Siobhan's Story

Siobhan has had psoriasis flare ups since the age of 14. In her story she talks about her triggers and treatments that she's tried.

I have suffered with psoriasis for many years, The first time I came out in psoriasis was when I was 14, It all started from a small tiny cut on my knee after about 3 weeks from cutting my knee I came out in lots of red patches over all over my body. Not knowing what it was I was in and out of the doctors so much trying all different creams doctors couldn’t seem to understand what I had either. I was then finally referred to a dermatologist who finally gave me my diagnosis, I had plaque psoriasis. I was so sore and in pain and being 14 years old and to be told there’s no cure was heartbreaking but ways to manage my symptoms. A few weeks later, I started UVB Phototherapy and had 3 session each week for 8 weeks and was monitored closely. After around 6 weeks, my skin started to clear and by week 8 I was psoriasis free. It felt amazing to be able to see my skin again. Everything felt great. I have always suffered with the small tiny patches on my knees and elbows but could always manage the patches with creams.

Eleven years on and I became unwell with tonsillitis, two to three weeks after the tonsillitis I started to notice these tiny red dots popping up all over my body and as days went by I was becoming more and more covered. I went straight back to the doctors who then confirmed I had guttate psoriasis. I felt hopeless and heart broken. I would cover my skin completely. I didn’t like anyone seeing me. I had it all over my face I was so sore and in pain, I was referred back to dermatology and started UVB treatment again and the same as before after 6-8 weeks it was great to see my skin again. Life felt great. 

Seven years on with amazing psoriasis free skin I unfortunately caught tonsillitis again and started coming out with red dots all over I knew straight away it was psoriasis, this has been my worst out break of guttate psoriasis. I am now aware tonsillitis is my biggest trigger for me. I am so sore and in pain and currently having treatment again as we speak. I always struggle when I have huge break outs physically and mentally and I tend to isolate myself away from everyone when I have a huge flare. I am so glad I have come across the Psoriasis Association, I didn’t think there was any support systems out there for this condition. I have found so much comfort in reading others people’s stories and I am slowly starting to learn to love and accept my psoriasis. This is me and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Even though my mental health suffers whilst I am going through a major flare up I will always bounce back. I just want others to know that you are not alone in this and you and your skin are beautiful!