John Redfern’s journey with psoriasis began at the age of 14, during a pivotal time in his adolescence. Growing up in rural Ireland, John was deeply passionate about Gaelic football, dedicating countless hours to his skills with aspirations of reaching the top. However, the sudden onset of psoriasis presented unforeseen challenges that would alter the course of his athletic dreams.
Initial signs of psoriasis
The initial signs of psoriasis appeared shortly after the unexpected passing of his uncle, a significant figure in John’s life. This emotional trauma, with other factors like recurrent bouts of tonsillitis, the rebellious act of smoking, and the tumultuous phase of puberty, seemed to manifest the the condition. What began as a spot below his belly button rapidly increased, covering approximately 80% of his body with psoriasis.
Desperate for relief, John turned to topical steroid creams for treatment. While they offered some short-term improvement, he was able to use them for only nine months before his body refused the medicine and made him feel worse than ever.
Psoriasis toll on self-esteem
The visible nature of psoriasis took a toll on John’s self-esteem. The fear of judgment and misunderstanding from peers led him to become preoccupied with hiding his condition.This internal struggle was particularly pronounced in communal settings, such as locker rooms, where he felt vulnerable to scrutiny. The societal stigma surrounding psoriasis, fueled by misconceptions about its contagiousness, further intensified his feelings of isolation.
Despite his unwavering dedication and evident talent in Gaelic football, the psychological burden became overwhelming. By the age of 18, John made the heart-wrenching decision to step away from the sport he loved due to the stigma of psoriasis.
Looking back
But John didn’t stop fighting. Instead, he turned his personal experience into a mission to raise awareness and help others living with psoriasis. Reflecting on his journey, John emphasises the importance of open dialogue and education about psoriasis, especially among teenagers and their families. He advocates for a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment. He now shares his story openly, encouraging others to prioritise overall health as part of managing the condition.
“Please remember that psoriasis will find it hard to thrive in a healthy body,” John says. “Eat junk food in moderation but cut out non-essentials such as excessive sugar, fizzy drinks, and overly processed foods.”
In addition he highlights the need for doing Vitamin D checks and relieving stress with exercise or being with friends.
Through his candid narrative, John hopes to shed light on the impact psoriasis can have on one’s aspirations and mental well-being, urging society to move beyond superficial perceptions and offer genuine understanding and support.