How Did You Feel When You Were First Diagnosed With Psoriasis?

I was first diagnosed with psoriasis many years ago now and since then I have been battling terrible breakouts covering large swathes of my body in red, scaly and angry lesions. Some have been big and some have been small. At times it has looked like the world map on my body with the very many patches leaving almost no area untouched.

Did you know psoriasis is incurable?

It may sound silly to ask, but when you were first diagnosed, were you shocked when you discovered it was incurable? I would say I wasn’t shocked, more bewildered or worried. I was young when I was diagnosed, but I was encouraged by my doctors words that although incurable, there were plenty of treatments available.

And boy, has there been treatments over the years. I have tried everything from over-the-counter medications to natural remedies to light therapy to biologic injections. It has taken years to find the right treatment and to find stability in my breakout cycles.

So, while I wasn’t shocked, as I’ve said, I was worried. Worried on a number of fronts. Firstly, because it’s a very visible condition. It can affect anywhere on the body and cause a number of comorbidities. The red, scaly patches can affect the clothes you wear, the products you choose to apply to your body, your relationships and mental health.

I was worried my psoriasis wouldn't go away

Secondly, I worried it would never go away. Yes, I was told of plenty of treatments available, but it didn’t allay my fears that it would treat it. Initially, I felt buoyant that it would but as treatment tried and treatment failed, I grew despondent and fearful. I began looking for alternatives, researching and trying anything that may soothe my discomfort and leave me feeling better.

I was also worried because I thought of other people’s reactions. Would they judge me? Would they judge the patches? Would they make rude comments, stare or bully me? When you’re young and you just want to fit in, it can feel horrible to think you have a condition which may cast you aside.

Other worries came by after the diagnosis. Researching medications, I worried about side effects and the long-term impact of taking strong and powerful treatments. Would they affect me in other ways? Ultimately, is it worth me taking this treatment?

Psoriasis is only a part of me

Over time, I have grown in strength. Quite a lot, you might think. I am able to blog about my condition and I feel happy and confident that while I have psoriasis, it doesn’t define me, it is only part of me.

But initially, it wasn’t like this, as I’ve said. I felt scared and worried. Fearful, too. To be told it’s chronic, long-lasting and incurable can blight you for years. You do anything to make it better and for the condition to disappear, but learn it may take years.

Whatever stage you’re at, don’t give up. Yes, psoriasis is an awful condition which you have to contend with for the rest of your life. But you are so much more. You will get better and your psoriasis will improve. I never believed that at my lowest point, but I now do. Trust the process and stay on track. You’ll get there.