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‘I don’t want to hide anymore’ – young woman with psoriasis learns to embrace her skin

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PHOTO: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA
PHOTO: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA

This young woman who suffers from psoriasis is learning to love herself and her skin despite receiving nasty comments from strangers.

Alice Weekes from Hampshire in England first realised she had a skin condition after hairdressers thought she had ringworms on her scalp.

But her skin worsened over the years and the 18-year-old was diagnosed with psoriasis – a skin condition that causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The teenager’s skin flares up often and the psoriasis can cover up to 70% of her body at a time.

“When the flare-ups started I was feeling really self-conscious and started wearing clothes that would cover my whole body so people wouldn’t see,” Alice says.

“I also had really bad anxiety, which made me feel horrible, and I wouldn’t leave the house if it looked bad, but I’m learning to love myself and my skin.

“Now I’m so used to my psoriasis that I don’t actually remember what I look like without it and I’m a lot more comfortable with showing my skin to people.”

Alice, an apprentice hairdresser, says people often stare at her and ask her numerous questions about her skin condition.

“The reaction people have towards me are often strangers staring and asking lots of questions. I’ve also been asked if I’m contagious or sick,” she says.

The 18-year-old says she no longer wants to hide and hopes people on social media will embrace her.

“I don’t want to hide anymore. I want to educate people by showing them that autoimmune diseases are normal and that my skin might look different but it’s totally normal.

“I also want to build my confidence so decided if I could share my condition on social media and get a positive reaction I’d feel able to walk out the door without wanting to cover myself up.”

Alice also says the support from her family has been instrumental and she encourages other people with a skin condition to embrace their perceived flaws.

“My friends and family are really supportive. They always say they’re proud of me and that it actually gives them confidence,” Alice says.

“I’d say to anyone else to ignore the stares and comments and be you. Love yourself even if you feel like you can’t right now, wake up every day and tell yourself you’re beautiful.

“Embrace the skin you were given. You’re not alone. You were made this way for a reason and even though you’re different, different is beautiful.”

Source: Magazine Features

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