How many hours do you spend "wandering" over books propping your elbows on the desk top? A lot, but who would care if the test is getting closer? How many times do you look at the skin on your elbows after that? Rarely, after all, who would bother with it? And that's a big mistake! I, too, thought that I was rubbing my elbows on the desk when I was graduating from high school. I also thought that it would be enough to apply some cream and the skin would be smooth. But she wasn't. So I went to the dermatologist for some ointment. And I heard from him that I am seriously ill …
I knew nothing about psoriasis.Parents "filtered" the he alth condition of the families from both sides up to 3 generations back, but they did not find psoriasis. The dermatologist explained to me what the disease was, but I was completely unaware what awaited me … Psoriasis first appeared on the elbows. These are the abrasions similar to mechanical wounds. Then on the head. Although for a while I was under the illusion that these irritations are from the hair bleach. And then it was gone … - hands, knees, ears, nose …
At first I cried.But mainly because this psoriasis would make it impossible for me to donate blood, and after I turned 18 I wanted to become an Honorary Donor. I thought: if they give me drugs, stains, wounds - everything will disappear. There were drugs, yes. Steroid, non-steroidal, moisturizing cream. But the psoriatic skin changes, even if they sometimes faded, never completely disappeared.
I wanted to please.What? And you do not? I had my complexes. Nose too big. Forehead too high. A bust too big for a filigree girl like me. But when I got psoriasis, I had bigger problems. What medications should I take to stop the disease? How to hide stains under clothes? And once people notice them, what do you tell them …? My parents and brother took my psoriasis calm. Friends and acquaintances found out later. I did not want to reveal myself for a long time. A friend once told me that my elbow looks like a dragon's anus … It was supposed to be a joke. He wasn't to me. I was very concerned. Because that was the beginning of the disease and its worsening. And the aliens? I can see that they are looking at me differently. But maybe not by psoriasis? Maybe because I have pink hair …?
When did I realize that psoriasis would be with me until the end of my days?I was admitted to the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Ontwo fields of study: American Studies and Far East Studies - China module … Ambitious, right? In the second year it turned out that I had to let go a little. I studied a lot and still under time pressure. I slept little and ate even less. Usually when I was on the bus. And what fell into my hand. The stress and horribly poor nutrition did their job. The psoriasis wounds inflamed, cracked, and bleeded. How strong? So hard that I couldn't move my hands! For half a year I was on a very strict diet: no sweets, lactose, gluten and processed foods. The condition of the skin improved without the steroids. The body's message was clear: Dear, take a break, decide on one field of study and respect me - do not stress, eat well, and yet - do not go out in the sun, because these spots in the sun are "blooming" for you. And it was the first breakthrough …
I decided: psoriasis, I know you are, but you will not destroy my plans.Yes - I will keep my diet, although not so strict, I will take medications and I will go out to the sun only when necessary . And in order to de-stress myself, I will return to my hobby. Do you know what cosplay is? Costume playing. Mainly for characters from manga, anime, computer games, fairy tales and movies. The cosplay movement has its origins in Japanese culture, which I have been interested in since I was a child. I invented the cosplay disguises myself. I also sewed clothes, made wigs, applied make'up and other elements of make-up. I decided to take part in a cosplay competition disguised as a character who had half of his face burned. This is one of the heroes of the movie "Avatar - the last lord of the wind". I chose the stand so that my hands were exposed. And guess what? The jurors asked if these psoriasis patches were … also makeup? And that was the second breakthrough. And then poooszłooo …
I wrote a coaching post on the psoriasis forum.About how cosplay helped me come to terms with my disease. There were many comments under the post. Some envied me, others cheered on me. All in all, I got so much positive energy that I took part in another cosplay competition. And not only did I win it, but I also represented Poland in the international competition. Later, I found out about the existence of the educational platform "Released from theory", which supports young people in the implementation of social projects. And that was the third breakthrough …
Why is psoriasis said to be an ugly disease?Because it is shown so straight, so medically, so scary …! Such a discussion arose at the meeting of the Far Eastern Scientific Society to which I belonged. At the end of it, an idea was born to show what psoriasis is for us - young people who live with thisdisease. This is how the action was born …
I am the Ladybug
Why a "ladybug"? To cut myself off from the name of psoriasis, which sounds and is associated with … ugly. Purpose of the action: to show psoriasis and the skin imperfections attributed to it, but in a fashion style. Tool: stylized photo sessions. I made the first one myself, and the second was made by photographers from the School of Creative Photography in Krakow. The action was carried out within the framework of the "Released from theory" platform. We set the photos on FB. The first is March 17, 2022. Effect? Wow! Total: 380,000 views and 2,200 likes. A "ladybird community" has formed around the action. People started taking pics of themselves and lining them up with the action hashtag. There were so many comments that I could not write back. The action lasted 58 days. It would have taken longer, but we've gone all over the world. How are students. But everyone on the wings of awareness that so many "ladybugs" have become stronger thanks to us.