About me

[Koala]

Well, I first got psoriasis when I was 11yrs old at Guide Camp. I was stressed out because I really hated it and wanted to go home almost as soon as I got there! (cold, wet, canvas tents etc.!)

At first the psoriasis was mostly on my face and scalp. Whilst at school I never felt like I was being being bullied but in hindsight I realise that I was. There was a boy in my class who called me 'spot the dog' and 'patch' and if I stood next to him in line he used to loudly inform me that I had dandruff. There was also an incident with an older girl one day. We were sat in the pews for a church service and I felt someone tap me on the shoulder, I turned around and there were about six paors of eyes on me and she said, 'See, look, it's all over her face'  Although these incidents were humiliating I remember being very happy at school as most of the people in my class were really nice. I think it helped that my mum phoned the school after I returned home in tears one day. The next morning my teacher addressed the whole class and informed eveyone about psoriasis and stated quite sternly that she did not want to hear about any more cruel comments. This helped a great deal as everyone was better informed.

Whilst I was a teenager I had PUVA treatment and the P cleared up (apart from my scalp) So I enjoyed a year of doing 'normal' things like swimming and partying! It did all eventually come back.

It has shaped my life to a certain extent. I don't go out very often and haven't been swimming for at least six years. I also chose a job where there is next to no contact with people. Sorry this is so long, it is really hard to admit the bullying bit! I still feel humiliated about it. I am at my worst ever at the moment as the p has spread to the places I can't cover up. (neck, face, hands) I feel like I have to cover up in the summer to and my friends don't realise how much it hurts when they constantly say,'aren't you hot in that?!?' I am glad I have found this web site, I already feel less isolated.
Thanks for reading this.

By the way, my real name is Carla. Username 'Koala' comes from my friends kids who used to call me that.

[pip]

Hi Carla,

Your comments remind me of when I was a kid and I was on the bus with my mum.

Some woman was passing remarks about my P and my mum heard her and gave her a darn good slap in the jotters.

As I have said before, people who behave like that are idiots and probably descriminate against anybody who is different.

Onwards and upwards
Pip
Pip

[jackgray]

Hi Carla

Kids can be cruellest of all - I think I was lucky escaping P as a child but did grow up knowing about P as I have a very strong family history of it.  Still came as a bit of a surprise when it surfaced its ugly head on me !! :sad:

My P has also recently surfaced on my face and hands and I know exactly what you are saying - you really can't hide it but try and keep positive.  P somehow knows when you are feeling down and seems to like that so try and give it a run for its money... ((*o

I got some new ointment made up from my derm and I think the combination of this and some sun bed treatment has made a big difference to my hands and also my self confidence.

Keep you chin up and as much as you want to don't hide away

Jackie

[SAUCY]

hi carla
i work with children, and they can say the  weirdest ,funniest and hurtful things
but hey they only children,
i 2 got teased at school, but lookin bac its lack off understandin, most adults r still like it !!!!!

[Guy]

Hi Carla

Its  so hard to have P when you 're growing up isn't it?

I had it first when i was 11 and like you I did get  bit of respite but not that much through my teenage and 20s.
i love to swim too but avoid swimming pools partly because the chlorine drys me out but also because I'm too self-concious.  When I'm away in the summer on a beach abroad I have no qualms about sunbathing and swimming I the sea though - can't get enough in fact.

Guy  

[patchymomma]

Hi there Carla. You know, kids dont seem to know when to shut up, lol...their parents didnt teach them not to pry or be hurtful..the truth of the matter is that kids will look for any thing out of the so called ordinary to pick on. I think its just that they'd rather pick on someone then get picked on...and some of them are just down right mean. A lot of adults seem to carry this trait too. Every dog has their day and they will have theirs and then we can have a good laugh at them.
Here, you find only kindness and a lot of laughs!

[NikkiC]

Hi Carla,
What a time to get p whilst at guide camp. Kids can be cruel but I think adults are even worse. I can cope with kids comments  although it was different when i was one myself it's the grown ups i have problems with.

[lisaB]

Hi Carla - don't lock yourself away - you're a better person than the ignorant bullies - I'm alive I'm happy If people wanna stare at me then let 'em -   i say. My 13 year old son has P and the thought of him being bullied & teased because of this irates me!!!! But kids will be kids and their parents need to show them a little respect. If any of my kids see someone who's "different" I ALWAYS try my best to explain why!
Take Care
Lisa B