Feeling the burn.

I guess I've been on a bit of a workout kick lately. This has nothing to do with a New Year's resolution or anything in particular really, I am just digging it. And I've gotten a lot better at maximizing my schedule--one has to take advantage of working so many nights! Extra motivation also comes from having seen a big improvement in my soccer game. I feel like it has to be because I've been working out more (duh) but mainly that I'm changing things up a bit and stressing less. If I have to work and can't make a team practice, I hope on the bus and catch a class at the gym. Simple as that. It feels good.

I've been to a couple more hydro bike sessions, tried out Zumba (awesome) and got my behind kicked at a dance class this morning. There is nothing like starting off your day with a little dance and music and a lot of sweat. I thought I was in pretty good shape, but this class this morning seriously burned. I also thought I was a decent dancer, but I guess that's another discussion for another post. ;) I am so not graceful.

And speaking of feeling the burn, I have a question for you folks. When I work out hard and sweat a lot (mainly indoors) my face really stings. I remember in high school this happened a lot during basketball season. What's up with the combination of my pores oozing out sweat and the stinging? It's seriously uncomfortable. And distracting. And trust me, I don't need any further distractions mid-workout when there's a wedgie coming on, the 65 year old dude in front of me is shaking his money maker and I'm trying to keep up with the perky instructor on an 8 count to All That Jazz.

I am guessing it has something to do a combination of my skin problems (did I mention the most recent is that I might have rosacea?) and maybe my diet or water intake. But I don't really have a clue. Ideas? Tips?

And while I'm on the topic, I would like to share that my skin has gradually gotten used to the Norwegian climate. My scalp which was seriously dominated by psoriasis my first winter here is SO much better (knock on wood!). It's such a relief, physically and mentally. My face is still a little weirded out, I still have some psoriasis patches on my elbows and knees and I'm basically blotchy and scary looking all winter...but you know, you win some you lose some. At least I'm not flaking pieces of my scalp into customers lunches anymore. Ooh...did I go too far just now?

A recent purchase of a cold cream (kuldekrem) has really helped out. It acts as a protective layer against the elements. Necessary at soccer practice next to the river and while skiing\taking long walks. A lifesaver.

Maybe the solution is to stop or reduce exposure to the elements. Or never go outside ever. Haha. But of course, that's unrealistic. It's winter. I am going to ski, play in the snow and kick around a soccer ball. Plus I walk to work!

Pressure's on folks. If you guys don't present me with the magical solution...maybe I'll have go to the doctor! Consult a professional? Ack! Don't let me down... ;)

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Cry for help

Last winter, I wrote a post about psoriasis and my relationship with the disease. Our relationship is getting serious. If it was up to me, I would break it off now and never look back. Hell, I would hope I could get a restraining order.

But it's not up to me. The psoriasis is definitely wearing the pants in this relationship (what a terribly sexist and now outdated phrase; I wear pants all the time?). Especially my scalp psoriasis is getting out of control. It is spreading all over my scalp, becoming more severe and seriously driving me insane. I used to have a spray prescribed from a dermatologist in the US that I think was fairly effective, but it's empty and I obviously can't refill it now. I think the American tar shampoos I stocked up on might actually make my condition worse. Lars did buy some scalp treatment for me from the local pharmacy (Dexem) but I am not sure if it is helping or hurting. Plus it smells bad. And I can't stop picking at my scalp for the life of me. It is rett og slett uncomfortable. And painful.

Not to mention embarrassing. Sometimes the flakes are so intense that I have actually showered before going to the gym (showering sometimes is the only way to get them all out of my hair). And I know that just doesn't make sense at all. It makes me feel really gross and robs me of enjoying one of my most feminine characteristics!

HELP me get back my hair!
Anyone have any solutions? Suggestions? Advice?

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Psoriasis

Hi, my name is Lisa and I have psoriasis.

Gross. But it's true.

Over the course of my life thus far, I have been known to have a few weird-o type skin irregularities from time to time, which everyone in my life has insisted are a direct result of stress. I guess now at least now I have a name for the beast--psoriasis. And yes, stress can trigger it. Before, I was always convinced it was a result of wearing my dirty sports bra or sweat-soaked Underarmour a few too many times without a wash.

Even though we know that stress can trigger it, psoriasis is quite a tricky bugger--no one really knows how you get it, what causes an outbreak and most unfortunately, there is no cure. At least it's not contagious, right? My skin is just all confused: a normal person's skin cells reproduce about once a month. In areas where I have psoriatic outbreaks, my skin cells are working a bit too hard; they are reproducing every three to four hours. I guess if you didn't think I was an overachiever (or a freak show) before, now you are convinced.

Luckily for me, however, my relation with psoriasis is not as intimate or serious as it could be. I guess you could say we are still in the courting stage. There are many different types, but the one that I am plagued with, and the most common type, is called plaque psoriasis. Things that can trigger outbreaks are the weather (thanks Norway), stress, diet, injury or allergies. Even though I am probably prey to all of the above unproven triggers, my outbreaks are very mild and contained. Thank goodness too....Some of things I have come across while educating myself really make me hope that mine remains mild.

Like pictures, for example. See the one above here that I found on the good 'ol world wide web. I am warning you now to NOT search for images of psoriasis...it can be a bit traumatic and I was honestly sick to my stomach looking at some. Search at your own risk, I suppose. There is nothing posted online that is as mild as mine, so I suppose I should just be grateful that I am more fortunate than others. And really, the outbreaks on my body are one thing. Tolerable. Yes of course having small skin irregularities has been an unforeseen and devastating setback to my career as a supermodel, but I can live with that. Scalp psoriasis on the other hand, I have had about enough of! Fortunately I have a LOT of hair so when it is inflamed it just looks like I have dandruff. But come on, no one wants to have dandruff either! I have to use these nasty smelling shampoos to treat my scalp and I am pretty sick of it. I just want my hair to feel and smell nice again. And I need a hair cut really bad. That's not psoriasis' fault, but I figured that while I was bitching I might as well tag that on.

Oh yeah, and to add to the mess, psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints--psoriatic arthritis. Apparently, anywhere from ten to thirty percent of people with psoriasis have or will develop psoriatic arthritis which can, by the way, become crippling with age and overuse. Good thing for an athlete to hear eh? When I visited the dermatologist this summer she told me that if you are going to develop p. arthritis it will usually act up about ten years after the patient's first outbreak of psoriasis. This little tidbit of information finally solves the mystery of my knee and wrist problems of the last two years (had my first outbreak around age 12).

To continue with my melodramatic 'tude---I just hope that I don't become a cripple before I have to flee from the Norwegian Immigration Authorites.

Ooh and this just in! Breaking news from the National Psoriasis Foundation: Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. At least I have something to look forward to when psoriatic arthritis leaves me incapacitated in a wheel chair.

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