India’s Guttate Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Story: From Flare-Ups to Self-Love

India’s experience with guttate psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is as real as it gets — messy, emotional, painful, and also full of growth, learning, and self-love. Diagnosed with guttate psoriasis in 2018 and with psoriatic arthritis in 2022, India didn’t always have the knowledge or support she needed. But now, she’s using her voice to advocate for awareness and self-acceptance, and to end the stigma surrounding these autoimmune conditions.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

India’s first symptoms started after a bout of strep throat during college. What she thought were bug bites turned into patches spreading across her legs, face, and ears. A visit to the doctor confirmed guttate psoriasis, a form that infections can trigger. From there, she was prescribed topical steroids, which became her go-to for years, even though they eventually stopped working and left her overwhelmed and confused.

In 2024, things got worse. After catching strep again (plus COVID and the flu), India’s body went into full-body flare mode. Steroids made her condition worse, so she turned to UVB light therapy, supplements like turmeric and vitamin D, and dietary changes. The result? She’s nearly clear now — not just physically, but emotionally too.

Managing visible flare-ups, especially on her face, was incredibly hard. People pointed, laughed, and made hurtful comments. But India found strength in self-love. She says, “Your skin doesn’t define you,” and she truly lives by it. The stigma began to break when she stopped hiding and started educating others. Now, when someone comments, she uses it as a teaching moment about psoriasis, helping to replace fear and misunderstanding with compassion.

India’s psoriatic arthritis diagnosis came after intense swelling in her foot, fingers, and hips. It was initially dismissed as being pregnancy-related. With a gene mutation that prevents her from taking methotrexate, she leans on holistic treatments like UVB, heat packs, Epsom salt baths, and careful diet adjustments.

Emotionally, India experienced rough patches. Pregnancy during flaring was one of the hardest periods. Still, she found hope in her children, her supportive partner, and a deeper understanding of her worth. “I love myself,” she says, “and I’m okay with myself.” Her message is clear: You can thrive with an autoimmune disease. Your diagnosis doesn’t change who you are — it just adds to the layers that make you uniquely strong.

Watch India’s story and find out more:

What one flare taught her about the power of self-acceptance
The surprising reason she had to stop using steroids and what worked instead
How a strep infection changed the course of her health forever
Why she tells strangers about her condition and how it breaks stigma
The raw truth about being a young mom with psoriatic arthritis

Name: India B.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 18 (psoriasis), 22 (psoriatic arthritis)
Diagnoses:
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Symptoms:
- Psoriasis: Small red spots on thighs, face, and ears after catching strep throat
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Foot swelling, joint pain in toes, fingers, and hips
Treatments:
- Topical steroids
- UVB light therapy
- Supplements: Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, turmeric
- Diet modification
- Epsom salt baths
- Heat therapy

India B. psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, India!

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Victoria V., Plaque Psoriasis

Symptoms: Painful cracked skin on the scalp, inflammation on the top of the foot, joint pain in the foot
Treatments: Shampoos, creams, injections, pills, prescription medications, biologics

Chaylee M., Psoriatic Arthritis

Symptoms: Severe fatigue, swollen fingers and face, joint weakness, flaky skin, rashes, long-term scalp psoriasis
Treatments: Celecoxib, methotrexate, adalimumab injections

India B., Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Symptoms: Psoriasis: small red spots on thighs, face, and ears after catching strep throat; Psoriatic Arthritis: foot swelling, joint pain in toes, fingers, and hips

Treatments: Topical steroids, UVB light therapy, supplements (vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, turmeric), diet modification, Epsom salt baths, heat therapy

April 19, 2025

From Fatigue & Flares to Self-Advocacy: Chaylee’s Psoriatic Arthritis Experience

Editor’s Note:
At The Patient Story, we’ve built a platform where real stories empower people facing cancer—but that same storytelling power can uplift those living with other serious health conditions, too.

We’re expanding our reach to include chronic autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis—a condition that’s often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, especially in young adults. In this story, Chaylee shares her experience navigating overwhelming fatigue, joint pain, and years of frustration before finally getting the right diagnosis. From treatment setbacks to mental health challenges and moments of advocacy, her story offers raw honesty, encouragement, and a reminder that no one should face chronic illness alone.

When Chaylee started feeling wiped out all the time and noticed her joints swelling, she knew something was wrong, but she didn’t expect it to be psoriatic arthritis. At the time, she had just graduated high school and was starting college. Instead of soaking up her independence, she found herself stuck on the couch, too fatigued to move and dealing with painful, swollen joints. It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it was life-disrupting.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Her first doctor brushed her off with a fibromyalgia diagnosis and a prescription that left her feeling foggy and unable to function. She dropped out within a week of starting college, losing her full-ride scholarship. That low point was painful, but it pushed her to take control. Chaylee moved six hours away to Boise for better care, which paid off. A new rheumatologist listened to her, took her symptoms seriously, and finally diagnosed her with psoriatic arthritis in January 2023.

Looking back, the signs were all there, especially the scalp psoriasis Chaylee had dealt with since she was a pre-teen. But no one ever told her that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis often go hand in hand. That lack of awareness was frustrating, especially since early intervention makes such a big difference.

While navigating chronic illness as a young adult isn’t easy, Chaylee found ways to adapt. Community played a huge role. Connecting with others online who understood what she was going through made her feel less alone. She also tapped into creativity, making spoon jewelry to connect with fellow patients and joining the Young Patients Autoimmune Research and Empowerment Alliance (YPAREA) to help make research more accessible for people her age.

Chaylee’s treatment took time to figure out. Celecoxib didn’t work and methotrexate helped but came with heavy side effects. Eventually, she started adalimumab injections, which gave her more consistent relief from psoriatic arthritis symptoms. While flare-ups still happen — especially in cold weather or under stress — she’s found ways to manage them.

Some of Chaylee’s biggest lessons? Self-advocacy is everything. Learning to speak up, ask questions, and request better care changed her life. She’s also passionate about mental health — reminding others that your worth isn’t defined by productivity and that it’s okay to rest. Psoriatic arthritis may have changed her plans, but it’s also helped her discover new passions, connect with others, and live more intentionally.

Watch Chaylee’s story to learn more:

Discover how Chaylee rebuilt her life after her chronic illness disrupted her future plans.
See how a correct diagnosis turned confusion into clarity and relief.
Learn how finding creative outlets helped transform isolation into empowerment.
Explore how Chaylee is breaking stereotypes about psoriatic arthritis and young adults.
Get inspired by how she balances work, advocacy, and well-being despite chronic pain.

Name: Chaylee M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 19
Diagnosis:
- Psoriatic Arthritis
Symptoms:
- Severe fatigue
- Swollen fingers and face
- Joint weakness
- Flaky skin
- Rashes
- Long-term scalp psoriasis
Treatments:
- Celecoxib
- Methotrexate
- Adalimumab injections