Takeda

Michelle’s story: Finding strength through her psoriasis journey | Takeda

Photograph shows a woman writing in a notebook at a white desk

Michelle’s story: Discovering strength through her psoriasis journey

Calendar
September 24, 2026

This article features a real patient sharing their personal experiences and is available to the public for disease awareness only. Individual experiences may vary. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. This article was developed by Takeda. Speakers have received compensation from Takeda for their participation.

Watch the 4-minute video to learn how Michelle transformed uncertainty into strength, found connection through shared experiences and became an advocate for others living with psoriatic disease.

Michelle, a writer and former special education teacher, didn’t immediately recognize her first symptoms as psoriasis. What she initially thought were bug bites or dandruff evolved over time, with new rashes appearing across different areas of her body. After about a year, Michelle was diagnosed with psoriasis, and later with psoriatic arthritis, a condition found in up to 30% of people with psoriasis.1

As a passionate writer, Michelle draws on her own experiences to share her story and connect with others living with psoriatic disease. “I don’t want other people living with psoriasis to feel that they are alone in this journey,” she says.

Connecting with others has shown Michelle that, while many people living with psoriasis share common challenges, the disease can affect each person differently. While people may share the same diagnosis, symptoms, severity, progression and response to treatment can vary from person to person, and throughout an individual’s journey with the disease.2-4

The diversity of psoriasis experiences is exactly why Michelle believes it is so important to share stories and foster connection among those affected. “You will find yourself surrounded by people who see you, not your condition, not your scars, not your struggles.”

“Psoriasis affects people in different ways and is driven by a combination of genetic, environmental and immune system factors.2,5-6 As a result, the disease can be difficult to predict and may change over time.7 Understanding that complexity is an important step towards helping people better manage the condition and its impact on daily life.”2

Warren Winkelman, MD, PhD, Head of Global Medical Affairs, Dermatology, Takeda

By sharing stories like Michelle’s, we can help build greater understanding of the many ways psoriasis can show up and change over time, while helping others feel less alone in navigating their own journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Psoriasis is a complex, heterogeneous disease influenced by a combination of genetic, immune system and environmental factors.5-6
  • Psoriasis can affect each person differently and symptoms can change over time, meaning no two psoriasis experiences are the same.7
  • Some people living with psoriasis may also develop related conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints.6
  • Finding community and support can help people living with psoriasis feel understood and supported throughout their journey. If you have questions about your condition or treatment, talk to your healthcare provider, or find support through online support forums or patient advocacy organizations.

Share this story