Living with psoriasis was never just about how my skin looked. The thick, pale scale around my elbows, the rough red patches on my legs and the itching that became more noticeable at night affected almost every part of my routine. After showering, the plaques often felt tight and uncomfortable, and sometimes I found myself scratching before I even realized it.
Over time, I began changing small everyday choices because of my skin. I avoided short sleeves because I did not want people staring at my elbows, and I rarely wore dark clothing because loose flakes were so easy to see. Even on better days, I was still thinking about my skin and wondering when the next flare would return.
