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.