Carol Patel85 said:I’ve been reading through some of your posts, seeing all the different creams you suggest and the various experiences you share, which prompted me to write something myself. I’ve dealt with psoriasis since I was five, and I’m twenty-two now. Thankfully, I’ve tried—and continue to try—various creams and treatments, but the results are pretty standard; sometimes something works, but more often than not, it doesn't. Perhaps things would work better if I actually believed they could help. Since most of the battle happens in the mind (the placebo effect and all that), my treatments fail because even though I know psoriasis can go into long-term remission, the idea that it’s "incurable" is just cemented in my head. Add in a bit of pessimism and self-pity, along with a whole spectrum of stress and anxiety, and that’s my take on recovery. But what I hate most about psoriasis isn't how it makes your skin look; it's what it does to you internally. I don't know what it's like for those who develop it later in life, but for me, having it since I was a kid, it has deeply shaped my personality and the person I am today. Because of this, I struggle with communication, being open with others, and maintaining self-esteem and confidence. It's easy enough to explain to people that it isn't contagious, which stops them from staring, but you can't change how you feel inside. I suspect I will always feel this way, and that's why I don't think I'll ever truly come to terms with having psoriasis. I truly admire those of you who have managed to do so.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that. I wish you all the best with your treatments, and perhaps we'll cross paths at Mayo Clinic... 🙂
best regards,
First of all, hello 👍 and welcome!
I hear you, but I honestly think it doesn't matter when you get psoriasis; it’s never a good time and you're never prepared. Most people deal with it during puberty, though it can happen earlier.
That said, I don't believe our condition should be an excuse to stop living the life you want and deserve.
For me, meeting so many people while being hospitalized at Mayo Clinic was a turning point. It was the first time I realized this disease doesn't discriminate—it hits every gender, every age group, everyone regardless of looks or character. Every single person I met had developed their own defense mechanism to allow them to live a normal life.
There is really no point in letting life pass you by because of this... it isn't worth it.
And you are the only one who can break that cycle of self-pity.
If we were living in some other country, I might suggest seeing a psychologist, but finding a good therapist in America can be harder than finding a decent dentist (and we all know that's mission impossible 😉), but that shouldn't stop you from researching the condition, chatting with us here on the forum, and trying to shift your mindset.
🙂🙂