Emma Yarbroughs psoriasis diagnosis came early at age eight.
While scientistsarent totally surewhat causes the condition, they suspect peoples immune systems and genetics are involved.
Most of the time, Yarbrough says, the spots were present, but somewhat under control.
Scratching it would cause it to bleed, which would then make the psoriasis worse, Yarbrough says.
Her psoriasis affected her mentally and socially, too.
Yarbrough says she also struggled with self confidence throughout her teen years.
Going through puberty with really bad psoriasis was a little traumatizing, she says.
Living in the deep south in a small town, I felt really visible.
Back when Yarbrough was diagnosed, effective treatment options werent abundant as they are today.
To manage the flare-ups, she also tried special diets andlight therapy.
Nothing made a major difference.
Yarbrough says when she first heard about biologics, she didnt need much convincing.
Her dermatologist thought she would be a great candidate, and she desperately wanted to clear her skin.
She noticed fewer and less severe psoriasis flare-ups shortly after she started the regimen.
I got to totally start over, Yarbrough says.
No one knew I had psoriasis.
Once, she says, she went on a trip and forgot her dose.
Another time, her medication delivery was delayed due to a snow storm.
Both times, she experienced psoriasis flares.
I may not always have spots, but its always there, lurking, she says.
Thanks to her medication, Yarbrough says her self-image has continued to improve over the years.
And since shes an actor, shes especially grateful for the biologics for helping her skin stay clear.
The little flare-ups dont really get to me anymore.
They totally changed my body.
Its like I was covered for a decade in poison ivy, and now its gone, she says.
Its what I prayed for for the entirety of my childhood.
