This video 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 video is initiated, produced and funded by Takeda. Speakers have received compensation from Takeda for their participation.

Psoriasis taught me that I'm tougher than I thought I was, and I can overcome what seems insurmountable.

Hi, I’m Matt, I work in the finance industry and I have both psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

So one of my favorite things to do is woodworking. I love doing little DIY projects, especially if it's with the grandkids or for the grandkids.

Initially I thought psoriasis, the disease was not going to be much of an issue. I soon discovered that this was going to be more of a burden.

I was [diagnosed] with psoriasis when I was about 17. One of my cousins noticed something on an ear, and at the time I thought maybe it was some dried shaving cream. But quickly it spread and it became obvious that there was something else going on.

The physician prescribed a topical treatment for me. I really felt that, “hey, I'm going to put the medication on, and in a couple of days it's going to go away.” I mean, I soon found out that it would not be the case.

My psoriasis quickly was very visible and on my face. You could see people wince or make fun of it.

The itch. Oh my Lord, it drove me crazy. I would do anything to try and scratch myself, to the point I was bleeding. Everywhere I went, I left a little snow trail behind me of psoriasis flakes.

About ten years later, I began to notice I had stiffness, or, you know, I couldn't quite do things physically the same way I could previously. And then, after a severe flare, I was officially diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.

I used to think that if I ignored my psoriasis, it would ignore me. And that is not the case at all.

After its long battle and journey, I had my disease well controlled, you know, both my skin and my joints. There are still aspects of it, but nothing like what it had been. I feel like I've gotten my life back.

Being involved in a psoriasis community has just been an amazingly positive impact on my life. Connecting with other people is just such a rewarding experience.

So I'm fortunate I've reached a place where I have my disease well managed, but everybody's journey in this is a little bit different.

For those out there in a community who are newly diagnosed or if you're struggling, trust me, I understand how you feel, and I want you to know that there is a place for you.