Jarar's Story

From misdiagnosis to advocacy, Jarar shares his psoriasis story.

I was first diagnosed with psoriasis in 2014, but the journey began years earlier with a series of misdiagnoses and misunderstandings. My symptoms started with red, scaly patches in my groin area. Initially, my local doctor from my rural hometown in Pakistan thought it was a fungal allergy and prescribed various treatments. Despite my adherence to these treatments for months, there was no improvement.

Frustrated, I sought a second opinion. Unfortunately, this doctor misdiagnosed my condition as tertiary scabies. Once again, the treatments proved ineffective. In November 2014, when I consulted a senior dermatologist in Karachi, I received an accurate diagnosis of psoriasis. While the treatment provided significant relief, I realised that psoriasis was a chronic condition that would require ongoing management.

The early years of living with psoriasis were particularly challenging. The constant itching led to bleeding and stained my nails red. My white bedsheets were constantly covered in scales, a stark reminder of the condition’s impact on my daily life. A profound emotional toll compounded these physical symptoms. My self-confidence plummeted, and social interactions became daunting. I remember one particular comment from a doctor who said, “Ye qabar tak chalegi” – it will stay with you until your grave. Such remarks only deepened my sense of despair and hopelessness.

By 2019, I began to come to terms with my condition and sought out others who were experiencing similar struggles. Meeting people with more severe psoriasis gave me valuable perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. I realised that while psoriasis is not contagious, the stigma surrounding it was pervasive. Determined to make a difference, I began organising awareness sessions for my community and local medical practitioners, emphasising the importance of understanding and empathy.

As a lawyer, I faced some particularly harsh experiences. One notable incident occurred at a district court, where a clerk criticised me for using his pen, expressing concern that it might spread my psoriasis. This moment was a stark reminder of the widespread ignorance about the condition and fueled my determination to raise awareness in rural areas and urban centres.

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The support of my family and friends has been a cornerstone of my journey. One memorable experience was when I hesitated to swim at a lake with my brothers and friends due to my psoriasis. My elder brother, noticing my discomfort, came out of the water, embraced me, and encouraged me to join them, assuring me that my condition was not contagious. Their unconditional support helped me overcome many fears and insecurities.

In addition to personal support, my advocacy efforts have been a significant part of my journey. I have actively raised awareness about psoriasis, participated in educational sessions, and worked to debunk myths and misconceptions. I have also collaborated with healthcare professionals to improve understanding and treatment options for psoriasis patients.

Today, I am honoured to be a psoriasis advocate and ambassador. Managing my condition has become a daily routine, and I remain focused on my mental health and personal growth. Though fraught with challenges, my journey has instilled a profound purpose: to educate, support, and inspire others facing similar battles.

A highlight of my advocacy is founding the PakPsor Organization, the first patient organisation for psoriasis in my country. This milestone reflects my unwavering commitment to enhancing awareness and support for those affected by this condition.

Through my experiences, I have learned that while psoriasis presents ongoing challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and advocacy. By sharing my story, I hope to contribute to a greater understanding of psoriasis and help others feel less alone in their journeys.