Yvonne Bednarz - Alnovat Ambassador

"Hey, I'm Yvonne and I've had psoriasis since I was 8 years old. I would like to be an ambassador and help other sufferers with my experiences and tips."

How did you first come into contact with Alnovat?

I first came into contact with Alnovat through a group on Facebook.

What other treatment options have you tried?

Besides Alnovat, I have also tried Sorion. My dermatologists first gave me cortisone ointments and then I also did the bath-light therapy.

How and when does your psoriasis limit your everyday life?

I experience restrictions due to my psoriasis mostly because I feel insecure. I only go out after looking in the mirror. For fear of seeing the dandruff in my hair. I don't wear nail polish or artificial nails at all. I don't wear nail polish because I'm afraid it could trigger nail psoriasis. I don't wear nail polish because it doesn't last long enough anyway. My nails are slightly wavy and tear quickly. I don't use much make-up or none at all, so as not to irritate the skin as much as possible. When I get my facial flare-ups I don't like to go out.

I also sometimes get mild depression when the flare-ups are more severe.

How do you / what do you wish other people would deal with your psoriasis?

Ignorant people judge too quickly and then not only exclude me, but also my family. Many don't even ask questions. Talking to someone about something can be unpleasant at first, but for me as a person affected I still prefer it to a direct rejection and "talking behind their back".

What was the worst experience with your psoriasis?

The worst experience I have had so far was when someone at my child's primary school ostracised my child because I was "dirty". I had an episode. And everyone who is affected knows that dandruff can reappear after just a few hours of hair washing. We sufferers can't just wash it away.

What was the best experience with your psoriasis?

To be honest, I have never had a "nice" experience with my psoriasis. At least, I didn't feel that way.

What advice can you give to other sufferers when they are going through a difficult/stressful time (e.g. during a severe relapse)?

My family is my biggest support. When I have particularly strong relapses, they are there for me. They encourage me. My husband likes to take me to swimming pools with salt water. Even if I would rather hide away, they help me to go out anyway. I just try to concentrate more on myself at that time. Do things that make me feel good or that I feel like doing at the moment. I don't let stress get to me so much. Music can also be a balm for the soul. And I also like to look at giogia's profile (https://www.facebook.com/lanuzza7).

Do you have a tip - that you haven't read anywhere yet - and would like to share?

I do have a tip that I haven't read anywhere yet. It came to my attention in my search for all the things that are good for me. Not only do I use a lot of "sea salt" products, but I also try to use natural products as often as possible for everyday body care. Not everything that is advertised as a natural product is really free of chemicals. Unfortunately, you have to take the time to read the ingredients on the packaging. It's a bit annoying at first, but after a while you find things that you tolerate well. Unfortunately, these things are usually very expensive.

What do you wish for the future with your psoriasis?

My wish for the future is that I don't get any other diseases. I have now found a good solution for me with Alnovat to deal with my psoriasis.

What do you wish for the whole psoriasis community?

For other sufferers, I wish that they too will find their way! And that the ignorant become more tolerant towards us. To at least inform themselves first before they judge!

Profile:

Name: Yvonne Bednarz

Age: 37

Occupation: Cleaner

Psoriasis type: psoriasis vulgaris, psoriasis inversa, psoriasis capitis

Other relatives affected: One of my children, mother and one of my siblings.

How long have I been affected: I think since the age of 8

My motivation: I want to encourage other sufferers with my experiences. To let them know that they are not alone with their Pso.

Would you like to know more about Yvonne? Click here to visit Yvonne's Instagram channel!