Sheila Willis has lived with psoriasis for 45 years, but her journey with the condition began long before she had a name for it. At just 6 years old, she experienced relentless itching, cracking, and bleeding skin — symptoms that were repeatedly misdiagnosed.

“As a child, I was told it was everything from shingles to just a rash,” Sheila recalled. “My skin was so dry and scaled over that it would crack and bleed. Sometimes, infection would set in.”

For relief, her mother would soak her in warm baths with tar shampoo for hours, then apply Crisco shortening to soften her skin. “To say I was miserable is an understatement,” she reflected.

Sheila’s come a long way since her mother applied shortening to her skin. Here are three lessons she’s learned over four decades with psoriasis.

1. Be Your Beautiful, Spotted Self

The emotional toll of psoriasis was just as heavy as the physical. Self-conscious about her skin’s appearance, Sheila often struggled with anxiety when meeting new people or wearing clothing that exposed her plaques.

“I tried for years to just cover my skin and pretend I was normal,” she said. “But that, my friends, is not the way.”

Over time, Sheila learned an important lesson: Confidence comes from within. “The ones who matter in your life don’t mind,” she said. Accepting her psoriasis helped her find peace with her condition and encouraged her to stop hiding. “Just be your beautiful, spotted self,” she encouraged others.

2. Find Your Triggers

Managing psoriasis — and later, psoriatic arthritis — has required diligence and adaptation. Through years of trial and error, Sheila discovered that what she puts into her body significantly impacts her skin. Keeping a food journal has been a game-changer, helping her identify triggers.

“I’ve learned that sugar and processed foods make my psoriasis worse,” she said. “Everyone is different, so I always recommend starting a food journal to find your own triggers.”

Sheila has also cycled through different biologic treatments, eventually finding one that helps manage her symptoms. But skin care goes beyond prescriptions — she’s meticulous about avoiding heavily perfumed products. She uses only unscented soaps and detergents in her household.

One simple yet effective remedy she swears by: 100 percent coconut oil. “It has nothing added, and it really helps,” she shared.

3. Be Kind To Yourself

Though psoriasis remains a constant part of her life, Sheila has learned to navigate the ups and downs. Her advice for others? “Just hang in there. Try to deal with flare-ups the best you can. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.”

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How long have you been living with psoriasis? What advice do you have for others? Share your thoughts in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.