I have read around here a bit but wanted to talk about my situation and ask some questions.
I am 21 years old and have had psoriasis since November of last year. I originally thought that it was chicken pox, but after a month of no change i went to the doctor. They had no idea and took a blood test. From there i was told it was psoriasis.
I have had a minor case of eczema since i was young, only really appearing on the underside of my elbows.
I have been told that both eczema and psoriasis can be passed down from generation to generation. My grandma has eczema but no one in my family has psoriasis that i am aware of.
I have always lived a rather outgoing life. I drink (a lot) on weekends and i smoke everyday and also have a very unhealthy diet
I am at the point where i cant take it anymore. Friends notice one spot and ask what it is and i get very embarrassed. I have always been an outgoing girl and now find myself closing off from everyone. Summer is fast approaching again and i cant bear to go through another one wearing jackets.
I have tried 2 different creams prescribed by a dermatologist, as well as a natural product my mum found, however nothing seems to work.
Is my diet and lifestyle (smoking, drinking) really affecting it? My mum often tells me it is but i have never been one to listen to anything, unless i knew that it was actually true.
I need to know if i should be changing the way i am living.