My skin story: How psoriasis left me depressed... until I found this miracle cure
“As fellow sufferer Cara Delevingne proved, even if you’re among the most genetically-blessed women in the world, it doesn’t matter how pretty or how slim you are, psoriasis can still leave you feeling awful.
I first noticed a rash on my chest when I was getting ready for a night out with friends. Within two weeks, it had spread and I was covered. I was diagnosed with psoriasis.
Doctors said that my recent weightloss or stress (caused by being mother to two young children) was probably to blame for my outbreak. Regardless of what triggered my psoriasis, knowing I had a skin condition that had no cure was devastating.
After being diagnosed with psoriasis, I was prescribed Dermovet steroid cream, I also popped all manner of vitamins and minerals, from vitamin C powder to a daily teaspoon of chia seeds, in the hope that I could cure myself. I was also given a course of UV light therapy at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, which involved me going to the hospital three times a week for the therapy. I had to stand there in my underwear while dermatology nurses inspected me from head to toe.
In all honesty, I have felt more down and depressed during the last nine months trying to fight my psoriasis than at any other point in my life.
You feel like an outsider with psoriasis; people don’t want to go near you. Since being diagnosed with psoriasis, I have only seen two fellow sufferers out and about. I found myself hiding my figure under layers of clothing - sweltering in the summer in skinny jeans rather than my favourite shorts - because I was too scared to show off my legs.
My insecurities sky-rocketed as a result of the skin condition. I hated being intimate with my husband as I saw the red angry patches all over my body and didn’t want him to touch me.
I was in despair and nothing I was using from the doctor, nor the light therapy, was having the desired effect. While I’d seen small improvements, the difference wasn’t enough and I worried what the long-term damage of putting so many steroids on my skin might be.
I do some health writing and was sent some information on Oregon Grape Root products. They weren’t on prescription and were natural but contained ingredients that can help manage psoriasis. What I liked about them was that they could be used between flare-ups, the idea being to try and manage and strengthen the skin between flare-ups rather than only treating them once they arrived.
At the time, the psoriasis in my scalp was really bad - I would leave flakes of skin wherever I went. Within a few weeks of using the Oregon hair products, my hair was so much better - the thick scales behind my ears were starting to disappear and the flakes of skin became less and less.
This is one itch you really shouldn't scratch.
A few months on and my hair is more or less back to what it was. I have almost no psoriasis in my scalp, ears, or back of my neck. My skin has also cleared up dramatically. I started using the Oregon body products after I saw what the products had done for my scalp and they have really helped.
I have still got patches on my legs but my skin is about 80% better than it was and my psoriasis is the best it’s been since I was first diagnosed.
This, of course, could just be a fluke coincidence as I know psoriasis goes in cycles, but I have undoubtedly seen a dramatic improvement and my confidence levels have soared – and that’s priceless."
Here are some of the best products for beating psoriasis...
Best concealer for dry skin
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, £25, IT Cosmetics
This concealer is a total must-have and we're yet to meet a makeup artist who doesn't keep it in their kit. It may say it's for under eyes but this high-coverage concealer can be used absolutely anywhere.
Best eczema cream
Avène Xeracalm A.D Cream, £16.50, Boots
This miracle cream contains a biotechnological innovation that took 12 years to research - but it was well worth the wait. I-modulia reduces itching due to dryness and reduces redness and irritation upon first use.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best scalp treatment for eczema
Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Scalp Treatment, £9, Feel Unique
Colourant-free, paraben-free, silicone-free and alkali soap-free, this scalp treatment has been specifically designed to relieve itching and dryness, making it perfect for those who get psoriasis of the scalp.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best body lotion for eczema
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion, £5.99, Boots
Keep this clinically-proven daily moisture fix to hand to ensure skin stays supple and hydrated at all times. It's super fast absorbing, too, so there'll be no sticky feeling after application.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best foundation for eczema sufferers
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, £45, Skin City
Originally formulated for those who had just undergone surgery, this foundation provides buildable coverage that is totally breathable, meaning you can cover up any areas while still allowing your skin to heal.
Best multi-purpose balm for eczema
Weleda Skin Food, £10.10, Feel Unique
Loved by beauty editors and dermatologists alike, this multi-purpose balm is a skincare saviour in the extreme. The organic botanicals and beeswax base provide skin with all the nourishment it needs to thrive.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best shampoo for itchy scalp
Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo, £69, John Lewis
This specialist shampoo was originally formulated by a world-renowned trichologist and has won a throng of awards for its ability to relieve and clear irritated scalps of flakes and dry skin.
Best daily cream for dry skin
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream, £9.99, Superdrug
Aveeno is known for their gentle, free-from and ultra-soothing formulas and their Dermexa range is ideal for anyone with a dry skin condition. It's unscented and paraben-free so there's sure to be zero irritation while the Triple Oat Complex and ceramides strengthen and repair the skin.
