I was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis about five years ago, and it took quite a while to get a confirmed diagnosis. Initially, my GP thought it was just eczema and prescribed cortisone creams, which didn’t help much. After several months, I finally got a referral to a dermatologist who confirmed it was plaque psoriasis. The dermatologist explained that it was an autoimmune condition where my skin cells were regenerating too quickly, causing the flaky, red patches.For treatment, I’ve tried various options. I started with topical steroids, which were somewhat effective but made my skin very sensitive. I also tried UV light therapy, which helped but was hard to maintain due to the frequent clinic visits. Eventually, I moved on to biologics like Enbrel and Skyrizi, which have been more effective in managing my symptoms.One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with the emotional and social impact of the condition. The visible patches on my skin made me very self-conscious, and I often felt embarrassed in social situations. It was also tough to manage the side effects of the treatments, like the nausea from methotrexate.I’ve found some support through online forums and Facebook groups, where I can connect with others who understand what I’m going through. These communities have been invaluable for sharing tips and emotional support.If there were tools available to help track my symptoms and triggers, it would be incredibly helpful. Something that could integrate with my healthcare records and provide insights into what might be causing flare-ups would make managing my condition much easier.