From health.com
India Bolton, 25, doesn't always have visible psoriasis flares. But there are times when her psoriasis becomes so severe that she barely feels like herself. Below, she shares how she's learned to manage the condition, how she's improved her confidence, and who serves as her biggest source of support.
There was a time when it was hard to think about anything but psoriasis.
Last year, during my pregnancy with my son, I had the worst flare I’ve ever experienced. I broke out in guttate, inverse, and plaque psoriasis from head to toe. It lasted for seven months.
For those seven months, I didn’t feel like myself. The pain was constant. I couldn’t be present for my kids the way I wanted to be. When it hurts just to wear clothes, running around and playing isn’t really an option.
With guidance from my dermatologist and rheumatologist, I began UVB treatment twice a week—a therapy considered safe during pregnancy. Imagine a giant box that emits a targeted laser, focusing on each spot of psoriasis.
I knew my skin would likely get worse before it got better as part of this process, but I didn’t expect to be covered in blisters along the way. I told myself to trust the process. I held on to the hope that I’d look like myself again. I even remember apologizing to people for being "so ugly."
That mindset began to shift when I created an Instagram account focused on my psoriasis. Suddenly, I was connecting with people who looked like me. At one of the lowest points in my life, it was incredibly validating just to know I wasn’t the only person in the world going through this.
Life With Psoriasis
Gradually, the UVB therapy started to work. I also recommitted to my diet. Years earlier, I’d identified dairy and beef as flare triggers, but I took it further this time. I cut out nightshade vegetables like bell peppers and eggplants. I went gluten-free, which has been the toughest change. It took months, but I truly believe these dietary shifts helped.
I wish I could say eating a psoriasis-friendly diet comes naturally now. But what I can and can’t eat is still constantly top of mind. Lately, I’ve felt frustrated, and I haven’t been as stringent about my restrictions. I just want to live. I’m human. I want to go out to dinner without analysing every single ingredient.
Thankfully, I have an incredible support system that helps me enjoy life whether I’m flaring or not. My partner, Logan, doesn’t think twice about helping me apply lotion when I need it. My friends welcomed me without hesitation. I was so worried they’d see my psoriasis as something disgusting. Instead, they just see me—a normal human being.
One silver lining in all of this is that I’ve been able to teach my children about confidence, especially my two daughters. They get to see that their mom loves herself no matter what her skin looks like.
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