Thats what doctors told her, she says.
It wasnt until well-meaning friends raised concerns that she went to a different doctor, who diagnosed her withpsoriasis.
My psoriasis had never been worse than it was then, Melissa says.
SEAN GLADWELL / Getty Images
Getting help for her mental health involved a combination of inpatient trauma treatment, therapy, andmindfulnesstechniques.
For me, [stress] makes the plaques worse, she says.
When you understand the connection betweenpsoriasisand mental health, youll see why.
There are various kinds of psoriasis.
The color of the plaques depends on your skin color.
The Mayo Clinichas a more extensive listof the various types of psoriasis.
The cause of psoriasis is more than skin-deep.
People often think ofpsoriasisas only a skin disease, but its actually a chronicautoimmune diseasethataffectsthe skin, theCDCexplains.
The issue, specifically, seems to be T cells.
These hyperactive cells can also lead to those pus-filled lesions involved in pustular psoriasis.
But, she adds, researchers arent sure why some people get psoriasis and others dont.
The relationship between psoriasis and mental health can be a vicious cycle.
Psoriasis causes an exacerbation of my [mental health conditions], she tells SELF in an email.
I go through days sometimes where I cancel all plans.
I can be looking forward to going out, start to get ready, and boom: Anxiety hits.
I feel hideous and wont leave the house.
The inflammation they cause seems capable of further exacerbating the symptoms of bothpsoriasis and conditions like depression.
Ultimately, having psoriasis doesnt definitely mean youll develop a mental health condition (or vice versa).
Other factors, like a family history of any of these conditions, matter as well.
But the connection is very real for some people.
Psoriasis treatments often target the mental and physical aspects of the illness.
Pellegrin can attest to this.
Treating my psoriasis helps me maintain my mental health, she says.
In December 2018, I was put on a biologic and I cleared almost 90% in a month.
Abiologicis a drug for moderate to severe psoriasis that alters immune system function, theMayo Clinicexplains.
I remember getting out of the shower and crying.
I had never seen that much clear skin, Pellegrin says.
(Heres advice forhaving a successful teletherapy appointment.)
Beyond professional interventions likecognitive behavioral therapy, she recommends coping methods like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
You shouldnt have to deal with your psoriasisoryour mental health alone.
Help is out there for both.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
