How long have you had psoriasis?
Some people have had psoriasis much longer than their diagnosis.
When did you start noticing your psoriasis symptoms? How old were you? How long has it been?
, this is a great topic and I'm very interested to hear others' responses to this question. I know we have newly diagnosed people here, people with MANY years experience, and people who fall somewhere in-between the two.
I usually just say that I've had psoriasis for pretty much my whole life. I found a note in my medical records where my dad had told a doctor that I've had psoriasis since I was four years old. However, I was born with "cradle cap" which never went away, and would eventually be re-diagnosed as scalp psoriasis. So I may well have had psoriasis since I was a baby. So, I've either had psoriasis for approaching 34 years or approaching 38 years, depending on how I feel on the day that I get asked this question! 😊 -Catherine, Community Moderator
Well either way you look at it, you have certainly grown with it for your whole life. Do you think having scalp psoriasis has had a huge negative impact on your life growing up to now? -Latoya (Team Member) Hey
! 💕 That's a good question... It was certainly very hard as a child. I probably cried in pain most days, mainly due to the medication stinging and being thoroughly exhausted with the treatment routine. I also had psoriasis on the soles of my feet (this would sometimes split open), both elbows, both knees, all the way down my spine...
Having said all of that, I did not and have never known any different. So I don't know if I'd necessarily say that it had a huge negative impact. I was fortunate that my parents didn't treat me any differently (apart from treating the psoriasis!) and didn't make a big deal about it or make me cover up. My grandad also had psoriasis and I loved and looked up to him so much, so this really helped me not feel bad about or embarrassed of my psoriasis. The absolute best person I knew had psoriasis, so how could I view it negatively? I also used to use the psoriasis to my advantage at times - I would pick at my scalp until it bled if I wasn't enjoying a lesson at primary school, then I could be like "my head's bleeding, can I leave?" 😂 -Catherine, Community Moderator
8yrs
Thanks for chiming in! Eight years is a long journey—what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in managing PSO during that time? -Latoya (Team Member)
3 years
PsO for three years isn't brand new, but it's still a lot to figure out. Is there anything that’s surprised you about it so far? -Latoya (Team Member)
