Chamudi's Story

This Psoriasis Awareness Week, 23-year-old Chamudi shares her experience of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis since childhood. Now a fourth-year medical student, she hopes to become a dermatologist and use her experience to help others.

I am a medical student 4th year who studies in Grodno State Medical University, hoping to become a dermatologist one day more than anything. My name is Chamudi and 23 years old.

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My journey began overnight when I was just 11 years old. A sudden rash covered my entire body. While my father thought it was just a food allergy, my mother—who is a nurse—knew it was something more serious. She immediately took me to the hospital, where a doctor referred us to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with psoriasis. In an instant, my life completely changed.

The Grueling Years of Management

I am endlessly grateful to my mom. In the beginning, she took me everywhere, trying Ayurveda, traditional remedies, and religious ceremonies. When we realized only western medicine provided true relief, I began phototherapy. The clinic was far from home, but my parents made sure I went every single day. That era was incredibly hectic. My bedsheets were constantly oily and flaky. Every single morning before school, I had to wash the heavy treatments out of my hair, leaving it oily anyway. Dealing with the constant questions from peers was exhausting, but over a long time, the symptoms finally reduced.

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Stress, Setbacks, and Studying Abroad

The peace didn't last forever. In 2022, during my Advanced Level examinations, the stress caused a massive flare-up. I tried alternative treatments again, but they unfortunately made it worse. Shortly after, I moved abroad for my university studies, and the stress of the new environment caused my health to take a severe turn. In the middle of 2023, while home on vacation, I woke up unable to get out of bed or even bend my fingers. I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Mentally, I hit rock bottom. I was angry, tired, and constantly wondering, "Why is this only happening to me?" A rheumatologist started me on weekly methotrexate. Returning abroad on that medication made it the hardest year of my life. However, it showed me who my true friends were. I had to learn to do everything by myself, and somehow, I made it through.

The Current Battle and Future Hopes

Recently, my skin flared again, prompting my doctors to increase my methotrexate dose and add acitretin. While the joint pain is invisible to others, the visible skin patches made me incredibly insecure. Thankfully, since returning home for this vacation, my skin has cleared up significantly. I am returning abroad on September 1st with packed medications and a heart full of hope. This journey has given me a definitive purpose: one day, I will become a dermatologist and show the world what is possible.

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My Message to the Community

To anyone who is newly diagnosed: it is okay to feel mentally down. It is okay to cry and be tired of yourself. This is a genuinely hard battle. Let people think or say what they want. Through this pain, you will find a version of yourself that is so strong that nobody will ever be able to drag you down again. I hate this disease, but I am grateful that it allowed me to find my true, unbreakable self.