:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Health_Beyond_PSORIASIS_B_ROLL_SELECTS.00_00_29_00.Still003-af83d8c8bcaf44d9b15ecdb1e0e3a867.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "Beyond psoriasis: living through rockets")
India Bolton, 25, does not always have visible psoriasis enlightening rockets. But there are times when her psoriasis becomes so serious that she barely feels like her. Below, she shares how she learned to manage the condition, how she improved her confidence and which serves as a greater source of support.
There was a time when it was difficult to think of anything but psoriasis.
Last year, during my pregnancy with my son, I had the worst push that I never knew. I broke out in guttate psoriasis, opposite and head of head to toe. It lasted seven months.
During these seven months, I didn't feel like me. The pain was constant. I could not be present for my children as I wanted. When it hurts to wear clothes, running and playing is not really an option.
With advice from my dermatologist and rheumatologist, I started UVB treatment twice a week – a therapy considered safe during pregnancy. Imagine a giant box that emits a targeted laser, focusing on each place of psoriasis.
I knew that my skin was probably going to get worse before improving in this process, but I did not expect to be covered with blisters along the way. I told myself to trust the process. I kept the hope that I look like myself again. I even remember expressed myself to people for being “so ugly”.
This state of mind began to change when I created a Instagram account concentrated on my psoriasis. Suddenly, I connected with people who looked like me. One of the lowest points in my life, it was incredibly validated just knowing that I was not the only person in the world to cross this.
Little by little, UVB therapy has started to work. I also reduced to my diet. Years earlier, I had identified dairy products and beef as escape triggers, but I took it further this time. I cut vegetables on the night bite like peppers and eggplant. I went gluten -free, which was the most difficult change. It took months, but I really believe that these food changes have helped.
I would like to be able to say that eating a diet adapted to psoriasis comes naturally now. But what I can and that I cannot eat is always constantly in mind. Lately, I felt frustrated and I was not so rigorous in my restrictions. I just want live. I am human. I want to take out dinner without analyzing each ingredient.
Fortunately, I have an incredible support system that helps me enjoy life, whether I can escape or not. My partner, Logan, does not think twice before helping me apply a lotion when I need it. My friends welcomed me without hesitation. I was so worried that they see my psoriasis as something disgusting. Instead, they just see Me– A normal human being.
A silver lining in all of this is that I have been able to teach my children confidence, especially my two daughters. They can see that their mom loves it, no matter what her skin looks like.
