Dev's Story

Dev's tried many treatments whilst living with psoriasis for over 10 years, even travelling to India in the search for solutions. He shares his story this Psoriasis Awareness Week.

August 2011

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At seven years old, I was diagnosed with acute psoriasis. Red, flaky lesions covered my body, and topical steroids became part of my routine. Although my skin improved, I was unaware that stopping the steroids would lead to a relapse. When I went off the creams, I was excited to resume normal life, only to find that two weeks later, psoriasis had returned, covering 70% of my body in red, pus-filled lesions. My skin became infected, and I was bedridden with fevers and immobility.

We traveled to India for treatment, where I received steroid injections twice daily. My skin cleared for two weeks, but I was back at square one. Over the next six years, my condition flared up regularly. We saw numerous dermatologists and tried various treatments, but nothing worked long-term. My mom became spiritual, and I became reclusive, missing school and covering up my body in public.

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December 2017

My dad found a new psoriasis medication called Aprezo in Mumbai. I tried it, however it worked only for a few months before my body became immune. In early 2019, my psoriasis worsened drastically, and I ended up hospitalized and injected with steroids again. I struggled mentally, and bullying at school made things worse. I missed exams and isolated myself further.

March 2019

I turned to Ayurveda and began treatment at SGVP Holistic Hospital in Ahmedabad. It was an intense and painful 25-day process involving a liquid diet, ghee consumption, herbal pastes, and leech therapy. My skin improved for a few months but then relapsed with joint pain. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I gained nearly 30 kg, and my mental and physical health deteriorated.

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April 2020

We found a new dermatologist, Dr. Roop Saini, who prescribed methotrexate. My skin cleared within six weeks, and I began a fitness program, eventually losing 10 kg. For the first time in years, I felt good about myself, mentally and physically. Dr. Roop has been a significant part of my journey, and I now maintain my skin with Methotrexate, folic acid, and Cyclosporine. Although the long-term effects of the medication are uncertain, I choose to live well in the present.

Today, I am a lot more confident, feel great, and no longer hide my skin. I’m studying veterinary medicine in the UK, learning to manage flare-ups through diet and non-steroidal treatments including PUVA which I am soon to start. My family and friends have been my pillars of support, and I’m grateful for the strength psoriasis has given me. It’s shaped who I am today.