A woman said she felt self-conscious and that "people were staring" after she developed psoriasis when she was just 10 years old.
Paige Connery said she has had the skin condition for 40 years and got sick of going back and fourth to the dermatologists and nothing working, meaning she can only use what ever helped keep the worst of her condition at bay. The 50-year-old took time to stop caring what people thought of her condition but admitted it took a toll on her mental health when she was younger.
She told the ECHO that her body can get used to treatments and so it becomes ineffective over time. If she tried to change it then her skin would flare up in spots again. Paige said: "I was only ten when I got it so was self-conscious and kept it covered and thought people were staring at me when I had it on my face and hands.
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"I don't care now, I don't even notice if someone stares most of the time and have even been in a bikini with it exposed. If people don't like it, don't look at it."
Paige said she was in a catch-22 situation because her medication for psoriasis was slow releasing chemotherapy. This helped stop her skin cells being attacked but Paige explained it then opened her up to other illnesses. She said: "As I've gotten older I've just learnt to live with it as another part of me that makes me me.
"Would I prefer not to have it? Of course! But there is no cure. It is with me for life so you just have to accept it and get on with it."
The prescription administrator worries that mental health is over looked when people are diagnosed with psoriasis as it effects the way you look and how it makes people think others perceive them. Paige explained she was definitely effected by this when she was younger and people's perceptions of her took a toll on her mental health.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown but specialists believe it is impacted by genetics and the immune system. The condition causes patches of dry skin covered in scales which can appear red or purple. There is a range of different types dependent on location shape and size.
This month is Psoriasis awareness month and organisations such as the National Psoriasis Foundation want to raise awareness and support those who live with the condition. You can call them on 800-723-9166.
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