Skin Deep: A Fashion Designer's Journey to Healing Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing thick, red patches with silvery scales to develop. For individuals in professions where appearance plays a significant role, such as fashion designers, managing psoriasis can be particularly challenging.

Seeking relief from the scaling and inflammation associated with psoriasis, a fashion designer from Europe embarked on a journey to Dubai for Liftera Hifu (Painless Hifu) treatment at Athena Dermatology Clinic. This blog explores their experience, highlighting the physical and emotional impact of psoriasis and the quest for effective treatment.

Physical Impact:

 Thick, Red Patches:

• Psoriasis often manifests as raised, inflamed patches of skin that can be itchy and painful. These patches, known as plaques, are caused by an overproduction of skin cells.
•  They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
•  The thick, red appearance of the patches can be unsightly and cause discomfort, especially when clothing or other objects rub against them.

Silvery Scales:

• One of the hallmark symptoms of psoriasis is the presence of silvery scales on top of the plaques.
• These scales are actually a buildup of dead skin cells and can flake off easily, leading to a constant shedding of skin.
• The scales can be itchy and may crack or bleed if scratched or picked at.
  

 Inflammation:

• Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, meaning that the affected areas of skin become swollen, red, and tender.
• The inflammation can cause the skin to feel hot to the touch and can make movement or even simple tasks like bathing uncomfortable.
• In severe cases, the inflammation can lead to joint pain and swelling, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis.
  

 Cracking and Bleeding:

• Severe psoriasis can cause the skin to crack and bleed, especially in areas of repeated motion or friction.
• This can be painful and increase the risk of infection, as the broken skin allows bacteria to enter the body.
• The cracking and bleeding can also be embarrassing and make the affected individual selfconscious about their appearance.
  

Emotional Impact:

SelfConsciousness:

• The visible nature of psoriasis can lead to feelings of selfconsciousness and embarrassment.
• The presence of thick, red patches and silvery scales can be difficult to conceal, especially in situations where the skin is exposed, such as in warm weather or during physical activity.
•    This selfconsciousness can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance of activities that may expose the affected skin.
  

 Frustration:

• Dealing with psoriasis can be frustrating, as the condition is chronic and often unpredictable.
• Flareups can occur suddenly and without warning, making it difficult to plan or predict when symptoms will occur.
• This unpredictability can be frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
  

 Stress and Anxiety:

• Living with psoriasis can be stressful, as individuals may worry about how others perceive them and how the condition will impact their daily lives.
• Stress can trigger or worsen psoriasis flareups, creating a vicious cycle of symptoms and emotional distress.
• Anxiety about the future and the impact of psoriasis on longterm health and wellbeing can also be a significant source of stress.
  

 Depression:

• The chronic nature of psoriasis and its impact on daily life can lead to feelings of depression and low selfesteem.
• Individuals may feel hopeless or defeated by their condition, especially if treatments are not effective or if symptoms are severe.
• Depression can further exacerbate symptoms and make it harder to cope with the challenges of living with psoriasis.
  

 Skincare Products: The fashion designer sought skincare products containing ingredients like salicylic acid or coal tar, which are known for their effectiveness in reducing scaling and inflammation associated with psoriasis.

 Phototherapy: Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a common treatment for psoriasis that uses ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation and scaling.

Systemic Medications: For severe psoriasis, systemic medications such as biologics may be prescribed to target the underlying cause of the condition.

Journey to Dubai:

 Decision to Travel: The decision to travel to Dubai for Liftera Hifu treatment was driven by a desire for a comprehensive solution to their psoriasis.

 Athena Dermatology Clinic: Upon reaching the clinic, the fashion designer was impressed by the professionalism and warmth of the staff, which immediately put them at ease and instilled confidence in their choice of treatment.

 Liftera Hifu Treatment: The Liftera Hifu treatment offered a promising solution, with the potential to reduce scaling and inflammation associated with psoriasis, improving the texture and appearance of the skin.

                 The journey from Europe to Dubai for Liftera Hifu treatment at Athena Dermatology Clinic represents a significant step towards finding relief from psoriasis and reclaiming confidence.

 Through personalized treatments and a holistic approach to skincare, individuals with psoriasis can achieve relief from physical symptoms and improve their emotional wellbeing.

 This journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of skincare treatments, not just in enhancing appearance but also in improving overall quality of life.