Renata Saldanha, the winner of BBB 25, recently shared her journey with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition. In a detailed interview with El-Balad, she spoke about her struggles with skin irritations from a young age. Specifically, she faced issues in areas such as her knees, elbows, and neck, which intensified during warm weather.
Childhood Struggles and Diagnosis
Saldanha revealed that she has had a sensitive skin condition since childhood, often misdiagnosed as eczema by dermatologists. “I have always had many allergies. My skin reacted poorly, especially in hot conditions,” she explained. It wasn’t until 2017, following a severe allergic reaction to hair dye, that she received the official diagnosis of psoriasis.
After using hair dye, Renata experienced a severe allergic reaction, resulting in widespread hives and extensive skin irritation. Upon visiting a dermatologist, she learned about her condition. “The doctor told me, ‘You are having a psoriasis flare-up.’ After a biopsy, it was confirmed,” she recounted.
Triggers and Management Strategies
Renata identifies physical and emotional stress as significant triggers for her psoriasis. She noted that inflammatory foods and heightened stress levels can lead to more severe flare-ups. To manage her symptoms, Saldanha has adopted a balanced lifestyle and healthy eating habits.
- Identifying personal triggers
- Maintaining a balanced routine
- Incorporating a nutritious diet
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the factors that exacerbate her condition. With preventive measures, she effectively reduces the severity of her skin crises.
Expert Insights on Psoriasis
In a recent interview, Dr. Giana Campoi, a dermatologist, provided further information regarding psoriasis. This autoimmune disease accelerates skin cell production, shortening the natural cell turnover cycle from roughly 40 days to just 10 or 15 days. As a result, the skin appears red, immature, and often experiences significant flaking and itching.
- Main symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Red, scaly patches on the skin
- Intense itching and discomfort
Dr. Campoi noted that stress and anxiety are frequently linked to skin disorders and can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. “Stress and anxiety are major contributors to skin disease manifestations,” she stated.
Renata Saldanha’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those living with autoimmune diseases. Through awareness and management, individuals can lead more balanced lives despite their conditions.
