Emilie's Story

Emilie's story is one of resilience, from living with psoriasis as a child to later being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Today, she is sharing her experiences to raise awareness and remind others that they are never alone.

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My journey with psoriasis started when I was around 12 years old. At first, I believed it was just eczema, so for years I relied on over-the-counter creams and treatments hoping it would eventually go away. Looking back now, I realise there were signs much earlier that something more was going on. Alongside my skin symptoms, I also struggled with pain in my legs, but at the time I never connected the two together.

As I got older, my psoriasis began to affect far more than just my skin. Throughout high school and into sixth form, I experienced bullying because of the way my skin looked. Comments, stares and feeling different from everyone else had a huge impact on my confidence and mental health. There were times I avoided wearing certain clothes, felt uncomfortable in my own skin and constantly worried about what other people thought of me.

One of the hardest parts was feeling completely alone. I didn’t know anyone else my age going through the same thing, and for a long time I felt misunderstood. People often assume psoriasis is “just a skin condition”, but for me it affected every part of my life emotionally, socially and physically.

Whilst I was in sixth form, my symptoms became worse and I finally went to the doctors to seek more answers. After further investigations, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Receiving that diagnosis was overwhelming, but it also finally explained the pain and symptoms I had been struggling with for years.

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I began treatment with Methotrexate, however due to ongoing complications and my condition continuing to affect my daily life, I am now on a stronger medication to help manage both my psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Alongside medical treatment, I have also tried different creams, skincare routines and lifestyle changes to support my health and wellbeing.

Although living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can still be challenging, it has also made me stronger. It has taught me resilience, empathy and the importance of speaking openly about invisible illnesses and chronic conditions.

For years I have wanted to raise awareness and help others who may be silently struggling like I once was. I know how isolating it can feel to grow up with a visible skin condition, especially as a young person, and I want others to know they are not alone.

Sharing my story is a huge step for me, but I hope by being open about my experiences I can help break stigma, encourage understanding and remind others living with psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis, that their condition does not define them.