When I was first diagnosed withpsoriasisin my late teens, I didnt get much of an explanation.
I didnt know back then that psoriasis doesnt tend to work like that.
I know a lot more now, and my skin is clearer than it has been in years.
Sabrena Khadija
Even so, I think about my psoriasis every day.
While psoriasis can go into remission, cases of complete remission are few and far between.
Some people find their ideal prescribed treatmentoften after years of searching.
For instance, stress and cold weather are common psoriasis triggers, per theNational Psoriasis Foundation.
Alcohol and cigarette smoke can also trigger flare-ups.
For some, eliminating certain foodssuch as dairy and refined sugaris what finally helps ease their symptoms.
There are many treatment options, but unfortunately no cure.
It can flare unexpectedly; it can go just as quickly.
Its more than just a skin condition.
He was right, but he was also so, so wrong.
Psoriasis is so much more than that.
To say that psoriasis is just a skin condition is simply inaccurate.
It also minimizes the very real mental health implications that often accompany the condition.
Psoriasis and mental health are intricately linked.
Therelationship between psoriasis and mental healthis well established.
For some, psoriasis can exacerbate mentalhealth conditionslikedepression,anxiety, andbipolar disorder.
But the opposite can also be trueyour mental health can trigger flare-ups on your skin.
leaving work because of poorly controlled disease).
Usually, it doesnt.
But I know that it could.
Dr. Ahmed stresses that all doctors working with psoriasis patients should also consider the psychological impact of the disease.
But its important to ask what impact psoriasis is having on the life of the patient.
Sometimes this is the most important question in the consultation.
All of us are in it together, and all of us need help in one form or another.
I cant ignore my psoriasis diagnosis.
But with the right advice, resources, and support, it doesnt have to be my defining feature.
