“Ninety-five percent of my body was covered with psoriasis. Everything was itchy, painful, and all that.”

For Michelle, psoriasis began with a rash that didn’t go away. Over time, it spread across much of her body and became painful and hard to manage.

A Rash That Wouldn’t Go Away

Michelle first noticed symptoms in October 2021. “I noticed rashes under my breasts, and I thought it was just rashes,” she said.

Like many people, she tried to treat it on her own at first. “So I just put on over-the-counter medication, but then it didn’t go away.”

By January, new symptoms appeared. “I noticed a buildup on my scalp. I thought it was just dandruff. So I just shrugged it off and put some oil on it.”

But the symptoms didn’t stay mild. “Everything was so flaky. Everything was red and all that. And it actually spread on my ears … and at the back of my neck.”

At that point, Michelle became concerned. She reached out to her doctor and shared photos, hoping for answers.

Michelle’s Search for Relief

At first, treatment seemed straightforward. Based on the photos, Michelle’s doctor recommended medicated lotions and sprays. But her symptoms didn’t improve.

“Those symptoms didn’t go away,” Michelle said.

Next came oral medication, a common treatment option for psoriasis. At first, she felt hopeful. “I thought it was working well … I was happy. I was smiling.”

But the relief didn’t last. “Then the itchiness became unbearable again. And I noticed that the rashes are spreading and they’re spreading all over my body except my face.”

As her symptoms got worse, Michelle decided to see a specialist.

A Diagnosis and a Turning Point

Seeing a dermatologist marked a shift in Michelle’s journey. After an in-person evaluation, she finally had clarity.

“You know what? You have a case of severe psoriasis,” the dermatologist said. “So oral medication won’t treat you. The only thing that will work on you is biologics.”

For Michelle, this moment confirmed what she had been going through and gave her a new direction for treatment. Severe psoriasis may need a different treatment approach, and working with a specialist can help people better understand their options.

Observing a Change in Her Symptoms

Over time, Michelle began to notice improvements. “I noticed the major changes in my body, like the clearing of my skin,” she said.

Looking back on her experience, Michelle noted, “If you saw what I looked like before, then you can imagine the pain and the itchiness that I was feeling during that time.”

Her story highlights something many people living with psoriasis understand: The condition is more than skin deep. It can affect your comfort, confidence, and daily life.

A Message to Others Living With Psoriasis

Today, Michelle shares her story to remind others with psoriasis that they’re not alone.

“Others living with psoriasis, I want to say that you are not alone,” she said. “There are lots of us who are experiencing it, and it is more than just a skin condition.”

She also emphasized the importance of speaking up for yourself and getting help from a specialist. “We need to take care of ourselves … and we need to seek help from specialists also … We owe that to ourselves.”

Michelle’s words echo an important message for people living with psoriasis: Finding the right care team can make a meaningful difference, and each person’s experience with treatment may be different.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What symptoms first made you realize something wasn’t right? How has your treatment journey changed over time? Let others know in the comments below.