Woman Says 70 Percent Of Her Body Is Covered With Unsightly Psoriasis Sores And Blames It On Stress: ‘I Have It On My Scalp, Face, Back, Chest, Nails!’

Morrell says, “I never got psoriasis until I was in my early twenties. There isn’t one part of my body it doesn’t affect. I have it on my scalp, face, back, chest, stomach, legs, toes, hands, nails. Around seventy percent of my body is covered. It was triggered by a low period in my life.”

Today, Morrell powerfully uses her social media to raise awareness around this rare skin condition. We love how she is owning her condition, and broadening others’ understanding of it in the process.

 

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Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is rare relapsing (chronic) autoimmune skin condition that is characterized by red, itchy patches that form on the affected person's skin. These plaques (patches) occur when the life cycle of skin cells is sped up (hyperproliferation), which results in excess cells building up on the skin (creating inflammation of the skin's epidermis and dermis).

Related: 'Can Psoriasis Cause Fertility Problems?' And Other Psoriasis Myths Debunked; Understanding This Autoimmune Skin Condition

People who have this condition may not even know they have it as it often is asymptomatic until an outbreak occurs, with outbreaks being reported to sporadically occur, lasting anywhere from 1 month to 12 months.

Related: Top 5 Things to Avoid Saying to Someone With Psoriasis

Common symptoms associated with psoriasis include:

• Small scaling spots
• Swollen or stiff joints
• Burning, itching, or soreness of the skin
• Small scaling spots
• Cracked and dry skin that may itch or bleed
  Ridged or thickened nails
• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales

What is Psoriasis? Understanding the Different Types and Symptoms of This Rare Skin Condition

Can Depression Cause Psoriasis?

Morrell believes her depression caused her psoriasis; mental conditions like stress can lead to this condition.

Related: Woman, 20, Told By Doctors She Had Chicken Pox Discovers It's Extreme Psoriasis Causing Sores That Bleed Through Her Clothes

Psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated condition that is not contagious and is rather caused by a genetic predisposition; other risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Those with psoriasis often do not know they have it until it is triggered by multiple different things such as:

• Tobacco
• Stress
• An injury to the skin, such as severe sunburn or a cut
  Some medications, such as prednisone, lithium, and hydroxychloroquine
• Alcohol (excessive drinking)
• Weather conditions, more specifically cold, dry weather
  Infections (Guttate psoriasis has a correlation with strep throat infection)

These triggers and some others (specific to the individual) can also be the cause of continuous psoriasis flare-ups. It is thus imperative that as part of the treatment process, the triggers of the individual's condition are identified.

Getting Treatment for Depression & Mental Health Issues

For people like Morrell who go through a mental health episode like a depression or an anxiety attack, it’s important to seek treatment. The mind-body connection is very strong, and stress can, in fact, aggravate the skin and lead to various skin conditions. Stress can, in some instances, lead to psoriasis.

If you’re struggling with your mental health and regularly experiencing emotions like anxiety, worry, sadness, and more, reach out for help. A good therapist, social worker, or psychologist can help you to process your feelings in a safe, objective environment, and help you to create a game plan for your mental health so you can get back on track and feel like your best self again.

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