Exam stress left me covered in red scales and wanting to hide
‘I went through a rough time’
EXAM stress can send even the most level-headed student into a spin.
But anxiety caused Beth Webster, 23, to develop painful, scaly skin that left her embarrassed to leave the house.
She began suffering from psoriasis after struggling in the final year of her chemistry degree at Aberdeen University. She first noticed a few pinprick spots on her arm, but within four months they had grown into coin-sized patches that covered her body.
It would take her up to three hours to get ready each morn- ing as she had to shower and moisturise her whole body.
Miss Webster, who is now studying for a Masters degree in journalism, said: ‘I went through quite a rough time.
‘I suffered a bereavement during my exams and studying was so stressful. I think it was all just a bit overwhelming.’
Initially, she was told she had scabies – a skin condition caused by the immune system reacting to mites.
It was two months later that doctors diagnosed psoriasis and prescribed a steroid gel. worried about her appearance, she said: ‘I’d try to stay home as much as I could.
‘I was trying to force myself to go out and not hide away, but it was difficult.’
Now she is receiving ultraviolet light treatment to help slow the production of skin cells and receiving support from the British Skin Foundation. Her face is free of psoriasis and the red marks on her body have faded to faint, brown patches.
Miss Webster, from Aberdeen, said: ‘I’m hoping the marks will go, but I’m not that bothered any more because it doesn’t feel horrible. I’m scared it might come back, but I’m sharing my story to help others.’