Mike's Story

This Psoriasis Awareness Week, Mike shares how psoriasis affected his confidence. With support from his girlfriend, he is learning to embrace his skin, wearing shorts in public for the first time and raising awareness to help others feel less alone.

It started when I was about 24 years old with no prior history of any skin differences or difficulties. I was out with my best friend and noticed some small patches of red circles on my elbow, the pharmacist suggested that it could be psoriasis. I was referred to dermatology who then confirmed it.

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For many years it has left mixed feelings of depression self consciousness and a fear of what others thought of it. This year after meeting my girlfriend is the first year that I have worn shorts in public. She gave me confidence and helped me accept my skin and realise that it is a part of who I am and that it could happen to anybody.

I've even been asked to take part in a fashion show in November to raise money for a cancer hospice, and also plan to raise funds for Psoriasis UK in the very near future.