Living with Psoriasis
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Colder temperatures are just around the corner that is “unpleasant” for many of us. But for more than a million Canadians who live with psoriasis, winter is a season of discomfort, even pain. But sufferers can take charge of their condition with a little research and education. Maria Hayes explains.
His face is a familiar one. Viewed on television and film. But Canadian comic actor Jim Annan is taking on a new role. Educating the public on psoriasis. A chronic disease that first appeared when he was in university: “I was getting these red patches. These itchy silvery scales. And it wasn’t going away.”
It was progressing. And it was visible. On his arms and face. Even causing his scalp to shed. The 20-year old worried his acting career would be halted by this sometimes unsightly condition: “It’s so difficult to be concerned about your physical appearance all the time. My confidence was dipping. And I think it led to a lot of depression.”
Going through a scrapbook of his early years Jim talks about auditions he didn’t go to. His life in hiding when the condition would flare up. But maturity brought about a different mindset: “It came to a point where I was tired of it. I was tired of it controlling me. So I wanted to take control.”
He began by identifying his triggers. And started advocating for better treatment options. His wife, a nutritionist improved his diet and his condition. Professionally, he found some humour in his psoriasis. And so did an independent filmmaker who cast Jim as the lead: “I had to be naked in this film. And I was open with it. I didn’t want to surprise them the day of with ‘by the way, I have a skin disorder which you are going to see. In fact everyone is going to see it.”
Today, the father of 2 is sharing his story with the hope of making the road a little easier for others struggling with psoriasis. “I’m a comedic actor so I used to be very self-deprecating and I would use it that way. But I take it as an opportunity to educate other people. Most importantly, it’s not contagious and this is what it is.”
Jim Annan says managing his condition began when he educated himself about psoriasis. Began advocating for himself. Worked to minimize the stress in his life, and adopted good eating and exercise habits. His story is posted on the website: www.livingwellwithpsoriasis.com
