Rosie Daniels, 25, tried multiple treatments to try and bring an end to the agonising pain brought about by her plaque psoriasis – but it was only when she made a major life change that she started to feel some relief
Us Brits are certainly used to the wind and rain, but one woman has revealed how the gloomy British weather caused her skin to burn, crack and bleed, leaving her in agony.
Rosie Daniels had tried multiple treatments, including steroid creams and herbal medicines, to put an end to her pain. But nothing was working – until the 25-year-old decided to uproot her life in Manchester and start over somewhere new.
“The cold, damp weather made my skin so bad – it was constantly dry, cracked and flaring,” content creator Rosie said. “I was always covered up, trying to hide my skin. The grey, gloomy days added to that heaviness. It often felt like my skin – and the weather – was controlling every part of my life.”
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When Rosie was just 10 years old, she was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis which causes dry skin lesions, known as plaques, which are covered in scales.
She said: “On my worst days, it’s hard to even put into words what it feels like. Psoriasis isn’t just something on your skin – it’s something that seeps into your mind, your confidence, your emotions.
“I used to spiral when I had a flare. I’d cancel plans, cover up completely, and feel ashamed of my skin. Physically, it can be unbearable. Even something as simple as putting on clothes or lying in bed hurts.
“I struggle with finding clothing that doesn’t hurt me. Some days I can’t wear a bra or tight clothing as it just makes my skin really sting.”
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And so, Rosie and her fiancé, Harry Wilde, 28, decided to ditch the UK for the sunny skies of Australia in January 2024. And she quickly noticed a significant difference.
“The sun helps, although I do have to limit exposure so I don’t burn my patches,” Rosie shared. “The salt water is always so nice and really soothes my skin. The sunshine, ocean, and just being outside every day have changed so much for me.
“My skin still flares, but the warm and sunny climates have helped me manage it so much better.”
Rosie also believes that the country’s “chilled out” way of life has further helped. She said: “Moving here has come with a huge lifestyle change. It’s positively impacted my mental health in ways I can’t explain.
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“The way I’m able to live life now means I have so much less stress – and therefore, it has a positive impact on my skin.
“Psoriasis is connected to stress; choosing an environment where I feel calmer, happier and more at peace has been life-changing. In the UK, I felt like I was surviving. Now, I have a sense of freedom to embrace each day.”
While England still holds a special place in their hearts, the pair have no plans to ever move back.
Rosie is currently using steroid creams again to manage her now minor case of psoriasis, though she says moving is the best treatment of all. “There are days when my skin hurts to touch. And when my confidence feels so low that I want to disappear,” she shared.
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“Harry has been a rock for me; he holds me when I feel broken and washes my hair when my skin is too raw for me to do it myself. I can be at my most vulnerable with him and still be seen as beautiful.
“The move has taught me that even though I can’t change my symptoms, I can create an environment that supports me. And emotionally, as well as physically, I am better for it.
“I hope that one day living with psoriasis will get easier and the pain will become lighter. But for now, I want to remind everyone that you’re worthy and beautiful exactly as you are. Your skin doesn’t define you.”