. Through doing this I found ItchNBitch (@itch_n_bitch) – the memes on this account stood out to me, made me smile and I could resonate with them without taking my condition too seriously.
The advice, information and brand recommendations/reviews provided on this account has truly helped me so much.
Other accounts I interact with daily and find helpful are listed below;
@Psoriasis_Thoughts
@Silveryscales
@mygoodnessrecipes
@psoriasis.superwomen
@LucyRout
@RosieDaniels
HINDSIGHT:
What do you want people to know?
That flare ups don’t last forever, they come and go some worse than others. You are a warrior and you have got this! Also, it’s okay to not feel okay all the time, it’s okay to reach out and ask for help.
What has been your lesson?
My lesson has been to not apologise for my skin condition. Everytime I met a new person or was in an unfamiliar environment I would introduce my psoriasis along with myself. I felt I had to get in there first by apologising and pointing out my condition before it was brought up.
What has your skin taught you?
My skin has taught me resilience, strength and that beauty comes from within.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is suffering from Psoriasis, or similar skin conditions?
My advice for anyone suffering with psoriasis and other itchy skin conditions would be to smile at those who stare, wear what you want to wear and most importantly be kind to yourself. This is your life, no one else’s and you should be proud of who you are and live life the way you want to.
EDUCATION:
What’s the one thing you’d like people without Psoriasis to know?
Psoriasis is more than skin deep, it is not just flaky dry skin, it isn’t unhygienic, it’s incurable and affects both a person’s physical and mental health. The impolite questions, stares, strange looks, pointing and uneducated comments can do so much hurt and damage.
What has your TRIAL & ERROR taught you? What are your top ingredients to avoid when it comes to flare-ups?
Over my lifetime I have used countless products, treatments, medications and home remedies. It’s exhausting, especially when you don’t see results and instead are faced with side effects and flares as a result of trying new products which you think is going to help relieve your symptoms.
Top ingredients to avoid when it comes to Psoriasis and flare-ups are: SLS – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – this is extremely drying chemical used in a LOT of products, Sulfates in general including Coal Tar,
- Perfumed and scented products,
- Generally anything with added chemicals, dyes and fragrance.
- Products with PARAFFIN!
- Avoid takeaways and processed foods.
What are the top products that have helped your skin? Or even your all-time ride-or-die brand for sensitive skin…
Top brands and products which have helped me on my journey so far have been:
Hannah Sillitoe’s Multi Strain Biotic for gut health, and the Shampoo and Conditioner.
Balmonds! Balmonds are my favourite sensitive skin brand: I have a whole shelf full of their products so I never run out.
Skin Salvation Intensive balm, Bath & Body Oil, Body Wash, Scalp Oil and Daily moisturising Cream are my daily go to products. All of their products are so dreamy and also smell lush!
Soothe Skin – The vegan Relieve Body Cream, Revive Face Cream, Replenish Body Wash and the Renew Cleanser.
I also use Ecover Zero laundry liquid and fabric conditioner as I have found this personally don’t irritate my skin (although recently I was informed that this brand does in fact contain SLS and other chemicals disguised under ‘Anionic Surfactants’. It’s important to not only focus on what you put on your skin but also what you wash your clothing and towels with.
I also use Ecover Zero washing up liquid too which I use along with a pair of domestic cleaning rubber gloves. Cleaning products can have harsh chemicals which can irritate sensitive skin, so these gloves are my best friend when it comes to cleaning and household chores.
Natural products all the way. Now that I have been on this natural healing journey since the beginning of this year. I wouldn’t look back and wish I had done it sooner!
What would be your biggest tips for self-love/acceptance? I know a lot of people struggle with this…
My biggest tips for self-love and acceptance would be to become the expert, do your research and take matters into your own hands – it’s so empowering!
Don’t let your psoriasis define you, it’s part of you, it isn’t you! It’s important to make friends with your mirror, this is something I have only recently done. There was a time in my life where I would take mirrors down in the house, avoid them in public and cover them up if I could. Positive affirmations can be so helpful, practice being kind to yourself from the moment you wake up, throughout your day and until you go to bed. Surround yourself with loving and supportive people. It’s important to have a strong support system around you.
Don’t compare yourself to others! You are unique and perfect the way you are.
Practicing gratitude and being thankful for all the positives in your life can help you on your journey to acceptance. Do what you enjoy, take time for yourself, what makes you happy and relaxed, love who you are both inside and out.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!
Itch N Bitch 