I can really relate to Abby's amazing story. It is so moving and so reminicent of what i endured growing up.

We realized I had psoriasis as I was getting over the chicken pox at six years old. The red dots just never went away...my mother took me to the doctor and I was diagnosed with psoriasis. At such a young age, I had no idea how the disease would affect my life the way it did.

I have gone through various degrees of severity. Severe to moderate to mild, and now back to moderate.

Growing up, I was extremely self-concsious of my skin - why wouldn't I be? I had red, inflammed dots all over my body. I hated gym class! I would wear long sleeves and long pants and everyone would ask me what was wrong with me. "Aren't you hot?" was the most popular - and most annoying question. Yes I'm hot!!! Of course I'm hot! I'm wearing track pants in 30 degree heat - not to mention that I have to watch everyone else cool in shorts and tees. There were some people who were relatively understanding and supportive - and others who were mean and cruel. I just didn't know enough about it to react properly - and that's why I think organizations like psoriasis support are so amazing. they have the ability to educate young people - maybe life will be easier for them.

I endured weekly UV treatments for years. I had to travel north of the city a few times a week. The treatments were awful and depressing. The clinic was dark and filled with people. You just waited your turn and then crammed into this little "room" - curtains seperating you from everyone else. I was treated like I didn't matter - just in and out. Goodbye. Good luck.

In high school, I found ways to cover-up. My go-to was a turtleneck - any turtleneck - and it had to have long-sleeves. I had awful psoriasis on my neck and hands. It was extremely difficult. No shorts, no skirts, no bathing suits. Forget gym class - I don't think I took it in high school!

Over the years, I've been on every medication imaginable - tars, steroids, you name it. I haven't had much luck. Perhaps it's my own fault as I haven't been very compliant. I've tried Skin Zinc - gross. Organic apple diet - torcherous. Emu oil - ? Other types of smelly oils. Teas. Fish oil pills. You name it.

What has really worked for me - but might not for everyone - is diet. I found a book years ago by Dr. John Pagano. It's an alternative guide to treating psoriasis and it virtually changed my life. My psoriasis was so painful and so severe at the time - I was completely desperate. My mother was so amazing and supportive and really wanted me to "just try it" (the regime in the book). I did. And it was miraculous. It took about three or four months - but I was clear. It was right before I went to university and I was so unbelieveably happy. No psoriasis??? Can you imagine? It just disappeared. Being in university, it was difficult to keep up the regime (which calls for a complete avoidance of any nightshade - tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc. and no processed foods). My psoriasis came back intermittently - and when it did, I was just go back on the regime.

To this day, I try my best to follow the regime - I eat extremely healthy, try to exercise and get enough sleep. When I have a flare-up, I just pull back, rest, take a benadryl and get back on my program. I've also found infrared saunas to be amazingly helpful - especially before a big night out. It can improve my skin for a few days.

The new biologic treatments sound extremely promising. If my psoriasis ever gets worse, I won't hesitate in trying one. I've read stuff about ones that you get breaks. this would be ideal as i would never want to have to take something everyday...forever.

At present, I would say that I am just happy to be living my life without the constant feeling of being self-concsious - which is how I felt for 99% of my youth and young-adult life. I don't care about a few red patches - if people want to stare, let them.

I am so amazed by this community and the stories from everyone. I really enjoy reading people's comments and testimonials. It really helps.

My heart goes out to you Abby! You are so brave! I read your story and I cried. You have been through so much and still have a smile to give. Yes you are lucky. A big bouquet to you! :0)

Hi Abby I can really relate to your suffering as I also was diagnosed at 40 with the disease, but probably suffered with the "guttate psoriasis" first as well before it became full blown. I posted my story in the comments section in "dealing with Psoriasis" if they publish it somewhere you may be able to read it. Good luck and God Bless.

Hi Abby, What a courageous story. I too see Dr. S. at Women's College Hospital. He really is a kind person. Can you share a little more about the medication that you are on? What are the side effects? I have been put on Soritane and I know the side effects can be quite serious. I was wondering if they are as bad on your medication?