Chris' Story

From silence to strength, Chris shares his story of living with psoriasis and more recently, psoriatic arthritis.

My Psoriasis Journey: From Silence to Strength.

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For someone who speaks to people for a living and can talk to just about anyone about anything, opening up about my condition has always been incredibly difficult—and at times, emotional. Apart from my family and my girlfriend, I’ve rarely spoken about it. In fact, very few people even know I have psoriasis.

It all started when I was 18. I noticed a red, scaly patch on my hairline. At the time, I had no idea what psoriasis was—I assumed it was just dry skin. But that small patch marked the beginning of a long, often frustrating journey.

Fast forward to today: I’m 31, and after years of trial and error, my psoriasis is the best it’s ever been. But getting here wasn’t easy.

Between the ages of 18 and 25, my condition was at its worst. My body constantly itched, and flare-ups felt never-ending. The stress of seeing it spread—to my stomach, ears, eyebrows—only made things worse. I tried everything: prescription creams, ointments, diets, oils, yoga, light therapy. You name it, I gave it a go.

Eventually, after 13 years, I found a combination of changes that finally worked for me. The biggest turning point? I stopped drinking alcohol. It was the most significant change I’ve ever made, and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner. People often ask why I don’t drink anymore. I still find it hard to give the real reason, but it’s getting easier—and I hope that by sharing my story, it becomes easier for others too.

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I also simplified my skincare routine. I now use gentle moisturiser, body wash and shampoo, and T-Gel shampoo on tougher days. For deodorant, I stick to alcohol-free roll-ons, but as with most things’ psoriasis-related, everyone’s different.

Moisturising is key. I do it daily, morning and night. If I notice red patches around my eyes, I apply Eumovate—hands down the best product I’ve ever used.

Then, in early 2025, I noticed swelling in two fingers and a toe. I assumed it was trigger finger and went for an ultrasound. Instead, they found inflammation and suspected psoriatic arthritis. A GP referral confirmed the diagnosis, and I was offered methotrexate to manage the pain.

But I wasn’t ready to rely on medication. After doing my own research, I decided to try CBD oil—specifically, a 12,000mg dose (all fully legal). Since then, the inflammation has gone down, and the pain has disappeared. I can’t recommend it enough—but please, consult a medical professional and do your own research before trying anything new.

Sharing this story isn’t easy. But if it helps even one person feel less alone, or gives someone the courage to speak up, then it’s worth it. Psoriasis can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s keep talking, break the stigma, and grow a community that supports and uplifts each other.

As Chris mentions in his story, we advise that you always consult a medical professional before stopping treatment and trying alternative methods to help manage your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.