What are your strongest memories of living with psoriasis?
One of my strongest memories doesn’t involve me but my children.  I have four boys and we were sitting by the pool one holiday.  A young girl, probably 18, who had quite severe psoriasis got into the water and immediately everybody started to get out.  It was my boys who commented on this first, even before I did.  They were absolutely disgusted and let everyone know their feelings quite loudly.  Straightaway they got into the pool to show there wasn’t a problem, even making a point of talking to her.  

I was really proud of what they did.  Even at such a young age, they could see past what other people saw.
I’ve had similar reactions from people to my own psoriasis.  Since I sometimes have psoriasis on my face it’s obviously very visible.  It’s not uncommon for people to stare at me as I walk down the street.

How did psoriasis impact your life?
I don’t let my psoriasis stop me doing anything.  I’m actually a nurse who specialises in looking after people with skin conditions.  I think it is important that I live with my condition as it is a part of my makeup; it’s just me, part of me and I guess it makes me who I am.
The only thing that really interferes with my life is the creams you have to use.  As you have to use quite a lot of them they can get everywhere, all over your bed sheets and leave marks around the house.  Apart from that I don’t let it affect my life, I still dress the same and do the same things.

Why have you decided to get involved in the UK Naked Truth Campaign?
As a nurse I am really interested in educating people in this area. I really feel that this Campaign can educate people to understand what psoriasis is and hopefully make them more accepting of those people that have it.

What is the message that you would like to convey to others?
Psoriasis is only our skin, we are just normal people, there is nothing contagious about us.  We’re just like everybody else.