Spotlighted Blogger: Meet Jessica of “Jessica and Psoriasis”

Psoriasis Blogger Jessica Gough of "Jessica and Psoriasis"

Welcome to the latest installment of our “Spotlighted Blogger” series.  This spring we are focusing on psoriasis patient bloggers, starting with Lissa back in March and Alisha B. a few weeks ago.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gough, a 19-year-old from the UK who recently started a blog called Jessica and Psoriasis.  What kind of reaction has she gotten?  And what tips does she have for those who feel isolated due to this chronic skin condition, which can cause itching, rashes and plaques (scaly patches)?  Check out our interview below.

1.  How are you feeling about being a newly minted “psoriasis blogger”?

The best word to describe how I feel about being a psoriasis blogger is relieved. I chose relieved because there is so much I have experienced throughout my psoriasis journey – both positives and negatives – that I wanted to talk about that even my closest friends and family were unaware of.  By writing my blog I have been able to explain all of my experiences without having to face the challenges of approaching the subject in general conversation. I have also found that by using my blog to share my journey with psoriasis it has enabled me to talk and share information with other psoriasis sufferers, which I have found warming and comforting.  Since starting my blog the support and feedback I have received has been overwhelming.

2.  Tell us how psoriasis affects your daily decisions – from shaving to clothing.

I believe with psoriasis you choose how much you let it affect your daily life and decisions. For me I would say my psoriasis majorly affects my decisions based upon the way I present myself for the day. If I wake up and skin has flared up or has worsened, I find I have to choose the right kind of clothes. I tend to wear leggings most of the time as the material doesn’t rub my skin and they are cool in comparison to jeans for example. Also if I want to wear a jumper I make sure I have a top protecting my skin underneath so my skin doesn’t become itchy.

Jessica's Arms During a Psoriasis Flare-up

Dependant upon the look of my skin also affects decisions such as whether I can wear makeup or whether I can shave my legs in the shower. If my skin is red and flaky I try as much as possible not to touch it with products that could make it worse. This includes shaving my legs, although if I am going out to a nightclub or party, though, I will plan in advance in order to make sure I can shave my legs, and I will use moisturizers to make my face suitable for makeup. Other than clothes and personal care, I try to make sure my psoriasis does not affect my decisions.  However, sometimes with a flare-up my mood can be worsened, and I tend to find things harder to cope with generally.

3.  What is your personal recipe for getting through a psoriasis flare-up?

My personal recipe probably has to be not to give up. When you have a flare-up, it is a perfect opportunity to put tips and techniques to the test, ask other people what they would recommend or go back to your consultant and ask for help. I do usually have a routine of making sure I have a bath every night to relax and then covering myself in moisturizers and creams before bed to help me sleep better. I also wear socks and gloves depending how bad my skin is to stop me itching and making my skin bleed. I find the more I itch, the more distressed I become, which obviously worsens the flare-up. So I try to stop it from becoming a cycle.

4.  Any advice for someone who feels alone or isolated due to psoriasis?

I think feeling alone is a common feeling amongst psoriasis sufferers, and I certainly felt alone before writing my blog. My advice would be to talk to other people, find out about chat boards, blogs and charities relating to psoriasis, and use these resources to share ideas, stories and experiences with others.  You may be surprised at some of the feedback you receive. I used to feel that even though I had support from many people around me, no one ever actually understood what I was really feeling and what I was going through. Talking to other people gave me the freedom to say how I really felt and not be embarrassed. I personally believe that talking with others about living with my psoriasis has been part of my therapy.

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9 thoughts on “Spotlighted Blogger: Meet Jessica of “Jessica and Psoriasis””

  1. Beth Scholfield

    Jess babe i’m so excited for you! you are going on to do such amazing things and i’m so pleased for you. you are such a strong inspirational girl and i’m really proud 🙂 xxxxxxxxx
    love youuuuuuu

  2. I am so proud of you right now 🙂 Well done Jess! Remember your old RE Teacher when you are famous and far too important xx

  3. Pingback: Today’s Links | Kidney Citizen

  4. I have MS. At times about every 2 weeks I head straight to depression and I only want to sleep 18 to 20 per day. It is so bad. I feel so useless. Then when it lifts, I feel like am normal again. I have the brain fog, forgetfulness and a very short memory. The docs just put me on Gilyina. Not sure if that is how it is spelled. But it is a capsule instead of a shot. I was on copaxzone, My MRI said their were more lesions so I went on the new drug in August. I will have a MRI in August. Hope it is better. It is so hard to explain to people how you are feeling. I don’t like to say terrible, achy, tired so I just stay home and go on the internet. I am a recluse until the depression lifts. This last time it lasted 6 months. Gee sure get tired of that. I have started to go to PT and have home exercise things. Total gym, and a machine you run on. That seems to help. But today is a great day! Live each day to the fullest even if you are depressed. It could be worse,

  5. Jessica, I am so encouraged by your blog. Your words are wonderfully written. I too have started a blog. I guess like you, I had more to say than most spaces allowed. Right now I am pretty much writing for myself but it does my heart good to get those thoughts, frustrations, and even funny times out. I get so inspired by you because instead of letting this get you down you are helping so many people understand your skin issues.

    Take care and keep up the good work.

  6. Hello Jessica, I have the same problem dear, I itch and it bleeds also dear. I try to reach for something soft to scratch my hands. You are not alone sweetie.

    Love
    Helen

  7. Psoriasis is inflammatory disorder so focus completely on anti-inflammatories . Systemic and topical.

  8. Hi Jessica

    Just want to say here, to watch out and see if what you eat is triggering your flare ups.

    We all know stress causes flare ups, but though the doctors will disagree, I notice my psoriasis is better when I avoid wheat, and pulses. It might be something else for you.

    Just watch and observe. I believe a flare up is our body telling us it can’t take anymore of a certain food.

    All the best.

  9. everyone, please drink GREEN TEA! 3-5 times a day. it’s doing amazing for my skin.
    i have chronic Psoriasis and it’s is seriously blowing my mind on how quickly I am seeing a huge difference in my skin and the redness. it’s seriously amazing.
    I also stay away from sugar. I will eat something sugar free if I feel the need but from time to time I do eat real sugar sweets.

    I do drink wine a few times a week and I try to eat very healthy, veggies greens.

    But the amazing part is that the GREEN TEA is almost an instant change, it is like it calms down after your first cup. I am watching it disappear slowly each day without using my creams.

    It’s amazingly healthy for you and it apparently slows the skin reproduction down so please do yourself a healthy favor and just try it.

    Those meds injections just mask the problem and can cause you more problems.

    Try and let me know if it works for you.

    Im just so happy I wanted to share.

    I have had it since i was 19 and I am 40 now.

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