By Lenora Claire, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson
I was diagnosed with psoriasis when I was 13 and red spots appeared on my elbows and knees. It was mild until my early 20s, when it upgraded to moderate to severe.
Over the years, my dermatologist has worked with me to find the right treatment and medication. It’s been a process.
My search for the right treatment
Finding the right treatment is so important.
I’ve tried every topical treatment (the kind you put on your skin) under the sun, from smelly tar ointments to newer topical treatments, with little success. Light therapy (phototherapy) produced zero results. Steroid injections flattened my lesions, but they did not disappear completely. Methotrexate only gave me side effects of hair loss and nausea. I used a low dose, but I found it very unpleasant.
For me, biologics made the difference. I have been perfectly clear for a long time. I started with one type, and now I use another type.
As soon as biologics came out, I marched into my dermatologist’s office and declared I was ready. At the time, biologics were unaffordable. But I was able to participate in a clinical trial for one of these medications. Within about three months, I was lucid for the first time in my adult life. I am very happy that my insurance makes the organic products I now use accessible.
I could have saved a lot of tears in my early twenties if I knew biologics were just around the corner. They have completely changed the quality of my life.
When I was younger, I was always covered up because I was ashamed of my skin. I even quit modeling. But now I’m clear. I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself and could get those years back. I also wish I didn’t spend so much money on quackery products. But I was willing to try anything.
Know your triggers
It’s helpful to know what causes your psoriasis flare-ups. Stress and alcohol are my biggest triggers.
When I turned 21, both my social life and my psoriasis exploded. The introduction of liquor seems to be the link, but I didn’t immediately see the connection.
My dermatologist had me keep track of everything I ate and drank. That helped us figure it out. I didn’t drink every day, but I did notice new red spots popping up after tequila-soaked weekends.
I have completely avoided alcohol for ten years. But unfortunately it is impossible to avoid stress.
While everyone experiences some degree of stress in their lives, I have been stalked by a stranger for over a decade. Unfortunately for crime victims, there can be a lot of collateral damage in terms of health. There is definitely a connection between my stress and my skin.
I’ve had therapy on and off for years. As a victim advocate, I have also found that engaging with the survivor community is a great way to process trauma and begin internal and external healing.
I lead a free yoga class for crime survivors every week. I take my dog for walks every day. I also try to make healthy choices to keep my stress as low as possible.
Lifestyle choices are important
Good lifestyle choices help. I see a huge difference when I abstain from alcohol, eat a clean diet and follow a regular exercise program.
A healthy diet. I try to avoid fatty, greasy and salty foods. But I live in LA, so tacos still happen. I find that nightshade vegetables, especially tomatoes, don’t suit me very well. I try to eat foods that are rich in protein and not heavily processed.
Regular exercise. I have a Miniature Pinscher, which I can walk 3-5 miles every day. I also do yoga weekly, and the occasional walk when the weather permits.
The right medication. For me, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to be clear, but they help keep my psoriasis manageable. I take my organic every month. I use topicals when necessary, which is rare.
A gentle approach. Every day I apply a gentle moisturizing lotion. And as much as I love hot showers, I have to stick to moderate temperatures because heat can make my psoriasis worse.
My top tips for dealing with psoriasis
I’ve tried many things over the years. Here are a few tips I learned.
Avoid scrubbing. No matter how tempted you are to scrub or use a loofah, don’t. It doesn’t help and can make your psoriasis worse.
Find a good dermatologist. I feel like finding a good doctor is similar to dating. You don’t have to marry the first person you meet. If your doctor won’t listen to your needs, find someone who will.
Follow your doctor’s advice. It goes both ways. I always follow my doctor’s instructions and am open to their suggestions.
Be your own advocate. I’m also a big believer in myself. I am active in psoriasis groups on Facebook and am always reading about new options and treatments.
Keep trying. We are all different, so what worked for others may not work for you. Likewise, what didn’t help them might help you. Try everything until you get the right combination. It is possible to improve your psoriasis and to be clear. Do not give up.