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Beth Webster, a student from Aberdeen, Scotland, noticed that tiny spots were appearing on her skin during her last year at the University of Aberdeen. Webster, who was pursuing a chemistry degree, then noticed that they became pin prinks.
The spots on Webster, who’s 23 years old, grew into “snake scales.” She theorized that these unexpected appearances were a result of college stress. Her body was covered with scaly skin and painful and itchy patches.
Webster said, “It was taking me so long in the mornings to get ready - up to two to three hours - because I had to shower and moisturize everywhere – following doctor’s advice, by covering my skin in cream four times a day.”
Webster, who’s currently finishing up her master’s degree in Journalism, was diagnosed with psoriasis, which is described as “a condition characterized by red, flaky, crusty patches of skin, covered in silvery scales,” according to Mirror.
She added, “I went through quite a rough time at university. I suffered a bereavement during my exams and studying was so stressful. I think it was all just a bit overwhelming.”
Webster thought she had scabies at first. She said, “They told me it was scabies, which was horrific. I had to tell my boyfriend and my whole family because it is contagious and transferred through close contact with the skin. I was really embarrassed.”
Two months after she was misinformed about her condition, doctors finally figured out that she had psoriasis and immediately prescribed Dovobet, which is a steroid gel.
Webster said, “It got to the point where I couldn't be bothered. I would try to stay home as much as I could.”
She continued, “I was trying to force myself to go out and not hide away, but it was difficult. On nights out, I couldn't go out wearing a dress. I had to be really careful about what I was going to wear. I think it was easier to put on a long sleeved top to hide my flaky skin.”
Her condition had made her dating life terrible. After feeling hopeless that when the patches started growing bigger and bigger, she started to read blogs of other people who are suffering the same condition as hers.
She finally received treatment of UVB phototherapy, which helps in decreasing the production of new skin cells. After five weeks of the treatment, Webster started to feel the positive change on her skin. Although, she still has four more weeks to go.
Webster concluded, “I am scared it might come back, but I am sharing my story along the way to help others. I think it will help people especially if they are seeing the progress for light treatment, it would be good to see it has worked for someone.”
