For as long as I can remember, I've had an autoimmune disorder that effects my skin called psoriasis. I really can't remember a time that I didn't have it.
I've visited several doctors, naturopathic doctors, dermatologists and to no avail:
I can't seem to get past it.
Basically psoriasis is this:
an autoimmune disorder that effects the adrenal glands (the small organ that sits on your kidneys) and appears on the skin. Psoriasis can look many different ways; mine looks more like red patches on my elbows, knees, knuckles, ankles. I have asked many doctors the reason I could have this, here are some possible answers:
-an major injury to the skin (can't remember a specific circumstance that major injury happened to my skin)
-genetically passed (my biological family can't confirm that anyone of my relatives have it)
-stress (possible factor. does 7 foster homes before the age of nine count?)
-excessive alcohol/smoking (I don't smoke at all now and have had psoriasis much more severe before I was even of age to drink)
-obesity (last time I checked I'm not EXACTLY overweight. Although I did have it flare up much more when I was EXTREMELY underweight in my jr high/high school years)
Needless to say, I have stopped trying to figure it out....
Observations from others on my psoriasis:
"What is THAT on your hands/arm/feet?"
I've had a charismatic woman praying hallelujahs over me
"Are you into boxing?"
"Does your husband hit you?"
Ohhhh! and my absolute favorite from an extremely tactless person :
"Do you have leprosy?"
All I can do is laugh at that one.....
I've arrived at the place to be thankful for psoriasis & decided to make a compilation of reasons why:
THE TOP TEN REASONS I AM THANKFUL FOR PSORIASIS:
1) constant reminder to me that beauty is much more than what is on the outside.
2) creepy guy repellent.
3) hardly ever get sick. having a high immune system is a byproduct of psoriasis.
4) never have to serve in the military....in the event of a draft for women.
5) never had acne. psoriasis makes skin excessively dry, never had oily skin.
6) encourages me to relax. stress makes it worse.
7) 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
8) I get to sound smart & intelligent using technical medical words:
"It's an autoimmune disorder that effects the adrenal glands and appears on the epidermis."
This part I love.
9) it gives me something to write about.
10) it helps me have more compassion towards others. THIS part I love too.
Overall it has helped me realized who I truly am:
a mom, wife & writer.
Much more defined than by looks or appearance or skin.
Psoriasis has helped me become grateful for the skin I've been given.
I've visited several doctors, naturopathic doctors, dermatologists and to no avail:
I can't seem to get past it.
Basically psoriasis is this:
an autoimmune disorder that effects the adrenal glands (the small organ that sits on your kidneys) and appears on the skin. Psoriasis can look many different ways; mine looks more like red patches on my elbows, knees, knuckles, ankles. I have asked many doctors the reason I could have this, here are some possible answers:
-an major injury to the skin (can't remember a specific circumstance that major injury happened to my skin)
-genetically passed (my biological family can't confirm that anyone of my relatives have it)
-stress (possible factor. does 7 foster homes before the age of nine count?)
-excessive alcohol/smoking (I don't smoke at all now and have had psoriasis much more severe before I was even of age to drink)
-obesity (last time I checked I'm not EXACTLY overweight. Although I did have it flare up much more when I was EXTREMELY underweight in my jr high/high school years)
Needless to say, I have stopped trying to figure it out....
Observations from others on my psoriasis:
"What is THAT on your hands/arm/feet?"
I've had a charismatic woman praying hallelujahs over me
"Are you into boxing?"
"Does your husband hit you?"
Ohhhh! and my absolute favorite from an extremely tactless person :
"Do you have leprosy?"
All I can do is laugh at that one.....
I've arrived at the place to be thankful for psoriasis & decided to make a compilation of reasons why:
THE TOP TEN REASONS I AM THANKFUL FOR PSORIASIS:
1) constant reminder to me that beauty is much more than what is on the outside.
2) creepy guy repellent.
3) hardly ever get sick. having a high immune system is a byproduct of psoriasis.
4) never have to serve in the military....in the event of a draft for women.
5) never had acne. psoriasis makes skin excessively dry, never had oily skin.
6) encourages me to relax. stress makes it worse.
7) 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
8) I get to sound smart & intelligent using technical medical words:
"It's an autoimmune disorder that effects the adrenal glands and appears on the epidermis."
This part I love.
9) it gives me something to write about.
10) it helps me have more compassion towards others. THIS part I love too.
Overall it has helped me realized who I truly am:
a mom, wife & writer.
Much more defined than by looks or appearance or skin.
Psoriasis has helped me become grateful for the skin I've been given.
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