When I first heard the words, “You have psoriasis,” I was 47 years old. I had lived almost half a century in the same skin—never thinking twice about it—until the day my body changed, and with it, my self-image and confidence.

Psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition. It’s an experience that impacts the way you see yourself and the way you believe the world sees you. In my case, it arrived unexpectedly, and it tested me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. This is my personal journey with psoriasis, self-esteem, and body image.

A Sudden, Unexpected Shift

I was living a full life at 47. As an educator, wife, daughter, and friend, I wore many hats and kept busy. Like most people, I had my fair share of worries—but my skin had never been one of them. That changed almost overnight.

At first, I thought I had developed an allergy. Then small patches of dry, scaly skin started to appear on my chest, tummy, and scalp. Before I could process what was happening, those patches multiplied. They spread across my body, and eventually, psoriasis covered 95% of my skin.

I was confused, overwhelmed, and desperate for answers. Why was this happening? Was there a cure? How was I supposed to go on with my life when I couldn’t even recognize my reflection in the mirror?

How Psoriasis Shook My Self-Esteem

I was used to being confident. I had worked hard to create a life I loved. But suddenly, I found myself second-guessing everything. Every time I stepped out of the house, I was hyper-aware of my skin. I worried about people staring. I wondered if they thought I was contagious.

I became an expert at hiding—long sleeves in summer, avoiding social gatherings, and canceling plans. Even simple errands like going to the grocery store became emotionally exhausting. I felt exposed and vulnerable, as if my skin told a story I hadn’t agreed to share.

Professionally, it was also difficult. As a Resource Specialist/ Special Education Consultant (and eventually a Special Education Instructional Facilitator), I worked with and faced not only students but also teachers, administrators, parents and service providers. I gave talks/ seminars. I was expected to be composed and confident. Yet, beneath my clothes, my skin was cracked and bleeding. I felt raw, both physically and emotionally. There were days I wanted to disappear.

Body Image and the Woman in the Mirror

I thought that by 47, I knew who I was. Psoriasis made me question everything. I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. My skin was red, flaky, and scarred. I avoided mirrors altogether because seeing myself hurt too much.

There were times, it was about whether I could love myself enough to feel whole again.

Finding Healing: More Than Skin-Deep

My journey toward healing was not just about finding the right treatment—though I am grateful that, after more than a year of trial and error, I found one that works for me. It was also about reclaiming my sense of self.

I had to redefine beauty for myself. I had to remind myself that I was more than my skin—that my worth wasn’t measured in clear patches or scars. I began to focus on the strength my body still had. It carried me through teaching, writing, loving, and living despite the pain.

Little by little, I came out of hiding. I began speaking openly about my psoriasis. I started connecting with others who understood what it meant to live with a chronic, visible illness. That connection was healing in ways I hadn’t expected.

My Message to You

If you are living with psoriasis and struggling with self-esteem and body image, please know you are not alone. Whether you’re diagnosed at 17 or 47 (or beyond), the emotional toll is real—but so is the strength within you.

Give yourself grace. You don’t have to wait for clear skin to embrace who you are today. Wear the outfit you love. Show up at the gathering. Take the photo. Live your life fully—psoriasis and all.

Your skin tells a story, but it doesn’t define your worth. You are beautiful, resilient, and worthy of love and acceptance, exactly as you are.