Clara's Story
Stress due to the pandemic has taken its toll on student nurse Clara's psoriasis. By developing a treatment plan and practising self-care Clara hopes to get her skin back under control.
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I have definitely been more stressed because of the pandemic which has had a negative impact on my psoriasis as my psoriasis is very much stress related.
Last summer, through stress reduction and being outside in the sun and fresh air I was able to just about clear my psoriasis. I still had some markings but no flare ups. However, a few days after schools and colleges were closed a flare up began. I work in healthcare as well as being a student nurse so everything felt stressful and scary. I have psoriasis on my stomach, back, legs, arms, scalp & occasionally my face during bad flare ups, however it is mostly on my back and stomach.
I was referred for light therapy over 2 years ago but nothing ever came of it. My GP continues to prescribe me topical steroids the past 7 years and while they do the job, they are very expensive and also make my psoriasis come back even worse. When my flare up started at the beginning of the lockdown I made the decision not to contact my GP as they were only operating over the phone so I knew they would just prescribe the steroids again. I have been trying to reduce stress & engage in activities that do help such as swimming in the sea and practicing more self-love and care. At the moment I am saving so that I can access private dermatology services and hopefully get a more substantial treatment plan.
Read more real-life stories from people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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