psoriasis geek (n)

a person who has a an unnatural urge to
read medical literature to answer questions about psoriasis

as seen in british skin foundation

Psoriasis is not just a skin disease

Now, my friend. Now we’ve got that ^^^ out of the way we can get onto the good stuff.

Having psoriasis is an odd job isn’t it?  If you’ve had psoriasis for more than 5 minutes you will have been given a topical steroid cream for your immune mediated disease.

I love that steroids are an option – but seriously – do you ever feel like this is elastoplast style sick care? Psoriasis isn’t a skin disease- it comes from within. It’s so easy to accept treatment for the symptoms but living with psoriasis is so much more than slapping on a few metric tonnes of moisturiser.

Psoriasis what?

One of the things that riles me the most, is that most people don’t really understand why they have psoriasis. On diagnosis you may have been presented with a sad leaflet sized explanation that vaguely tells you why your skin is flaking.

The problem with this is that when something unexpected happens (which is highly likely with psoriasis) you find yourself stressed out getting crappy advice on facebook on the sofa in our pyjamas at 2am.

I believe knowledge is power. I believe that once you understand your body, and why it does what it does, then you can be the change-maker you need in your health.

This is how I see it.

Psoriasis affects way more than the skin. It can affect multiple organs and lead to increased incidence of things like obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Yikes. 

Psoriasis also has a significant psychological component. There is an emotional burden and social pressure we need to address too.

I created The Psoriasis Geek to give you the information I wish I had growing up with psoriasis. To share my more holistic approach (but science approved) view to healing without the influence of advertisers, the pharmaceutical industry and censorship that needs to happen when you publish with someone else.

I created The Psoriasis Geek because it often feels like medics forget that we are complex humans with feelings, and lives, and dreams. But this isn’t hear-say. There’s no preaching ‘this worked for me so it must work for you’ B.S and you certainly won’t hear me preaching a cure. Nope. Not on my watch. Bad science be gone.

I talk openly and honestly on the podcast with patient experts who share the strategies that are working for them (and the mistakes they made on the way so you don’t have to make them too). 

I mine the brain matter of experts from a wide range of disciplines for their opinions and experience so you can make more informed decisions about what to do next. No more yes Dr…no Dr…

Gemma is the perfect blend of scientist, teacher, and expert patient.
She has a unique insight into the physical, psychological and social impact that psoriasis has on peoples lives. I'm confident that the information that she shares will help you have a better experience of your condition. I know it's helped me become a better doctor.

Hey, I'm Gemma

I’m a former research scientist and lifelong psoriatic. I geek out on how the immune system works and whether that guy in the coffee shop this morning who told me to be vegan was actually right.

I hold a first class degree in Applied Human Biology with a special Interest in Immunology and a Distinction level Masters degree in Biotechnology where I specialised in modulating the Immune System using parasitic wasp venom. I also taught science for many years so know how to make academic stuff way more tempting than a word vomit of science terms.

Plus- I know what you are going through, because I have been there too. I was first diagnosed with psoriasis aged just 5 years old. I have learnt a lot living with psoriasis for over 30 years; about living with psoriasis as a child, a teen and an adult.

I’m very familiar with the dermatologist that doesn’t look at your skin before sending you out with the same old prescription, the sleepless nights itching, the awkward date….

Save yourself time and a whole load of heartache by joining me as we explore all aspects of living with psoriasis -because lets face it- you know that psoriasis is so much more than a skin disease

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BTW…
I also draw terrible pictures.


FYI -I am no longer taking on clients but am committed to make the podcast absolutely and forever free.

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