Beauty Q&A Let’s talk psoriasis

A new four-part podcast and online video series, PSO Let’s Talk Psoriasis, by Janssen Sciences Ireland, aims to support people living with the condition while they wait to access healthcare services. Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory skin disorder that affects at least 73,000 people in Ireland. It is an immune condition that causes symptoms on the skin and sometimes the joints.

Sarah Hanrahan, a fashion and lifestyle influencer who has dealt with the effects of psoriasis on her self-confidence, chats to us about her experiences with the condition and her advice for others.

Has sharing your experience with psoriasis helped you?

Sharing gave me the opportunity to chat with others about the condition and share our individual experiences. It has been a reminder that having psoriasis is not because of something I did or didn’t do, which I think is a common fear among people with the condition.

What advice has helped you deal with your psoriasis?

To avoid exfoliating it! Which is so tempting as it can momentarily make the skin look better but ultimately, it spreads the condition. Also, because my psoriasis flares up with stress, it’s been good to be reminded to try and take a step back from commitments, when possible, if I feel overwhelmed.

You work in an image-led industry; has that made having psoriasis more difficult for you?

It has at times, as I often shoot video and image content for brands, and I try to angle shots to avoid visible patches of psoriasis. When I catch myself doing that, though, I stop as I know my followers are nothing but supportive and couldn’t care less about something like that. It’s only me who cares and once I remind myself of that, I’m not as self-conscious about it.

Do you have specific triggers that cause flare ups? How do you deal with them?

Stress is definitely the trigger for my psoriasis, which can be avoidable to a point but, as we all know, is very unavoidable at times. Working in this industry can mean incredible amounts of work some months (which I’m so grateful for) and much quieter months as well… both of which can lead to stress in their own way. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I take a step back or reschedule unnecessary commitments, meaning I have more time to deal with the immediate tasks.

What is your best piece of advice for anyone struggling with psoriasis?

It will improve and when it’s bad, it doesn’t stay bad. Focus on what works for you and your psoriasis, don’t be tempted into quick fixes. And also, take all your medical advice from professionals! It’s so tempting to try all sorts of suggestions when you’re panicking about flare-ups, but trust me, as someone who’s been convinced to try all sorts of quick fixes, including buying specific bottled water from overseas… these ‘miracle cures’ are unlikely to work, unfortunately.

PSO Let’s Talk Psoriasis is available free online with the four episodes released on a weekly basis throughout May, at janssenwithme.ie