Fenna Coolen

Subcutaneous Pain

The Invisible Impact of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that affects 125 million people worldwide. It is a chronic (non-contagious) inflammatory disease characterised by itching and scaly patches on the skin. The condition is characterised by an accelerated skin cell life cycle, resulting in a buildup of dead cells on the skin's surface. Psoriasis has a significant impact on someone's quality of life.

I also have psoriasis, and I've noticed that it has significantly impacted my quality of life. I found it difficult to open up, both physically and mentally, because of the red, flaky patches on my body. This brought a lot of shame, pain, and sadness.

Self-acceptance is the first step towards alleviating these mental symptoms. But that's easier said than done. It's been 13 years since the first patches appeared on my arms and scalp, which quickly revealed themselves to be psoriasis. Since my first doctor's appointment, I've never had a period without visible patches, which makes me vulnerable. Not only because of the visibility of my chronic skin condition, but also because of the pain, itching, and sadness that come with it. I no longer felt comfortable in my own skin; I was ashamed. I covered my skin for fear of confrontation, felt stared at, avoided swimming, and wore long clothing in the summer. I did everything I could to avoid feeling "different."

Many people probably don't realise how much your skin can influence your self-image. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and simultaneously the most visible. The impact of skin conditions on your mental health is still under-recognised.

In my graduation project, "Subcutaneous Sorrow," I focus on the invisible problems that come with a visible skin condition, the impact that goes beyond the skin.

With my work, I aim to make the mental burden of psoriasis tangible and give it shape by allowing the viewer to look beyond the superficial. My goal is to raise awareness of the often invisible psychological symptoms associated with the disease, in an attempt to make the hidden suffering visible and hopefully foster greater understanding of the mental impact of psoriasis.