Reena Ruparelia

Hi I’m Reena.

And I often describe Psoriasis as my first heartbreak. I still remember when it appeared, little red dots all over my stomach the summer before high school. I was devastated by the diagnosis and the fact there was no cure. I felt helpless as the red scales spread onto my arms, legs, back and eventually my hands and feet. I hated the way I looked and I hated the way people looked at me. I just wanted it to go away so I could get on with my life.

I still remember covering up on those hot summer days, all the things I didn't try, the clothes I never wore, the pool parties I skipped, the opportunities I passed up - simply because I didn’t want to risk anyone seeing my skin.

Needless to say, living with Psoriasis has been difficult. It has pushed me to my limits, tested my confidence and my inner strength. I’ve had many moments when I didn’t think I was going to make it through.

But… I did. And through a number of intentional efforts, I transformed my relationship with my pain, my body and my skin. Through practices like mindfulness, self-compassion and yoga, I have gotten to a place where I love and accept myself, exactly as I am.

I now run an Instagram page (@psoriasis_thoughts) where I share photos, quotes and stories to support others living with the condition. I want to inspire my community by showing them it’s possible to live a healthy, happy and full life with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis used to ISOLATE me, now it CONNECTS me.

Click here to read all of Reena' articles on plaquepsoriasis.com.