Great North Run

[p][b]My Journey[/b][/p][p]I was first diagnosed with psoriasis in 2017 (aged 18), mainly on my scalp and elbows. This soon spread to other parts of my body where it became too much for steroid creams. I received UV light treatment in October 2017 for around 12 weeks and opted to participate in a research programme which was aiming to see why psoriasis differs to each individual. After the course of UV light treatment, the psoriasis completely cleared and I never thought it would return.[/p][p]In early 2018, the psoriasis started to appear again however this time it hit every part of my body from head to toe. I was in constant pain; I couldn’t sleep, go out and my self confidence had never been worse. It was too wide spread and aggressive for UV light treatment so I had to be prescribed methotrexate (an immune system suppressant). This was a slow process and led to me being on the sick from work and university for almost 4 months. This had an awful impact on both my physical and mental health at just the age of 20. [/p][p]After around 5 weeks of taking the methotrexate, my psoriasis is now almost fully cleared. I am currently prescribed the drug for life in order to keep the condition at bay.[/p][p]I’m hoping that me taking part in the GNR and sharing my story helps raise awareness of psoriasis and that the donations I receive can go to helping others suffering from the same illness I am.[/p][p][br][/p][p]I have attached photos below of my own psoriasis in order to give you an understanding of what my skin looked like at its worst. [/p]