And youre probably well aware thatthe road to psoriasis treatmentcan be filled with twists and turns.
But finding something that finally brings you relief can change how you feel about yourself and your body.
Althoughpsoriasisis a chronic condition, prescription medications and your overall skin-care routine can make your symptoms manageable.
Amanda K Bailey
SELF spoke to four people with psoriasis about how their lives improved after getting their psoriasis under control.
Hopefully, their words inspire you as you travel along your treatment journey.
I dont wake up at night feeling like my skin is cracking.
My skin was very red, inflamed, flaking constantly, and dry, Tran tells SELF.
Tran says psoriasis took a toll on her overall health.
Caring for her skin was time-consuming too.
Im definitely seeing results and feeling relief.
These light treatments are so quick, but effective, she says.
I definitely sleep better.
I dont wake up at night feeling like my skin is cracking.
And now that Tran doesnt take hour-long baths, she has more free time to spend with her family.
I can make more time for myself, she says.
My psoriasis used to dictate what I wore because I wanted to cover my skin.
She estimates that psoriasis covered up to 90% of her body at one point.
Im very vigilant about reading the ingredients before using anything, Skiles says.
Psoriasis used to impact what I wore because I wanted to cover my skin, Skiles says.
I participate in my life again.
Kendra Gerein, 27, was diagnosed with psoriasis when she was just a year old.
After that experience, Gerein didnt take any prescribed medications for her psoriasis, and her pain got worse.
Stress can trigger psoriasis, and Gerein notices a correlation between her stress level and frequency of flare-ups.
Gerein only has a few plaques during flare-ups, which has transformed her life.
I have more energy, I am happier, and I participate in my life again, she says.
I love the outdoors now, she says.
One of her new favorite activities is swimming in the ocean.
The psoriasis seems more predictable than it was in the past.
Samantha Holmgren, 31, was diagnosed with psoriasis when she was just two years old.
I was never quite comfortable in my skin, she says.
Im getting fewer new patches showing up.
The psoriasis seems more predictable than it was in the past, she says.
Even more importantly, Holmgram says she feels more comfortable and confident in her skin.
In fact, she wore a sleeveless dress at her wedding in 2017 despite having plaques on her shoulder.
That was the moment I realized how far Id come in feeling comfortable and confident.
Questionnaire for Danish Dermatologists, Gastroenterologists and Rheumatologists
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