I want to talk about self-confidence.

I first signed up on MyPsoriasisTeam after I missed a few days of lectures due to a psoriasis flare-up. Wearing socks and long-sleeve shirts became so painful, and I wasn't confident enough to opt for flip-flops and tanks. I only wore very modest clothing in order to hide my skin. I was tired of hearing the questions, "Is that poison ivy?", "Do you have chicken pox?", "Is that painful?" My all-time favorite - occurred when a group of kids in my middle school, after having seen my skin, tried to have me sent out of class for having the swine flu. I was tired of the relentless staring and feeling like there was a negative spotlight on me at all times. After missing a test and a required lecture event, I decided enough was enough.

No one can hurt me without my permission. I understand that my skin is strange to some people. I also understand that my skin is normal to me. No one has the right to stare and question me so much that it alters my academic life, my social life, and my mental and physical health.

I started wearing what I wanted. Let me be the first to say that this was not an easy task at all. I got comments and looks from friends and strangers alike. As crushing as this seems, I felt great. Like it or not, psoriasis is part of my daily life. It is part of who I am. I felt great about finally being myself in public. It was a long and educational process for me.

Self-confidence is the best outfit. Rock it and own it.

This article was written by MyPsoriasisTeam member Carlon Williams as part of the My Perspective series. Carlon is a college student who is passionate about building self-confidence and working on self-improvement.

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