Exactly How I Manage My Extreme Psoriasis And Eczema
by Mikki Hernandez
One morning, I think it was a Tuesday, I woke up to a red, terrifying, full-body rash.
Every possible terrifying scenario ran through my mind; could it be an allergic reaction? An STD? LEPROSY??
Well, it took many many months of doctor visits, experimental trials, tears, restrictive dieting, failed treatments, hiding my body, (did I mention tears?), more failed treatments, and gobs of out-of-pocket expenses to come to the conclusion that I have both eczema and psoriasis, two separate but similar skin conditions. So that’s fun.
Before I go on, here’s a quick Skin Disorders 101:
Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH): general term for dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin. Most common in babies and children, it causes itching and redness with the possibility of some flaking action. Atopic eczema is a severe and chronic type that adults can get. (Hint: what I have!)
Psoriasis (suh-rahy-uh-sis): chronic, immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red/purple, scaly patches to appear on the skin that comes in five different types.
As of today, there is still no cure for either eczema or psoriasis, yet there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Every case is different, therefore, every treatment plan will be different.
As someone who was used to receiving compliments for having such nice, rich dark skin that easily tans (it’s called being brown), this outbreak took a huge toll on me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Nonetheless, I’ve come out on the other side with a better understanding of how to live with not one, but two skin conditions that are likely to never go away. Ever.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Long-term Rx medication use could be your (only) saving grace.
Eczema and psoriasis are not pretty. In fact, the combination of the two is utterly ghastly; they look like something out of a creepy sci-fi movie where a person learns they’ve been infected by a mystery species and have 24 hours to live.
Okay, perhaps I’m being a bit dramatic but when you are literally covered from head to toe in scaly, red bumps that make your skin feel like it’s on fire, the ONLY thing on your mind is “How the hell do I make this go away?”
For me, the answer was prescription medication. We know we know; Rx drugs have become somewhat of a pariah these days (current pandemic notwithstanding). We are expected by the Wellness Elite to seek natural remedies as much as possible, like acupuncture, ayurveda, and Chinese herbs. These all exist outside the realm of Big Pharma, making it easy to romanticize the 8,000 pieces of anecdotal “evidence” we’ve been told about our friend’s mom’s sister’s Aunt who swears that acupuncture cured her lifelong psoriasis in a single session. However, as much as I want to believe that Apple Cider Vinegar is a gift from the gods, there are times of extreme pain and distress where prescription medications might just be your best chance for immediate relief. And sure, Big Pharma is a thing, but so is properly designed and tested medication that genuinely helps as a Hail Mary. I took the Hail Mary.
When finding the best treatment, you should consider what phase your skin issue is in, and take note of all possible triggers (skin injury, stress, infection). Of course this should all be discussed with both your dermatologist and primary care physician to ensure you’re taking the safest route to healing. But know that whatever treatment you do seek, there is still no actual “cure” in sight, so you are likely to have to use that treatment for life. So any judgements against Rx medication may have to be thrown to the wind to tackle future flare ups and keep your skin under control.
Not all natural remedies can be GOOD remedies for everyone.
Though plenty of natural remedies have been recommended or determined to be safe for psoriasis, I found out the hard way that some alternative, holistic treatments might actually not be a good fit for everyone.
After seeking out an herbalist/acupuncturist a friend recommended (who saw this woman for non-skin issues), I went on a customized 3 month treatment plan that initially seemed promising. The plan consisted of acupuncture, herbal supplements and restrictive dieting, where I eliminated nearly every fun food group, coffee, and alcohol. The herbalist was calm, collected and present, making me feel like I was in good hands.
However, two months into the plan, my skin was not improving. In fact, it was getting worse. Much worse. I decided to revisit modern medicine and learned from a new dermatologist that none of the natural treatments I was trying out were working. And actually, some of them were actually aggravating my skin. Here’s why they didn’t work for me:
My rash was a “drug rash,” which was triggered by a poor medication interaction, and it looked different from naturally triggered psoriasis or eczema.
The herbs I was taking were “feeding” the rash because of this medication interaction, therefore making it worse. My body was reacting with inflammation because it identified the herbs as a threat.
Acupuncture feels relaxing in the moment, however, the metals from the needles were triggering more inflammation in my body.
My new diet was meaningless. There is not enough evidence to support the notion that cutting out certain foods will alleviate symptoms (more on this later).
The herbalist was unaware that these methods were harmful rather than helpful because she wasn’t enough of an expert in skin disorders of this nature.
It was hard to accept that my attempt at natural medicine failed, but it’s a clear lesson that consulting with a medical professional (i.e. dermatologist) who specializes in skin disorders should be a top priority before seeking alternative treatment.
Cutting out gluten probably won’t solve your psoriasis.
We know— gluten is on everyone’s “shitlist” these days. Which is probably why I received so much (usually unwarranted) advice (from people who were not medical professionals in any way) that I should just “change my diet” or “cut out gluten” when I talked about my flare up. While it may be trendy advice, medical experts suggest ONLY going on a gluten-free diet IF you have Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. There has not been solid evidence to support the idea that cutting out gluten can help cure psoriasis for people who don’t have a gluten sensitivity.
Psoriasis and eczema can, at least, give you an excuse to treat yourself.
Not all treatment methods are boring creams and medications. There are some luxuries that you can and should enjoy to soothe your skin.
Laying out in natural sunlight can be an effective treatment for psoriasis. Vitamin D has been found to be an aid in both strengthening the immune system and slowing down the growth of new skin cells. You can find Vitamin D in certain foods or oral supplements, but I prefer keeping it simple by slappin’ on some sunscreen and laying out on my balcony while reading a good book. There is a more intense, prescribed version of this called phototherapy that your dermatologist may also recommend.
Warm baths are another luxurious activity that can help soothe skin, especially for eczema. When you have a flare up, your skin gets extremely dry, so a bath is a nice way to relax while giving your skin the moisture it needs. Keep in mind that it’s best to switch your soaps and moisturizers to the most basic of basic to avoid irritation. Ask your trusted dermatologist what they recommend! And bonus: The National Eczema Association maps out a bathing method called “Soak and Seal” that is definitely worth trying while Sade’s “Smooth Operator” plays in the background.
Psoriasis and eczema can be a huge life adjustment. But it’s not all bad.
Skin disorders are a tricky thing to endure because I know that, otherwise, I am lucky to be very healthy, and being upset about my “ugly” skin seems vain and trivial. Yet, not feeling good in my own skin has taken a toll on how I function in other areas of my life. However, I’ve learned to make adjustments that make it easier to live with flawed skin:
1. Wardrobe: What does one wear when one is covered in unbecoming dots?
Solution: Caftans, shirt dresses and jumpsuits will become your go-to outfits. They are not only extremely comfortable, but they also provide incredible coverage that is stylish and screams luxury. Nordstrom is a trusted source for a beautiful ‘tan, while these finds are great for a simple, comfortable, covered up look: Eileen Fisher and Madewell. Additionally, say fuck it, and wear what you want Covering my spots have made me feel more confident, but it’s by no means right for everyone.
2. Dating/Romance: How do you talk about your skin while dating or with your significant other?
Solution: Allow yourself to be vulnerable by sharing how your skin affects your mood, especially when it makes you feel the complete opposite of sexy. Don’t alienate your partner by keeping it a secret or trying to hide around them. Include them by asking for help applying your lotion regimen, and definitely take full advantage when they offer to give you a massage.
3. Frustration: What can you do to fight off the sadness and frustration that is triggered by dealing with a skin disorder?
Solution: Take photos on a regular basis of your skin at various stages. New flare ups will often feel like hell all over again, but looking back to photos of clear skin is a good reminder that flare ups are temporary. And looking at photos of your worst flare-ups can be a reminder of how far you’ve come.
Admittedly, I was very reluctant at first to simply “accept” my skin for what it was; I was consumed with finding a perfect “cure” (knowing full well that there wasn’t one). But I’ve found my energy is much better spent on following my treatment plan, making lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress as much as possible (which as a woman is close to impossible but I still try), and focusing on my positive progress. It’s a constant battle, but has taught me to not let my skin define my beauty or character. And in times when everything feels like it’s going to shit, take a deep breath, put on a silk robe and know this too shall pass… and then come back…. but pass again.
