In the Eye of the Fire: Trying to Explain A Psoriasis Flare

Have you ever stared at a burning fire? Red hot, licking flames, dancing reds, whites, and oranges. Taking in the embers right against the burning wood. The heat is so intense.

Right now, I feel like I am stuck in the middle of that fire. I need to find a way out, yet every which way I turn - all I feel is more heat and crackling. All because of this unexplained psoriasis flare.

Let's define inflammation

Inflammation, according to the dictionary, is “a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.”

It has synonyms such as pain, tenderness, sensitivity, stinging, rawness and the list goes on. I am sure that I could wrap that all up into one bag and it would describe exactly how I am feeling at this moment. 

It feels as if I am seated in the middle of that fire, the red patches of psoriasis reflecting the beauty of the flames that feel they are going in engulf me at any moment. I just cannot seem to pinpoint why I cannot get behind the cause of this inflammation.

The spread of the psoriasis itch

There must be proof somewhere in some journal or some study that shows how joints and other body parts communicate with each other. When I have an itch on my arm, it is not long before my hand is then also itchy and then it would seem that the itch traveled freely across my body.

Playing tag with all my body parts making sure that none are left out and soon enough, my whole body itches. Inflammation seems no different to me. I have had the worst pains in my feet, hands and my chest, ribs, and back.

Now I know I have psoriatic arthritis, but really now did we need to turn up the volume of my pain level at such a rapid rate. Also, why did this happen this year so suddenly? I am stumped.

The impact on my whole body

I tell you what though, this has been so hard to cope with. Costochondritis is at the top of my list and it has been sending smoke signals to the rest of my body. Random body parts are obliging and coming at their full tilt.

My skin is currently in seasonal remission and even she has turned her back on me sent me some extra flares while finding my way through the darkness to the light that is remission.

So why now, what changed? Well, I tell you what, I have analyzed every detail of what I have been eating and what I have been doing. Nothing other than the seasons has changed, and that happens every year.

Finding beauty in the destruction

For now, I need to grin and bear it, take my medication and keep on, well keeping on. I could give up, but that is just not in my blood. I am a warrior of light, I might be a little fragile at the moment.

This too shall pass, and I will keep telling myself this, till it does. Some days it just feels like for me to make my way through this fire I will need to walk across the coals. For now, my feet and soul are resting, here where I find beauty in the destruction.