Psoriasis Vlog: My Journey & Tips For Managing Psoriasis

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 57 views

Hey everyone! Welcome to my psoriasis vlog! I'm super excited (and maybe a little nervous) to share my journey with you. Living with psoriasis can be tough, but you're definitely not alone. In this blog, I'm going to share my personal experiences, the ups and downs, and all the tips and tricks I've learned along the way for managing this condition. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let's dive in!

My Psoriasis Story: From Diagnosis to Today

Let's rewind a bit. My psoriasis journey started when I was in my early twenties. I remember noticing these small, itchy patches on my elbows and scalp. At first, I thought it was just dry skin, especially since it was winter. But as weeks went by, the patches got bigger, redder, and a lot more itchy. I tried every over-the-counter lotion and cream I could find, but nothing seemed to work. It was driving me crazy!

Finally, I decided to see a dermatologist. After a quick examination, she diagnosed me with plaque psoriasis. Honestly, I had no idea what that even was! She explained that psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches. She also mentioned that there's no cure, but there are many treatments available to manage the symptoms. This initial diagnosis was a mix of relief (finally knowing what was going on!) and anxiety (a chronic condition with no cure?!).

Over the years, I've tried various treatments, from topical creams and ointments to light therapy and even some oral medications. Some worked wonders for a while, while others didn't do much at all. It's been a constant process of trial and error, figuring out what works best for my skin. I've also learned that psoriasis isn't just a skin condition; it can affect other aspects of my life, like my mental health and self-esteem. Dealing with the constant itching, the visible plaques, and the feeling of self-consciousness has been challenging, to say the least. But I've also discovered a lot about myself, my resilience, and the importance of self-care.

Understanding Psoriasis: Types, Triggers, and Symptoms

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it's a complex autoimmune disease with different types, triggers, and symptoms. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective management. Let's break it down:

Types of Psoriasis:

Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common type, characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. These plaques often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Guttate Psoriasis: This type usually starts in childhood or young adulthood and is often triggered by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. It appears as small, drop-like lesions on the trunk, arms, and legs.
Inverse Psoriasis: This type affects skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It appears as smooth, red, inflamed patches that can be very itchy and uncomfortable.
Pustular Psoriasis: This is a less common type characterized by pus-filled blisters (pustules) on the skin. It can be localized to certain areas, such as the hands and feet, or it can be widespread.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This is a rare and severe type that affects most of the body's surface. The skin becomes fiery red and sheds in sheets. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Common Psoriasis Triggers:

Stress: Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Infections: As mentioned earlier, bacterial infections like strep throat can trigger guttate psoriasis. Other infections, such as upper respiratory infections, can also exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
Skin Injury: Trauma to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, burns, or even tattoos, can trigger psoriasis at the site of the injury. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as beta-blockers, lithium, and certain NSAIDs, can trigger or worsen psoriasis.
Weather: Cold, dry weather can dry out the skin and make psoriasis symptoms worse. Sunlight can sometimes help improve psoriasis, but sunburns can trigger flare-ups.
Alcohol: Alcohol can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Some studies have also shown that alcohol can interfere with psoriasis medications.
Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for psoriasis and can make the condition more severe.

Common Psoriasis Symptoms:

Red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
Silvery-white scales
Itching
Burning
Soreness
Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
Joint pain and stiffness (psoriatic arthritis)

My Top Tips for Managing Psoriasis

Over the years, I've learned a lot about managing my psoriasis. It's not always easy, but with the right strategies, it's definitely possible to live a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some of my top tips:

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: I cannot stress this enough! Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for managing psoriasis. I use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day, especially after showering. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. I find that applying moisturizer while my skin is still damp helps to lock in moisture.
Gentle Skin Care: Be gentle with your skin! Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, and anything that can irritate your skin. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it. When showering, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your skin.
Identify and Avoid Triggers: This is a big one. Pay attention to what seems to trigger your psoriasis flare-ups and try to avoid those triggers. For me, stress is a major trigger, so I make sure to manage my stress levels with relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. Keeping a journal can help you identify your triggers.
Sunlight in Moderation: Sunlight can actually help improve psoriasis, but it's important to be careful not to get sunburned. Limit your sun exposure to 10-15 minutes a day and always wear sunscreen on unaffected areas. Talk to your doctor before starting any phototherapy treatment.
Stress Management: As I mentioned earlier, stress is a major trigger for psoriasis. Find healthy ways to manage your stress, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. I personally find that spending time in nature helps me relax and de-stress.
Healthy Diet: While there's no specific diet for psoriasis, eating a healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Some people find that avoiding certain foods, such as gluten or dairy, can help improve their psoriasis symptoms, but it's important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making any major dietary changes.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important for keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
Topical Treatments: Use your topical medications as prescribed by your doctor. Consistency is key! I know it can be a pain to apply creams and ointments every day, but it's important to stick with your treatment plan.
Don't Pick or Scratch: I know it's tempting, but try not to pick or scratch your psoriasis plaques. This can worsen inflammation and increase your risk of infection.
Find a Support System: Living with psoriasis can be isolating, so it's important to find a support system. Talk to your family, friends, or a therapist about your experiences. There are also many online support groups where you can connect with other people who understand what you're going through.

The Emotional Side of Psoriasis: Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Living with psoriasis isn't just about managing the physical symptoms; it's also about taking care of your mental health. The constant itching, the visible plaques, and the feeling of self-consciousness can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and find healthy ways to cope.

I've definitely had my share of emotional challenges related to psoriasis. There have been times when I've felt ashamed of my skin and avoided social situations. I've also struggled with anxiety and depression. But I've learned that it's okay to not be okay, and it's important to seek help when you need it.

Here are some tips for taking care of your mental health while living with psoriasis:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Don't try to suppress your emotions. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated about your psoriasis. Acknowledge these feelings and allow yourself to feel them.
Talk to Someone: Talking to a therapist, counselor, or support group can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies.
Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. This could be anything from reading a book to taking a bath to spending time in nature.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Psoriasis can lead to negative thoughts about your appearance and self-worth. Challenge these thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.
Focus on What You Can Control: You can't control whether or not you have psoriasis, but you can control how you manage your condition and how you take care of yourself.
Remember You're Not Alone: There are millions of people living with psoriasis. You're not alone in your struggles. Reach out to others for support and remember that there is hope.

The Future of Psoriasis Treatment: What's on the Horizon?

The field of psoriasis treatment is constantly evolving, with new therapies and technologies being developed all the time. This is an exciting time for people living with psoriasis, as there is hope for even more effective and convenient treatments in the future.

Some of the promising areas of research include:

Biologic Medications: Biologic medications are targeted therapies that work by blocking specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process. These medications have revolutionized psoriasis treatment and are often very effective in clearing the skin.
Oral Small Molecules: Oral small molecules are another type of targeted therapy that can be taken in pill form. These medications are more convenient than biologics, which are typically given by injection or infusion.
Topical Medications: Researchers are also working on developing new and improved topical medications for psoriasis. These medications could be more effective and have fewer side effects than current treatments.
Personalized Medicine: Personalized medicine involves tailoring treatment to the individual based on their genetic makeup and other factors. This approach could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for psoriasis.

Final Thoughts: You've Got This!

Living with psoriasis can be challenging, but it's definitely manageable. Remember to be patient with yourself, find what works for you, and never give up hope. You are stronger than you think, and you've got this!

Thanks for joining me on this journey! I hope this vlog has been helpful and informative. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment below with your own tips and experiences with psoriasis. Let's support each other and raise awareness about this condition!