Bex's Story

Bex tells us about her journey with psoriasis, which started in primary school at just 9 years old, and how she has come to better manage her mental health and skin through healthy eating and exercise.

Click to enlarge

Hi, my name is Bex. I am 27 years old now and have had psoriasis since I was 9 years old. It started a bit like an explosion and before I knew it my whole body and face was covered apart from my hands and feet!

I was taken out of school in the mornings for weeks to have light and tar treatment at hospital. My primary school were great and allowed me to wear a bandana over my scalp and forehead. Eventually it calmed to a manageable level and I grew up treating it topically. I got on alright but dark school uniform and scalp psoriasis was a nightmare!

When I turned 26 I found myself recovering from very stressful personal events and my skin went crazy. For the first time since I was 9, I went for 6 weeks of light therapy. It cleared my skin pretty well but it started coming back within weeks of stopping. I am lucky in a way having had psoriasis since I was little, I don’t know any other way and for the most part do not feel too overwhelmed by psoriasis. Although it does make my love for black clothes rather frustrating!

Healthy eating and exercise has genuinely helped my mental health and I find routines help to manage my skin. Be that meals, exercise, ointments, natural moisturisers and sun light. I still fight like mad with steroid/vitamin D ointment to keep it from going from my scalp to my face! For anyone who feels overwhelmed right now, I know where you are but psoriasis has its ups and downs. Don’t let it control who you want to be. Be kind to yourself always! ❤ #getyourskinout.

Read more real-life stories from people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.